Nottingham University Business School
Participants from the Executive Programme in Strategic Technical Leadership listen to Dr Jeannie Holstein deliver a session. Jeannie stands at the front of the room and the participants sit in groups at tables with notepads, folders and cups.

Inclusive Leadership programme

Our Inclusive Leadership programme will equip you with the tools to navigate diversity, cultivate belonging, and harness the full potential of their teams.

Many organisations struggle with unconscious bias with cultural misunderstandings and structural barriers preventing inclusion. This programme tackles these challenges head-on with transformative workshops that create lasting change.

Recognising that true inclusion depends upon systemic change, the programme equips you with change management tools to influence your organisation's culture and policies, avoid prejudice and help your team members to thrive.

Jose Gonzalez Lopez teaching a programme. He stands next to a lectern with a slideshow to one side. Two delegates, one a white male and one a black female who are visible from behind, listen to him speak.
 

 


 

Programme aims and outcomes

Two older women sit side by side during a programme. They both have laptops on the table in front of them and they are laughing.

The programme aims to:

  • provide a deep understanding of the principles and approaches for inclusive leadership
  • equip you with the tools to build high-performing, innovative and diverse teams
  • enable you to have a deeper understanding of yourself as a leader through personal reflection
  • provide opportunities to practice inclusion techniques and access ongoing support through mentoring
 

By the end of the programme, you will be able to:

  • avoid bias in decision making, enable constructive debate, and influence systemic change
  • foster teams where people feel safe to speak up and share divergent views
  • design an inclusive leadership development plan for you and your team


You will also gain access to an alumni network, ensuring sustained impact and continuous growth.

 


 

Programme content

Participants will explore identity, privilege and power in the workplace. Using real-world case studies and hands-on learning underpinned by research, you will explore inclusion and its impact on individual and organisational performance.

You will learn to identify and address structural barriers to inclusion, designing inclusive processes and measuring their impact. You will also explore how to influence stakeholders and drive accountability throughout your organisation.

Working on real challenges from your organisation, you will receive feedback on your action plans. You will develop strategies for inclusive decision-making, talent development and conflict resolution that account for diverse perspectives and experiences.

You will also undertake personal reflection exercises, allowing you to identify your own biases, leadership style, and areas for growth. This introspective work lays the foundation for authentic, empathetic leadership that supports diverse teams.

The programme provides leaders with evidence-based strategies to mitigate prejudice and foster an environment where all team members can thrive. A key focus is on developing the self-awareness and emotional intelligence crucial for inclusive leadership.
Dr Andri Georgiadou, programme director
 

 

Modules
Modules included in the Inclusive Leadership programme.
ModuleDetails
Foundations of inclusive leadership
  • Explore the key principles, research, and business case for inclusive leadership
  • Reflect on personal identity, values, and experiences shaping your leadership approach
  • Develop a personalised inclusive leadership vision and growth plan
Leading inclusively
  • Build self-awareness and foster an authentic, inclusive leadership style
  • Learn strategies to create inclusive team environments
  • Practice empathy and cross-cultural communication skills
Creating inclusive team cultures
  • Learn strategies to build trust, psychological safety, and belonging in teams
  • Practice navigating conflict constructively
Mitigating bias and fostering inclusion
  • Examine the impact of unconscious bias and social identity on leadership and decision-making
  • Learn strategies to mitigate bias in the workplace
  • Practice skills to solicit opinions, invite diverse views and facilitate constructive debate
Influencing for systemic change
  • Understand the personal side of change and common reactions to transition
  • Develop skills in communicating change with transparency and compassion
  • Explore how to navigate resistance and engage others in co-creating inclusive solutions
 

 


 

Work-based project

As part of the programme, participants will undertake a work-based capstone project. This will involve:

  • identifying a real-world inclusion challenge or opportunity to address
  • developing and presenting an action plan applying program learnings
  • receiving coaching and feedback from the programme delivery team and peers
A female staff member listens to a black programme participant talk during a discussion session. They sit side by side at a table and the participant talks animatedly, leaning forwards slightly and using using emphatic hand gestures. The staff member list
 

The project will challenge you to apply your learning to real-world circumstances. You will work on the project as part of a group and you will be guided through the process by experts on inclusivity. The capstone project will give you access to:

  • four group meetings with inclusivity experts (online)
  • four individual mentoring sessions (online)
  • feedback on a project concept draft
  • feedback on a draft of your project proposal
  • feedback on your final project

 


 

A male delegate wearing a turban stands in the middle of a networking event talking to a mentor. He smiles and appears comfortable and relaxed. Other delegates stand around them, listening to the conversation or talking to each other.

Who is it for?

The programme will be of particular interest to:

  • mid-level to senior managers and executives
  • HR professionals responsible for diversity and inclusion initiatives
  • emerging leaders looking to develop inclusive leadership skills
  • business owners and entrepreneurs seeking to create inclusive company cultures
 

 


 

Delivery team

Profile photo of Andri Georgiadou
Dr Andri Georgiadou
Programme director
Associate Professor in Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management

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Dr Georgiadou is a researcher, trainer, and consultant in the fields of management, human resources, and global diversity and inclusion management. Her extensive knowledge and expertise in these fields have earned her widespread recognition, as well as numerous awards for her contributions to the industry.

Throughout her career, Dr Georgiadou has worked with a diverse range of organisations. She has provided expert guidance and consultation on management, human resources, and diversity and inclusion matters, helping organisations to achieve their strategic goals and create more inclusive and equitable workplaces.

In addition to her consulting and training work, Dr Georgiadou is an active member of the BSI and ISO committees on equality and diversity. She also collaborates with the CIPD and the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce, where she frequently shares her insights and expertise on matters related to diversity and inclusion.

 

Luis Torres profile photo
Dr Luis Torres
Associate Professor in Organisational Behaviour, Business and Society

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Luis has worked for over 15 years for organisations in Chile, Spain, China, and the UK. He has led client-focussed management consulting and learning solutions for public and private sector organisations in several industries including manufacturing, finance, logistics, energy, agriculture, and retail, among others.

He has designed and delivered executive education programmes for middle and top management teams including the C-Suite and the Board of Directors of large and medium-sized companies. Luis has also led consultancy projects in different areas including strategic management; business and human rights; diversity management; corporate governance; and external assurance of non-financial information.

 

Aditya Jain
Professor Aditya Jain
Professor of Sustainable Work and Development

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Professor Aditya Jain is Professor of Sustainable Work and Development at the Nottingham University Business School, and until recently was Director of Strategy and Planning at the University of Nottingham.

He is a member of the International Standards Organization's 'Health & Safety Management Systems Committee', 'British Standards Human Resource Management Committee', Associate Editor of 'Safety Science' and the Finance Director of the European Academy of Occupational Health Psychology.

He holds a BA(Hons) in Psychology from the University of Delhi and three postgraduate degrees from the University of Nottingham: a MSc in Work and Organisational Psychology, a MA in Public Policy and a PhD in Applied Psychology.

 


 

Programme information

This programme is delivered over eight weeks, consisting of two days in person, two half days online, and then a further two days in person.

This is a hybrid programme. It will be held face-to-face at The University of Nottingham's UK campuses and online via Microsoft Teams. Participants who are unable to travel to Nottingham will be able to join entirely online via Microsoft Teams.

The programme will cost participants £2,995. This fee includes study materials, refreshments and lunch. It does not include accomodation.

Upon completion of the programme, participants will be eligible to join our alumni network.

 


 

Find out more

To find out more about the Inclusive Leadership programme, or to register your interest in joining us for our next cohort, please submit a response to our Expression of Interest form.

 

 


 

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Executive Education

Nottingham University Business School
Jubilee Campus
Nottingham
NG8 1BB

email: executiveeducation@nottingham.ac.uk