The Fellowship Programme’s November session brought together our Fellows to explore what it truly means to guide organisations through complexity, disruption and rapid change. Held at the Crowne Plaza Belfast, the day combined creative problem solving, real-world crisis leadership and a compelling vision of the resilient and sustainable future Northern Ireland must build.
The morning opened with an energising continuation of the programme’s Design Thinking modules, led by Design Lead at Fujitsu, Martin Russell. Through a series of dynamic exercises, Fellows moved beyond theory into practical innovation. They transformed challenges into opportunities, shaped future-state visions and rapidly prototyped solutions rooted in human need. The room was full of collaboration as teams tested ideas, refined concepts and strengthened their ability to lead creative and systems-level change. It served as a reminder that, in uncertain times, adaptability and imagination are essential leadership capabilities.
The afternoon shifted from innovation to lived experience. Leaders from NIE Networks, including advisory board member Derek Hynes, Alex Houston and Peter McClenaghan, delivered a candid and compelling case study of Storm Éowyn, one of the most severe weather events ever faced by Northern Ireland’s electricity system. Their account revealed the extraordinary effort required to restore power to more than 300,000 customers, the emotional demands placed on frontline teams and the vital importance of transparent communication in maintaining public trust. The discussions that followed encouraged Fellows to reflect on ethics, responsibility and the human impact of crisis leadership.
The day concluded with an inspiring session from the Camlin Group. CEO and advisory board member Peter Cunningham, together with Georgina Dingley and Nigel Russell, shared a forward-looking vision of the energy transition. They explored how data, innovation and partnership will support a net zero grid that is reliable, resilient and prepared for the challenges ahead. Their message resonated strongly. Trust is not simply a value. It is a strategic driver of performance, resilience and positive societal change. High-trust organisations move faster, innovate more confidently and deliver greater impact.
As Fellows left the session, the theme was clear. Leading through uncertainty requires courage, creativity and connection. It demands the ability to innovate, respond and rebuild trust across organisations and communities.
This session offered exactly that. It provided space to learn, reflect and grow as leaders shaping a more resilient and sustainable Northern Ireland.
