Alex Lane’s experience

I started my career working in sales for some of Europe’s biggest automobile brands and a number of years ago moved into financial services. I am currently a Partner and Financial Adviser in a boutique wealth management company and run other businesses involved in real estate and investments.

The Manchester Leadership Development Programme stood out because it is delivered by Alliance Manchester Business School, part of The University of Manchester, which has the backing and history to provide top-level lecturers and speakers along with great facilities. I also knew it would attract managers from many different sectors and I wanted to gain multiple perspectives on management, not just from the speakers but from the other attendees.

I found the coaching really useful. It has given an impartial and experienced viewpoint on not only active issues I have been dealing with in the business, but also a non-biased analysis of my leadership traits and how to use them.

The ILM Award was attractive to me as it gave me the opportunity to reflect on the programme and apply the teachings to my own business. I feel having done the award, the topics relevant to my business are now more at the forefront of my mind.

I had received no structured management/leadership training prior to coming on the programme. As I have naturally transitioned into managing teams, I never had the opportunity or actively seek out management training. I have mostly learned on the job from other managers or mentors.

The Manchester Leadership Development Programme has given me a better understanding of how I manage individuals and how my personal skills can be put to best use within the business. It has also given me a lot more confidence in executing my role as it has reinforced some of my thinking whilst changing a lot of my perceptions as well.

I believe the Manchester Leadership Development Programme would be useful to any professional looking to better themselves as a leader or manager. The Manchester Leadership Development Programme provides valuable time away from the business to reflect and meet other like-minded individuals. The course will introduce important ideas and concepts that can be applied immediately within a current or future role, regardless of the industry they are in.