catalyst
catalyst programme:
This experimental programme brings together change-agents from different sectors and communities each who share a commitment to make Gloucestershire a better, more creative and equal place to live and work. catalyst is one of 18 projects funded by the Arts Council that will deliver a range of leadership development opportunities through their transforming leadership programme.
The challenge:
We are living in even more fast changing times post covid and the problems and opportunities we face are becoming more complex and inter-dependent. Solutions are no longer in one persons’ head – they are more likely to be found when groups and teams work well together.
Create Gloucestershire is seeking to stimulate a new generation of leaders in Gloucestershire - people from all walks of life equipped with the subtle skills needed to bring together effective and dynamic collaborations.
Core principles of catalyst:
Radical inclusion – our intention is to bring together the most diverse group of people we can regardless of differences in sector, seniority, job type, age, educational background, attitude, tastes, social backgrounds and beliefs
This is about helping others shine - it’s not just about you
We believe in order to unlock the potential of groups you must first understand your own potential and purpose
Practice not academic theory is the best way to learn
Simple things - the programme will focus on getting simple things that matter right
This work is place-based – we are focussed on Gloucestershire
Our partners:
We have teamed up with nowhere to design catalyst. The programme is based upon best practice from the commercial and not for profit sectors and our partnership combines the expertise of nowhere in developing the skills and mindsets of creative and collaborative organisations with CG’s skills and networks in place- based development across Gloucestershire.
Joining the programme
Our 2021/22 programme has just finished but if you are interested in joining our next cohort in 2022/23 then please get in touch to register your interest by emailing louise@creategloucestershire.co.uk
Catalysts from cohort 1 and 2 finally meet in person in May 2022!
What they said…
We asked previous participants of catalyst to share their thoughts about the programme and this is what they said:
Previous participants tell us why they joined catalyst
catalyst participants tells us who they think might benefit from taking part in catalyst.
Issachar explains how he uses tools he learned taking part in catalyst in his work. We call them micro skills
Previous participants tell us why they joined the programme
catalyst participants tell us what they gained from taking part in the course
thoughts on leadership
“I think there are ‘silent’ leaders in most places. They are in the background, getting people together and doing things - but they don’t identify themselves as a ‘leader". We need to invest in these people.”
Aysha Randera, Sewing Studio, Friendship Café, Gloucester
“We have developed a generation of leaders who have learned the skills to ‘control’ but when you can’t control what is happening these skills are irrelevant. The need is not to ‘control’ but to liberate, use initiative and co-create.”
Lord Bichard KCB, catalyst Investor, Cross Bench Member of the House of Lords and Chair of National Audit Office.
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
John Quincy Adams -6th president of the United States
The Leadership Conversations
Read stories from inspirational leaders who live and work in Gloucestershire. This series of blogs, vlogs and live leadership conversations examining what it is to be a change agent or leader with personal insights into individual leadership journeys in and across different sectors and contexts.
