NICCI, University of Birmingham host workshop for mid-career professionals

KATHMANDU: Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce (NICCI) and the University of Birmingham recently organised a half-day training programme for mid-career professionals, focusing on enhancing leadership skills.

The training programme, entitled ‘Your Whole Self at Work’, aimed to explore how individuals can maximise their leadership impact and influence by drawing upon their distinctive inner strengths and resources.

Prof Andrew Davies and Dr Juhi Gupta from the Edward Cadbury Centre at the University of Birmingham provided participants with innovative leadership development insights. Under the theme ‘The Whole Self at Work’, the training offered creative strategies for leading both people and projects more effectively in the demanding world of industry and commerce, by leveraging one’s unique skill set.

Prof Andrew discussed the concept of 'slow leadership', stating, "No one wants to work for an indecisive leader … but rushing to lead your team decisively in the wrong direction won’t help anyone.”

The programme also emphasised making quick and inclusive decisions by acting consciously, drawing upon personal characteristics, values, insights, and priorities, and highlighting one’s unique capacity to be oneself.

During the two-hour session, Prof Andrew and Dr Gupta shared practical experiences and new research insights, with opportunities for refreshments and networking.

Participants were equipped to address significant leadership challenges using a new model for decision-making and a holistic, culturally relevant mindset tailored for fast-paced professional environments. This approach encourages taking the time to pause, reflect, and evaluate before making decisions.

NICCI President Sunil KC opened the session by welcoming Prof Andrew and Dr Gupta and highlighting NICCI’s efforts to develop leadership.

Presentations covered topics such as ‘The Push and Pull of Leadership: Influence and Responsibility’, ‘Why Integrity Matters: Being a Value-Based Leader’, ‘The Power of Experience: Why Being Your Best You Matters’, ‘Leading Consciously: Self Awareness as a Leader’, ‘Why Slow Leaders Get There Faster’, and ‘Challenging a Crisis with Critical Collegiality’.

Approximately 70 managers, top corporate leaders, and entrepreneurs participated in the programme.