The Pioneer Leader Programme
12 months that turn capable managers into leaders who change outcomes
Documented results
ÂŁ3m+ cost savings delivered during the programme
20–30x ROI for host organisations
57% promoted while still on the programme
Why this works when other leadership training stalls
Most leadership programmes teach what to do. This Programme changes who is doing it.
Leadership Steps to Freedom
When leaders develop greater Self-Confidence they instantly generate greater Presence, which means they immediately become far more Influential and thus they’re able to be a far more effective Â
“Life changing for my career. I’m now speaking at and hosting events, advocating for myself and my teams and I’m confident about where and who I am.”
— Vanessa Wragg, Programme Manager, Network Rail
Results the board will recognise
ÂŁ2m+ cost reduction by stabilising a sector after a central facilitation team was disbanded; milestones held, costs reduced.
£500k–£1m cost avoided by creating a cross-industry simulation partnership instead of duplicate spend.
Leadership qualities uplift from Questionnaires across all cohorts: Executive presence 4→9, leadership effectiveness 5→9, strategic thinking 6→9, career progression confidence 3→9.
“The best development I’ve done. Tailored, practical and transformative. I’m more composed, more strategic and I influence without forcing it.”
— Alan Devlin, Programme Manager, Swietelsky
What your leaders will be able to do
- Hold calm authority in high-stakes meetings
- Influence decisions without formal power
- Unite partners across silos and agendas
- Turn difficult stakeholders into collaborators
- Demonstrate measurable value during the 12 months
- Become a high impact and memorable presenter
- Build trust quickly with clients, peers and executives
- Lead with presence that inspires followership
- Navigate resistance and conflict without escalation
- Consistently convert conversations into outcomes
Equip your leaders to communicate, inspire, and lead effectively in the moments that matter most.
“I now lead rather than do. Confidence up, presence up and my team is performing better because of it.”
— Andy Thexton, Senior Leader, Network Rail
The Programme Architecture
12-month journey
6 in-person intensives
 6 virtual masterclasses
Monthly 1:1 coaching
Cohort community
Essential self-leadership
Develop inner confidence and habits that enhance performance
Developing vocal influence
Develop your voice, vocal presence and message shaping that moves rooms
Influential public speaking
Learn to speak as a world class memorable and influential speaker
Transforming relationships
Understand your own behaviours to transform relationships
Overcoming limiting beliefs
Learn how to remove limiting beliefs that keep you playing smaller than you are
The Art of Selling without Selling
Learn how to get a Yes from a No
“I underestimated how many techniques there would be and how fast they worked in real scenarios. It has been life changing.”
— Dan Guy, Manager, Grand Central
Case studies
Stabilising a sector, saving ÂŁ2m
After a governance collapse, a Pioneer Leader graduate took the chair, aligned five operators, held milestones and cut costs.
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Avoiding £500k–£1m through collaboration
A graduate convened smaller freight operators to share simulation capability rather than duplicate it. Knowledge flow improved and spend was avoided.
Confidence to operate at the next level
Leaders report promotions during the programme, bigger portfolios and stronger cross-industry networks that accelerate delivery.
Who it’s for
- Organisations seeking to reduce recruitment costs by greater retention
- Companies who invest in their leaders
- Senior and emerging leaders with strategic responsibility
- Organisations running complex change or multi-partner programmes
- Teams that must influence without formal authority
- Graduates, where their organisation seeks to maximise their impact and retention
Not a fit if you want a two-day workshop, a theory-heavy course or change without accountability.
“I now feel at home shaping strategy with the Senior Leadership Team. More measured, more effective and delivering pragmatic outcomes.”
— Jonathan Daniels, Programme Integration Lead
Delivery and commitment
Cohort size:
Up to 15
Geography:
UK and Europe
Investment:
Confirmed on consultation
Format:
Hybrid delivery across the year
Support:
Monthly 1:1 coaching, masterclasses, cohort community
“Most productive leadership programme I’ve attended. Confidence up, presence up and a more collaborative industry mindset.”
— Zack Pirani
Why James
Three decades coaching leaders, teams and companies in aviation, rail, defence, education, healthcare and technology. Trained under world-class practitioners. Known for transforming confidence, presence and influence so demonstrable results follow.
“Transformative. Insightful, compassionate and precise.”
— Marcia Drake, Global Chief Data Officer