🌱 Celebrating the Success of the Leading Sustainable Impact Programme – Cohorts 1 & 2! 🎉

As we wrap up Cohorts 1 and 2 of the Leading Sustainable Impact Programme, we are incredibly proud of the business leaders, changemakers, and sustainability advocates who have completed this transformative journey!

This programme, a collaboration between Ulster University Business School, PODIEM, and the Department for the Economy (DfE), was born out of real business needs. It was designed to equip leaders with the tools, knowledge, and connections to drive sustainability in Northern Ireland’s economy.

🔍 From Insight to Action: A Programme with Purpose

In Autumn 2024, Ulster University launched the Sustainability Breakfast Initiative, where a clear message emerged—businesses needed sustainable leadership skills. In response, the Sustainable Leadership Programme was launched, bridging the gap between knowledge and action.

🚀 A Transformational Experience

Participants engaged with world-class sustainability pioneers, attending events like:

✅ The Sustain Exchange Summit, where they had a private session with John Elkington, the “father of sustainability.”
✅ The MLM Summit at Titanic Belfast, gaining insights from Jim Gavin (GAA Coach & COO, Irish Aviation Authority), Mark Pollock (Resilience Advocate), and former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

💡 “This programme gave me the skills and ideas to really be able to make a change.” – Anna-Marie McAlinden (Cohort 1)

🌍 Learning Through Real-World Challenges

The five-day intensive programme combined academic expertise, business insights, and hands-on project-based learning, helping leaders:
🔹 Embed sustainability into strategy and operations
🔹 Develop resilience and ethical leadership
🔹 Solve real-world sustainability challenges within their organisations

💬 “Very engaging and valuable course.” – Peter McHugh (Cohort 1)

📈 Impact on Northern Ireland’s Economy & Future

With two cohorts now complete, this programme has already contributed to Northern Ireland’s green transition, supporting business leaders in embedding sustainable practices that drive economic growth.

💬 “The green transition is threatened by business leaders’ failure to develop and source green skills.” – Chris Martin, Sustain Exchange Summit Speaker

By addressing this skills gap, the programme has empowered leaders with practical strategies to drive sustainability in their industries.

🙌 A Big Congratulations!

To all our participants—you are the future of sustainable leadership in Northern Ireland! Your commitment, innovation, and action-driven approach will shape a more responsible and resilient economy.

🎯 “This is not just a leadership programme; it is a catalyst for economic transformation, environmental responsibility, and a more sustainable future for Northern Ireland.”

2025 Delivery

We expect to deliver the course for a third time in September 2025 – please contact Course Director Marc Duffy for more information or to join the wait-list – m.duffy4@ulster.ac.uk