Read what our Chairmen have to say...

"The greatest lesson an Academy Chairman can learn is to fully recognise the power of the group process and the power of The Academy. It really does change people's lives. It changes the way they live, the way they behave, the way they think and feel, the way they see themselves and how others see them. We have a lot of fun along the way and occasionally we might forget just how serious this thing is. We have a massive impact on people's lives, and their family's lives. We should never forget it."

"My own learning experiences don't just come from the expert speakers we see every month - I learn something every time I facilitate a members' issues session. For example, I might learn the best question to ask to arrive at the best solution; I'm always dealing with a new issue or a new aspect, whether it's a personal situation or a business situation. I love learning and like to take risks in learning. My aim is to inspire the leaders in our groups to achieve their greatest potential. That's what I'm passionate about and that's why I'm still here after more than 7 years... and will continue to be."

"You must have some business empathy, be a good listener, and be interested in people and people development, to do this. You are involved in taking people through stages of development and change. It is not just about running a group every month; it is about helping people to achieve what they want; being prepared to share in their hopes and dreams. I have seen people change dramatically, but so have I. I am much closer to my full potential, than before I became a Chairman. Working with The Academy, the members, and the various speakers, has helped me become the best I can be."

"Never put a constraint on your aspiration. All of us have already been given the talent to achieve success beyond our wildest dreams. My passion is people and what The Academy has done for me, let alone my members, is to enable us to find our own greatness."

"There's no question that I've learned in multi-dimensional ways since being involved with The Academy. You know, I used to think that 'my way was the right way or the highway!' I used to be the classic 'fire, ready, aim'...but now I'm much more 'ready, aim, fire'. Now, when making a business decision I consider all points of view, then add my own opinion into the mix before making a final judgement. As acclaimed business author Stephen Covey puts it, 'Seek first to understand before making yourself understood."

"The ability to meet regularly with other senior business people, and to be given positive (and challenging) feedback is very rare. Many leaders have all the trappings of success - they have the big house and the nice car, but what they don't have is a confidential ear. Someone to talk things over with and regularly review your issues and where your business is going. Sometimes there are things which you can't share with anyone apart from those who are also facing the same challenges as you. So, although it was no surprise to me that it can be lonely at the top, working with my members has reinforced that it is what The Academy is here for. It really doesn't have to be lonely at the top."

"I have experienced more personal development and growth in the 6 years I've been an Academy Chairman than in the previous 36 years in business. My understanding of people and leadership has grown massively since being a part of The Academy. One of my greatest discoveries is that it's always better to challenge and think big. In many companies the Chief Exec is unchallenged - and that's not healthy. As the Chairman, it's my job to ensure that the group constructively challenges the Chief Exec and holds him or her to account. My best coaching sessions are the ones where I feel the least comfortable! A pat on the head doesn't add value for the member - I have to keep pushing and encouraging 'thinking big' and stretching the horizon."