My work is rarely routine – even when I have a delivered a programme a number of times, it is always the first time for the participants. However, every now and then I get the opportunity to be involved in a project that is really special…. For a couple of weeks in November, it was pleasure and privilege to facilitate on JLR’s latest module as part of its Reimagining Modern Leadership Journey.

The team of external facilitators, co-ordinated by Helena Clayton worked in partnership with colleagues from JLR. Very rarely have I experienced such a powerful collaboration, with an absolute focus on delivering and learning together in order to achieve a shared purpose and having fun while doing it. (The morning check-ins will stay with me for a long time!)

The event was held at the beautiful Ragley Hall, which was transformed by the JLR events team (led by the unflappable Toby Russell) into an immersive space for leaders to connect and explore some of the key aspects of its Modern Leadership concept and provided the opportunity to work in some of Ragley’s beautiful rooms.

Over the 3 weeks, almost 3000 leaders attended the programme, and other than a few minor hiccups, the operation ran like a well-oiled machine. It was genuinely inspiring to see the way in which the diverse groups of leaders engaged with each other, shared challenges and perspectives, and supported one another in how they might become even more effective modern leaders. There were times when I was entranced just observing the attention, empathy and listening that the leaders were giving each other.

It was interesting that the event coincided with JLR featuring in the news with the rebranding of Jaguar. I don’t have a strong view on this, but what I do know, is that JLR has a community of leaders who are committed to working together in face of challenges and disruption and to transform how they lead in a way that is focused on helping both their people and the business to thrive.

This was a huge collaborative effort, and there are too many people to thank here (but will give special shout out to my co-facilitators Kate Love, Jessica-Leigh Suffolk, Georgina Green, Ed and Rebecca Birch for being awesome partners) – so I will just send out gratitude and love out via this post, knowing that it will find its way to everyone who deserves it.