Between June 2nd and June 6th, 2025, participants of the Women Directors Leadership Programme, Class of 2025, visited Cranfield School of Management in the UK for their international module. This second module of the Programme brought together a cohort of visionary women leaders and high-level facilitators, united by a shared goal: to redefine boardroom leadership, enhance governance effectiveness, and leave a legacy of impact.
The module kicked off with a warm welcome from Professor Lynette Ryals, OBE, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Cranfield School of Management. This set the tone for five days of deep learning, reflection, and connection.
The first session was facilitated by Caroline Turner, Director at Sapphire Partners Executive Search, a firm renowned for its global network and expertise across sectors. Caroline shared invaluable insights into what boards are really looking for, offering a behind-the-scenes perspective on board recruitment and the strategies aspiring directors can employ to increase their visibility and readiness for board appointments. Her session sparked meaningful reflections on how intentional positioning and clarity of purpose are vital for those seeking to shape policy and steer organizations from the top.
A central theme of the second day was the importance of mindset transformation. Participants engaged in rich dialogue on the role of strategic thinking in leadership, the barriers women often face in executive spaces, and the persistent challenges posed by gendered workplace cultures. Facilitated by Professor Susan Vinnicombe, founder of the Women in the City Awards, and Dr. Hilary Harris, an accomplished executive coach, the session laid the groundwork for developing resilient, self-aware, and forward-thinking leaders.
Later, Professor Michael Dickmann guided participants through the complexities of cross-cultural management, emphasizing the need for cultural agility in today’s globalized world. His insights underscored how understanding and navigating cultural differences is not just a leadership advantage but a necessity for inclusive decision-making and global relevance.
By day three, the focus shifted to the strategic value of networks. Through interactive sessions led by Professors Vinnicombe and Harris, participants explored how professional relationships—when mapped, nurtured, and leveraged effectively—can accelerate career growth and amplify leadership influence. Networks, we learned, are not only spaces for connection but engines for learning, collaboration, and transformation.
The fourth day offered a hands-on experience through visits to two industry leaders. At the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), participants saw firsthand how data and infrastructure shape global financial systems, while Whitefox Technologies showcased innovation in engineering through membrane-based solutions. Both visits reinforced the role of data-driven decisions in driving efficiency, fostering resilience, and steering long-term growth.
The module culminated with a visit to Mastercard, where participants were immersed in conversations around allyship, innovation, and technology’s role in shaping the future of payments. The tour of the Mastercard Experience Center revealed cutting-edge solutions in decision intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital trust, demonstrating how impactful leadership blends innovation with responsibility.
As the module drew to a close, participants left with sharpened insights, renewed confidence, and an expanded global perspective. We now look ahead to Module III, which will take place in the scenic and culturally rich setting of Samburu, Kenya—a fitting continuation of a purposeful journey, driven by leadership, and committed to lasting impact.
The Women Directors Leadership Programme (WDLP) is a transformative Programme designed to empower women leaders with the strategic insight, governance acumen, and leadership capabilities needed to thrive at the board level. Tailored for senior women executives and directors, the programme combines rigorous academic instruction, experiential learning, and global exposure to equip participants with the tools to navigate complex leadership environments. WDLP fosters a strong network of influential women leaders committed to driving ethical governance, inclusive leadership, and impactful decision-making across Africa and beyond.
Learn more about this Programme here
Article by Juliet Hinga
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