Twelve rising stars from Bath companies started their leadership development journeys this week on a special, world-class programme to make more of the corporate talent in the city.
The Bath Future Talent initiative provides a premier development programme for talented people seen as the future of their organisations. Mainly aged between 25 and 35, they will be supported to take on business critical projects and responsibilities over the year that will deliver value to their organisations and develop their own innovation capabilities, leadership and project management skills.
The programme is organised by Bath Bridge, a community interest company (CIC) aiming to position Bath as a place with a dynamic, beautifully inventive future. It is masterminded by Lee Sears, who has extensive experience in running similar programmes for blue-chip companies across the world.
Taking part are housing and support organisation Curo, internet telephony, broadband and web hosting firm Gradwell, healthcare sector web developer Mayden, Bath Rugby, Bath Rugby Foundation, Bath Spa University, Bath Mentoring Plus and homeless charity Julian House.
Unusually, this corporate talent development programme is being run by people of the city, for businesses in the city, as a pro bono project with seven coaches and seven Bath Bridge directors giving their time.
Lee said: “The purpose is to provide a showcase developmental experience for people in the early stages of their careers, and equip them to become confident in acting as pioneers, innovators and change agents in their subsequent careers.
“Not only will they add value to their organisations, but the programme will create a powerful cohort that will enable a more connected business community across the city and send a message that Bath is a great place for talent to thrive.”
The programme will be a blend of workshops, coaching support, mentoring guidance and project delivery. As well as modules and workshops throughout the year, each person will be supported by a personal coach and an external senior business mentor from the region.
Bath Rugby managing director Tarquin McDonald said: “It’s fantastic to see Bath companies stepping up to this. The programme will provide organisations in Bath with an unusually gifted vein of talent and really help Bath to become known as a magnet for talent.”
Pictured: The Bath Future Talent team
