Fellow Testimonies

I had a fantastic experience that took my thinking to places I didn’t expect. My cohort were superb, and we remain in regular contact. The learning was both excellent and varied, and we were supported throughout, particular by fantastic partner organisations. The learning opportunities continue through the alumni network, and I would recommend the Fellowship Programme to anyone.

The Fellowship programme meant so much to me as a community peacebuilder. It not only helped me learn and self-reflect in both a personal and professional capacity, but it also helped me build networks and links with those working in the business, civic, and political sectors. Now a year later, I am proud to be part of the Fellowship Programme alumni network and I still have sustained positive relationships with all of those who were Fellows in 2023.

The Fellowship Programme gives political, business, and civic leaders from across Northern Ireland the opportunity to learn from each other and share experiences, which are away from the normal day to day interactions. It is a perfect opportunity to grow and develop leadership qualities, as well as challenging thought, ideas, and how we can collectively work for the betterment of Northern Ireland.

One of the things I find particularly beneficial is being able to work with people who have vast amounts of experience and people who are quite new to their field. So, you get both breadth and diversity.

The Fellowship Programme offers the unique opportunity to build long lasting and important networks across political, civic, and business leaders in Northern Ireland, whilst also gaining insight and knowledge from many world leading experts. The structure of the programme recognises the importance of leaders taking time away to focus on developing their leadership skills further and focusing on shared priorities for Northern Ireland.

We were afforded access to key thinkers and leaders who offer a real insight into what leadership means and how we look at the world. Furthermore, the development of relationships with the Fellows on the programme was vital. I would recommend anyone who is in a management role to apply for the programme.

The programme has given me invaluable insight into the work of other leaders across the political, business and civic sectors of Northern Ireland. The programme is an excellent platform for building important connections and for encouraging respectful debate, discussion and future focused solutions for enhanced peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland.

I found myself stepping outside of my comfort zone when we tackled topics like green thinking, energy, sustainability, and innovation. But I’m delighted to be learning from my fellow Fellows and the amazing team at the Centre for Democracy and Peace … It’s all about keeping the spirit of possibility at the heart of what we do as we challenge ourselves to grow and innovate. 

It’s a privilege to be part of the collective group this year and I’ve learned so much already from my fellow participants, who come from a very broad range of sectors across Northern Ireland and beyond. I not only look forward to the rest of the programme, but also how it will stand me in good stead for the years ahead and how I take this learning into my pursuit of working to deliver a climate resilient Belfast and wider NI.

The Fellowship Programme was crucial to developing me as an individual and as a leader. The co-design session at the Oxford residential and the subsequent group project opened my eyes to the potential not only within my diverse project group, but within myself and gave me the confidence to believe in myself, resulting in my decision to apply to lead my own school.

The Fellowship Programme has had a profound impact on my personal ambitions. After attending the Oxford residential in September, I made the decision to apply for the Master of Public Policy. Six months later, I accepted the offer with the assistance of a full scholarship. This would not have been possible without the help of the Fellowship Programme, and I am profoundly grateful.

One of my primary motivations for becoming involved with the Fellowship Programme is the opportunity to think with and learn from others on many issues and questions, including: what are the priorities, what are the challenges, and what can we do to really help Northern Ireland succeed and prosper. In my case, from the viewpoint of the Northern Irish diaspora in New York and beyond.

Participating in the Fellowship Programme has been an exceptional experience. It has created valuable connections across business, political and civic life and has delivered immersive and profound learning opportunities which have shaped my professional practice and raised my ambition levels for the future.

My confidence has transformed over the course of the Fellowship. While imposter syndrome still lingers, it no longer shapes my decisions or holds me back. I now lead with greater purpose and intention in all aspects of my work. The experience has also ignited a strong sense of civic duty that I hadn’t previously recognised. I’ve undergone a profound shift in mindset, one that has changed how I see myself and how I lead. I now fully recognise myself as a leader and have adapted my behaviours in ways that will enable me to deliver better outcomes, both professionally and personally.

My Fellowship experience has been truly transformational. It challenged my thinking, broadened my perspective, and strengthened my confidence as a leader. Through the experience, I’ve developed a greater sense of purpose and clarity in how I approach the complexity and challenges we face today. The relationships I have built and insights gained will stay with me long beyond the programme, continuing to shape how I lead and make a difference.