Leadership Coach for HOPE Training

It is always a privilege to support the leadership development of a new cohort of individuals who may not yet see themselves as leaders — but are undoubtedly becoming them.

For many years, I have had the honour of serving as both trainer and leadership coach on the HOPE Leadership Programme for Black and Racialised staff working within the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) sector.

We have just completed Cohort 4, with the graduation and showcase taking place on 4th February 2026. It was incredibly moving to witness the profound personal and leadership growth achieved over the course of this 12-week journey. The confidence, clarity and courage demonstrated by each participant was a powerful reminder of why this work matters.

Here is a wonderful video with some of the highlights from the showcase event.  Thanks to Meena Kumari for allow me to share this with you.

 

And as part of the celebrations the event was visually captured through the amazing creative skills of Dr. Pen Mendonca.  Check out her website

Visual Credit:  https://www.penmendonca.com/ – Dr. Pen Mendonça

If you’d like to find out more about the HOPE Leadership Programme for Black and Racialist Staff in the VAWA sector visit the HOPE Training website here

As the leadership coach on this programme, I have the privilege of working closely with each individual learner: supporting them to clarify their career direction, strengthen their leadership capability, and develop the confidence to lead and manage diverse teams effectively.

Together, we explore how to navigate resistance, address conflict constructively, and challenge the biases that can sometimes surface and attempt to hold them back.

Most importantly, I support them to recognise their strengths, their unique superpowers, and to step into ownership of their lives, leadership, and careers with clarity and intention.

Even just before they began their presentations, I brought the group together for a short grounding exercise — designed to help them relax, centre themselves, and step forward with confidence.

It’s always one of my favourite moments… and always a little bit of fun.

I will be started a separate leadership course for women in the summer of 2026. 

If you would like to find our more please drop me a line at info@openmindcoaching.com using the subject Women Empowered