From Awareness to Action: Redefining Retail Leaders with Conscious Leadership
Developing conscious leaders in retail is essential for long-term success. This article explores how self-awareness, purpose, and impact shape better decision-making, helping leaders balance purpose, profit, people, and the planet.
Introduction to Conscious Leadership
At the BRC Leaders Summer School, conscious leadership takes center stage. This innovative programme, co-designed by facilitator, coach, and activist Rob Husband, aims to equip leaders with the essential skills and attributes to lead with awareness, wisdom, courage and authenticity. In this blog, we will explore the key themes, notable speakers, and transformative activities that make this programme a must-attend for aspiring conscious leaders in the retail industry.
Notable Speakers and Themes
The summer school features a lineup of distinguished speakers who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. At the start of the school Rob introduces conscious leadership and the theme is then carried through the school by distinguished and experienced contributors: Among them Paul Anderson-Walsh from Enolla Consulting, Erinch Sahan from DEAL, Evelina Dzimanaviciute from Elite Minds, and Alicia Carey from Hawkwood College.
- Paul: Focuses on how we can elevate the human experience within the retail sector
- Erinch: Introduces an alternative view of profit and economics,
- doughnut economics
- Evelina: Takes us on a journey into purpose examining what drives leaders and motivates their actions.
- Alicia: Reminds us of the interconnectedness of humans and the planet and advocates for eco-centric leadership.
Core Principles of Conscious Leadership
Rob highlights the essence of conscious leadership as deep self-awareness and understanding one's behaviour within the context they lead. He distinguishes between horizontal skill development—learning specific skills—and vertical development, which focuses on gaining wisdom and awareness. Conscious leadership primarily emphasises vertical development, stressing the importance of reflecting on personal and cultural stories that shape leadership.
Skills and Attributes for Conscious Leaders
In the retail industry, essential skills for conscious leaders include:
- Taking the long view of benefits and consequences for customers, society and the planet rather than focusing solely on short-term returns.
- Embracing different perspectives and being open to various ways of doing things.
- Taking the time to slow down, reflect, and make thoughtful decisions in a fast-paced world.
- Being genuine and courageous in leadership roles.
Transformative Activities and Workshops
The summer school is designed to provide a holistic learning experience through a variety of activities and workshops that foster self-awareness and conscious leadership skills.
- Reflective Activities: immersive exercises to help participants understand themselves better as leaders.
- On demand content: A series of short videos introducing specific aspects of conscious leadership models, accessed throughout the virtual bridge.
- Outdoor Coaching: Utilising outdoor spaces and an outdoor coach to encourage different ways of reflection and self-awareness.
Introduction to the Five Lenses of Leadership
The programme incorporates four lenses to help participants view their leadership from different perspectives and understand the interconnectedness of these aspects:
- Conscious Leadership: Focusing on self-awareness and understanding one's behaviour and the context within which they lead
- Planet: Emphasising eco-centric leadership and the interconnectedness of humans and the planet.
- Purpose: Exploring what drives leaders and motivates their actions.
- Profit: Balancing profit with considerations for sustainable and responsible leadership.
- People: Elevating the human experience
Conclusion: The Impact of Conscious Leadership
The BRC Leaders Summer School emphasises the transformative power of conscious leadership. By fostering self-awareness, understanding the broader context, and making decisions for the benefit of all, conscious leaders can significantly impact both their professional and personal lives. As Rob envisions, a world where leaders are more aware and deliberate in their actions is one where meaningful conversations and better decision-making prevail.
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Here's what our delegates have to say:
Attending the Summer School organised by BRC on conscious leadership was a transformative experience. The course 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. Walking into Ashridge House, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I thought I’d be learning strict management and leadership skills. I did learn these, but the programme was so much more than that. 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 attended the BRC Leaders Summer School feeling a little apprehensive about the programme and unsure of what to expect. Over the six weeks, 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 course and continues to do so even now that it has ended. I feel I’ve made some great contacts and good friends during the programme and look forward to applying what I’ve learned as I return to work with a completely fresh perspective as a leader.