We build better places through connection, knowledge and leadership
“While conversations about growth often focus on investment, infrastructure and business, what is increasingly clear is that the future of Greater Manchester depends just as much on the leadership found within its not-for-profit sector.” Guest post by Identity Consult Director Alex Atkinson
As a civil engineer, Grace Pagani of Arup knew the “Rain Guarden” project could be built. However, her Leaders Plus colleagues in housing, local government and communications brought different perspectives that turned the idea into fundable reality, winning one of six inaugural Future of GM Alumni Awards. Find out more…
Diverse Voices brought together place professionals from across Greater Manchester for an interactive presentation coaching session focused on confidence, communication and storytelling. Arup kindly hosted participants for the workshop, followed by an enlightening mix of Speaker showcase presentations; topics include The aquarium theory of Place, wildfire risk awareness, clothing poverty and switching off from work …
This discussion explored what inclusive leadership looks like in practice, drawing on lived experience from diverse voices. Panel members shared honest reflections on navigating under-representation and workplace challenges, revealing a shared commitment to authenticity, resilience and collective progress that benefits individuals, organisations and the wider city-region.
Connecting with Place & Expansive Thinking In a fast-paced world where efficiency often takes priority, it’s easy to overlook the more subtle details in our everyday spaces. The recent Connecting with Place session asked Leaders (Future Leaders 3) to step away from their professional mindsets and explore central Manchester as everyday citizens. For both Leaders …
Exploring community engagement through design and collaboration Our Diverse Voices Network came together for an interactive Engagement Essentials workshop led by Sam Hayes, Future of Greater Manchester Alumni and Assistant Director at PLACED. The session offered participants a hands-on, gamified exploration of community engagement in neighbourhood development. Placed, a social enterprise operating across Liverpool and …
Future Leaders Proposals for GM brought together rising changemakers, senior leaders, and partners from across Greater Manchester to explore one of today’s most urgent priorities: how we build a more resilient region. It was both a moment of reflection and a celebration, marking the graduation of Future Leaders cohort 2 and the continued growth of the …
Storytelling is not a skill exclusive to poets, authors, and musicians – it is a powerful communication tool that the most engaging leaders use to connect with their stakeholders, to lead with humanity, and to be widely understood. Led by facilitator Chris Seymour, this Diverse Voices session encouraged us to identify effective storytelling techniques and …
I’m thrilled to be part of the team, but I’m no stranger to Future of Greater Manchester. Having graduated from Leaders Plus in 2022 and become a mentor and nominator in 2023/24, I was already an ambassador. With over 20 years of leadership experience and a passion for driving meaningful change, I look forward to …
“We know how to build infrastructure to withstand floods and tornadoes. We know when severe weather might come. We have structures, paints and electrical equipment which can survive floods and other hazards. Yet, despite this knowledge, we do not always implement what we know.” Read more about our options for crisis response…