Investing in leadership development is essential for any business aiming to grow and retain talent. The Own Your Future programme has played a role in shaping the careers of individuals at Churchill Group, offering them valuable opportunities to enhance their skills and progress within the company. One such individual is Matthew Keane, an Operations Manager, who reflects on his experience with the programme and how it has benefited both his career and his team.
A journey of growth and opportunity
Matthew has been with Churchill for over 13 years, working in a variety of roles. Throughout his time at the company, he has gained a wealth of experience and steadily advanced in his career. When the Own Your Future programme became available, Matthew saw it as the perfect opportunity to further develop his leadership skills. Encouraged by his director, he applied for the programme, and it has had a fantastic impact on his professional journey.
“Looking back, I realised that I had become so focused on getting things done myself, I hadn’t stopped to think about how I could better support my team,” says Matthew. The Own Your Future programme helped him shift towards a more strategic approach, where he now focuses on guiding and supporting his team to succeed. His newfound perspective has been a key factor in his growth into the role of Operations Manager.
Empowering team members
One of the most significant takeaways from the programme for Matthew has been the ability to empower his team members, enabling them to take on more responsibility and grow in their roles. Since completing the programme, Matthew has successfully enrolled members of his team on the programme, all of which have thrived.
“Helen has always been an experienced National Account Manager, but after the programme, she’s become even more engaged,” Matthew shares. “She’s not only supporting me, but she’s also actively helping my team grow.”
Rachel, currently in cohort 3, has also experienced a noticeable transformation. “Rachel has really stepped into her role with confidence,” says Matthew. “She’s been able to step back more, allowing her team to take ownership of their tasks, and it’s paying off. It’s clear that she’s now leading her team with purpose.”
Learning from peers across the business
A standout aspect of the programme for Matthew was the opportunity to connect with colleagues from other parts of the business. “The chance to network and share insights with colleagues from different teams has been incredibly valuable,” Matthew reflects. “You often don’t realise that someone in another region might have already faced and solved a problem you’re currently dealing with.”
The connections made during the programme have continued to support Matthew and his team even after its completion. Graduates of the programme maintain communication through a group chat, offering advice and sharing resources. “When my team needed translation support recently, I was able to reach out to someone in the group who had contacts for independent translators,” he adds. “This network has been invaluable.”
Key takeaways and leadership lessons
One of the most impactful lessons Matthew learned from the programme was the importance of understanding different personality types, particularly through the DISC profile. “It’s made a world of difference in how I approach conversations,” says Matthew. “I can now tailor my communication depending on the personality type I’m interacting with, whether it’s a more reserved person or someone more dominant.”
Improving his communication and learning to listen actively to his team has also been a significant area of growth. As someone with a naturally dominant personality, Matthew acknowledges that he used to push forward and expect results without fully considering his team’s input. “Now, I make sure to listen more,” Matthew admits. “I’ve learned that my team are the expert in their areas, and their input is essential to making the best decisions.”
Looking ahead
With his enhanced leadership skills and experience, Matthew is focused on stabilising his role as Operations Manager before considering further career progression. He plans to spend the next few years strengthening his team and fostering collective growth. Once this foundation is solid, he will look at potential opportunities to step into a director role within the business.
“I’m concentrating on ensuring my team’s growth and stability first,” says Matthew. “Once we’ve built that solid foundation, I’ll look toward the next challenge.”
Matthew is also passionate about promoting the Own Your Future programme to others within his team. He has already encouraged several colleagues to apply and plans to continue doing so, as he believes it offers an incredible opportunity for professional development and leadership growth.
Final thoughts
Matthew’s experience with the Own Your Future programme underscores the importance of structured development opportunities in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Through collaboration, improved communication, and empowering team members, Churchill Group is building a strong leadership pipeline that benefits both individuals and the business as a whole.
For anyone considering the programme, Matthew’s advice is simple: “Go for it. It’s a game-changer. You’ll grow as a leader, gain invaluable insights, and open doors for future career progression.”