Kate Hillier

Finding the confidence to take the next step

After 20 years in teaching, Kate Hillier found herself considering a move into a new career. But when an opportunity came up outside education, she nearly ruled herself out. She didn’t think she met every part of the job criteria.

The Women’s Leadership Programme gave Kate the confidence to think differently about what she had to offer and, more importantly, to take the opportunity.

“I nearly held myself back because I didn’t think I met every part of the job criteria, but the programme encouraged me to think differently, take the opportunity and go for it. It was the best thing I’ve done.”

For Kate, the programme provided space to step away from the day-to-day pressures of working life and think about what she wanted next. The idea of “zooming in and zooming out” particularly stayed with her, encouraging her to look at her career from a different perspective and consider what she could do differently.

It also introduced her to women working across different sectors and at different levels of leadership. Despite their varied experiences, Kate found that everyone was treated as an equal, creating an environment where she could learn from others, share experiences and build genuine connections.

Those relationships have continued beyond the programme, giving Kate a network of women she can turn to for advice, new perspectives, friendship and support.

“I used the programme as a platform to better myself, give me confidence and build the network I needed to move on.”

Now in a new role outside education, Kate continues to draw on what she learned, particularly the importance of empathetic leadership and taking the time to understand what colleagues may be experiencing both personally and professionally.