BRC Leaders Summer School
10–12 June & 24–25 July 2025 | Ashridge House, Berkhamsted + Virtual Sessions In Between Delivered on Thrive
Retail is changing fast. Leaders need to make confident decisions, manage complexity, and lead teams with clarity and empathy. The BRC Leaders Summer School focuses on developing those capabilities, with content grounded in the real demands of the sector. It combines practical leadership tools with opportunities for reflection, peer learning, and cross-functional collaboration — adding value directly back into your organisation and the retail industry.
What makes it different is its focus on conscious leadership—helping leaders think and act through the four lenses of People, Planet, Purpose, and Profit. It’s not just about what you do as a leader, but how and why you do it.
Benefits to you and your organisation
Develops Future-Ready Leaders
The programme builds strategic thinking, self-awareness, and decision-making confidence. You and your team will be better equipped to lead through complexity and change. The programme links leadership behaviour to core business goals—People, Planet, Purpose, and Profit—so learning is directly relevant to your organisational priorities.
Drives Cross-Functional Collaboration
Participants connect with peers from across the retail industry, working across functions and roles. This breaks down silos, encourages fresh thinking, and builds a shared understanding of effective leadership. The result is stronger collaboration and more joined-up thinking back in the business.
Uses Interactive and Experiential Learning
The programme is designed to engage, not lecture. Participants take part in group projects, business simulations, and hands-on exercises that bring the learning to life. This approach deepens understanding and helps leaders apply new thinking directly to real-world retail challenges.
Who Should Attend?
The programme brings together leaders from a wide range of retail functions, creating a diverse and dynamic learning environment. Participants come from areas including operations, finance, marketing, regulatory, product safety, and beyond – all with a shared goal of stepping up to senior leadership.
You should attend if you are:
- Preparing to move into senior leadership roles within the next few years
- Keen to develop conscious leadership skills, including people, planet, profit, and purpose
- Ready to improve your confidence, influence, and decision-making
- Interested in practical tools to manage change, build resilience, and lead high-performing teams
- Seeking opportunities to network and collaborate with peers across the retail industry
If you're looking to make a bigger impact in your organisation and accelerate your leadership journey, this programme is for you.
Programme Content
Residential One
Kick off the learning experience with an immersive session alongside your group and dedicated coach. Dive into the four core lenses through expert-led talks and interactive workshops, focusing on building your personal leadership style and understanding conscious leadership. Begin the group simulation and set expectations for the virtual bridge, all while forging lasting connections with peers.
Digital Bridge & Interactive Learning Sessions
The learning platform and app offer flexible, on-demand access to content, with tools to track progress and encourage reflection. The programme includes self-led learning with three core modules and four optional modules (requiring at least one). Core modules include: Leading through ambiguity and change, Teams that fit together and The Self-Aware Leader. Choice modules: Big data, Wellbeing, Digital Transformation or Circular Economy
Group Coaching
During the virtual bridge, delegates participate in regular group coaching sessions with peers and a dedicated coach (who are past delegates of the programme). These sessions focus on social learning through discussion, debate, and collaborative problem-solving. Participants explore insights from live sessions, e-learning content, and personal experiences in an inclusive, supportive environment. Ongoing coaching sessions will also be available during the residentials to further strengthen relationships and team cohesion.
Residential Two
The programme concludes with an in-person regroup at Ashridge House to tie everything together. A live coaching seminar, individual development commitments, and a reflective session provide personal growth opportunities. The final keynote speaker offers fresh perspectives, followed by a closing ceremony and celebration.
2025 Brochure & 2024 Impact Report
Read the brochure or download the 2024 Impact Report to see the impact the BRC Leaders Summer School is having on retail leaders.
What Our Alumni Say
Attending the Summer School was a transformative experience. It offered a comprehensive approach to leadership through the lenses of profit, planet, purpose, and people. Each session was meticulously designed to challenge conventional thinking and inspire a holistic view of leadership. They provided me with practical strategies to lead in a way that not only drives business success but also contributes positively to society and the environment.
Possibly the best course I have ever been on. It really pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to be 100% myself. With a focus on the four pillars—People, Planet, Profit, Purpose—it encouraged me to be curious and reflect on myself, first and foremost, as well as on those around me, both in professional and personal settings. It made me realise that I am the right person for my role, and those around me should feel that way too.
I learned so much and found the combination of in-person sessions, online learning, and webinars to be ideal for developing as a leader. I loved being part of a coaching group that provided support throughout the programme and continues to do so even now that it has ended. I feel I’ve made some great contacts and good friends. I look forward to applying what I’ve learned as I return to work with a completely fresh perspective as a leader.
- Early-bird Pricing: £4,450 (Limited Availability)
- Standard Pricing: £4,885
- Early-bird Price: £4,900 (Limited Availability)
- Standard Price: £5,390
The price includes accommodation at Ashridge House in Berkhamsted for both residential sessions, all meals during both residential sessions, and access to online content for nine months after the programme. Drinks, snacks outside of meals, and travel to and from Ashridge House are not included.