Midlands Engine - Innovation and Leadership Programme
In early 2024, the Executive Education team developed and delivered an innovation and leadership programme for the Senior Leadership team from Midlands Engine.
The Midlands Engine partnership spans the heart of the UK and focuses on driving prosperity for communities and businesses in the region. Working with Gayle Aughton, Midlands Engine's Head of Corporate, Executive Education designed and delivered a 3-day programme for the Senior Leadership Team which ran in February and March 2024.
The programme provided a space for strategic thinking and the learning of practical skills to build, influence and add value to partnerships with key stakeholders. It was also tailored to explore specific challenges facing Midlands Engine.
For the opening workshop, the Senior Leadership Team explored key challenges and developed solutions through innovation in practice using the Ingenuity Online process, led by Professor Simon Mosey and Dr Jose Gonzalez Lopez. Ingenuity Online is a tool developed by Nottingham University Business School to create space for teams to establish the root causes and consider potential solutions of organisational challenges.
Engaging in the Ingenuity Online session with our team was an enlightening experience that empowered us to think freely and collaborate creatively. It provided us with a judgment-free space to explore innovative solutions to real-world problems. Thank you, Nottingham University Business School, for fostering an environment where ingenuity thrives!
The second and third workshops were led by Professor Aditya Jain and focused on leadership development and reflective practice.
This included the team completing the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) exercise with Julie Blant and exploring leadership styles, motivations and competencies and understanding how leaders influence, manage change, persuade and develop others.
An important part of this were discussions around the role of leaders to manage the impact of future work (including digital transformation and industry 4.0) as causes and enablers of organisational change.
The programme took place on the University’s Jubilee Campus and, during the workshops, the team had the opportunity to meet those working within the Ingenuity Lab, Postgraduate Careers Service and The Digital Centre of Excellence. This showcased how the Business School supports start-ups, as well as the employability of Masters graduates and wider opportunities for Executive Education to support business growth and professional development in the region, nationally and internationally.
We extend our sincerest gratitude for the invaluable support provided by the programme in enhancing our leadership capabilities, fostering resilience, and nurturing a commitment to continuous growth. Thank you for guiding us through a transformative journey towards championing innovation and shaping a brighter future for the Midlands Engine and beyond.
Find out more about Executive Education programmes and the Ingenuity Online process by visiting our webpages:
