Leeds Business School launches Impact and Growth programme to empower women in business

The Business School at Leeds Beckett University has launched WECAN – Impact and Growth, a new leadership and development programme designed to empower women to create impact in their businesses, organisations and wider communities.

Building on the success of a previous programme, this initiative helps develop leadership capability, confidence and emotional intelligence among women at all stages of their professional journey. The programme, hosted by the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Knowledge Exchange (CEKE), supports women working in SMEs, those leading teams or projects, and women setting up or growing their own businesses.

CEKE has collaborated with The Leadership Centre who will deliver a 12-month development series – ‘Women Leading with Impact’ – combining leadership workshops, mentoring and peer-to-peer learning. Participants learn about practical tools that they can apply immediately and can discover valuable insights into their leadership strengths through an Emotional Intelligence (EQ) diagnostic.

Additionally, those taking part can join in events, roundtables and networking opportunities that bring together a diverse and supportive community of women. Recognising the importance of inclusive leadership and shared responsibility for gender equity, they can also invite a male ally, helping to extend learning and influence beyond the programme itself.

The programme focuses on three core leadership themes:

• Leading self
• Leading others
• Leading for impact and influence
• Together, these themes provide a structured pathway for personal development, team leadership and organisational growth.

WECAN – Impact and Growth offers clear benefits for SMEs, enabling them to invest in the development of women in their organisations. Businesses taking part in WECAN report stronger leadership capability, increased confidence and resilience, and improved people management and strategic decision-making.

Previous participants have responded positively:

Imogen Steiner, Senior Account Manager at Blueberry Marketing, said: “The WECAN course created a rare, open space for our team to step back, reflect and have honest conversations about strategy, leadership and how we work together.

“Completing the course early in my career also gave me the confidence to develop my skills and step into more of a management role.”

Amy Leadbetter, Account Manager at C2events, added: “The WECAN programme was an incredibly valuable experience for me from start to finish, on a personal and professional level.

A fantastic way to build on my skills, whilst also expanding my knowledge and confidence in identifying and implementing the most effective communication styles.

The practical tools were immediately useful in my day-to-day role.”

WECAN has also launched a Pay It Forward Scheme inviting established SMEs to support the next generation of women founders by offering a ‘ladder down’ to those at earlier stages of their journey. Through the scheme, businesses can fund a year’s WECAN membership for an early‑stage woman entrepreneur or encourage the clients and networks they work with to access the programme.

Professor George Lodorfos, Dean of the Leeds Business School says “WECAN demonstrates our commitment as an anchor institution to regional development. At Leeds Business School, that begins with developing the people that build the businesses that grow the region. This targeted intervention through our WECAN programme continues to deliver positive outcomes and I encourage women leaders to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Professor Lebene Soga, Academic Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Knowledge Exchange adds: “We believe the future of business must be more inclusive than its past. At Leeds Business School, we’re not just supporting women in business, we’re actively closing the leadership gap.”

WECAN – Impact and Growth reflects Leeds Beckett University’s ongoing commitment to inclusive leadership, business growth and meaningful social impact.