Leadership, learning and listening
Reflections on the 2025 INTO Heritage Leaders Programme from Catherine Leonard, INTO Secretary-General
One of the most rewarding parts of my role at INTO is seeing the spark of connection ignite between colleagues around the world. This year’s Heritage Leaders programme (our second full cohort) was no exception. From Ethiopia to Australia, Mexico to Malta, we welcomed 38 brilliant leaders on a shared journey that was as inspiring as it was instructive.
Designed in collaboration with the fantastic team at Cultural Associates Oxford, the programme combines self-led modules, live sessions and peer learning groups. We’ve just received the evaluation report which was full of great feedback – overwhelmingly positive but with some helpful suggestions on how to improve. And it’s prompted me to reflect on what we’ve achieved and why this matters so much.
As someone who has spent years supporting the growth of National Trusts around the world, I’ve seen first-hand how leadership, in all its forms, can be the difference between a good idea and a lasting legacy. This programme is about nurturing that leadership: not just in CEOs or directors, but in anyone with the courage to do what we do in challenging times.
“I feel very lucky to have been part of the programme, it was very inspiring and the speakers were excellent.”
What we learned from this year’s cohort
The evaluation shows that 97% of participants felt their leadership skills had grown, and 94% said their confidence had increased. But it wasn’t just about personal development, it was about connection.
“I really enjoyed the sessions and connecting with others from across the world – so great to identify shared challenges, share solutions and ways of working!”
“The program significantly enhanced my understanding of the broader challenges confronting the heritage community, while also introducing practical strategies that could be applied to tackle local issues more effectively.”
“Personally, I found this program to be really insightful. It helped me get to know the different INTO organisations, see the value of INTO and the connections they foster between trusts around the world.”
Peer learning: A quiet triumph
One of the most valued aspects of the programme was the peer learning groups. These small, facilitated sessions created space for honest conversations, mutual support and shared wisdom.
Last year, I ran a group myself and found it motivating (what better way to force yourself across all the content than knowing you have to speak to colleagues about it later that week/fortnight!); inspiring (I had a brilliant group of dedicated and generous people) and community building. It reminded me just how powerful it can be to learn alongside others – especially when those others bring such diverse perspectives and experiences.
“These were the highlight of the course for me. Meeting with the same group created a sense of familiarity and trust which fostered really open and honest conversations.”
“My confidence really benefitted as I could share my insight with my peer learning group and realise what I do already know!”
“It is great to hear the experiences of all the other participants and the way they do and struggle with things in their organisations. I learn a lot, and I feel more connected with many of them.”
What we’re still learning
Of course, there were challenges. Time pressure was a recurring theme, and some participants struggled to keep up with the modules. Others wanted more diversity in the content – geographically and organisationally – and more emphasis on business and digital skills.
“You motivated me to start over in several areas with new energy and clarity. THANK YOU FOR EVER!!!”
We’re listening. And we’re already thinking about how to make future rounds more inclusive, more flexible and more action-oriented.
Looking ahead
The evaluation ends with a series of thoughtful questions: Should we lengthen the programme? Diversify the content? Add more structure to peer groups or breakout sessions? These are exactly the kinds of questions we’ll be exploring with our partners and participants in the months ahead.
“I loved it and would hope I can visit participants one day and if there were more opportunities to come together in the future I certainly would.”
A note of thanks
To everyone who took part – thank you. Your energy, openness and commitment made this programme the success it was. To the team at Cultural Associates Oxford – thank you for your creativity, care and professionalism. To our peer group leaders – you helped deliver the ‘best bits’ – thank you for your time and dedication.
We’re also deeply grateful to our faculty of speakers who recorded sessions and contributed so much to the success of the programme.
A very special thank you to the Helen Hamlyn Trust, whose generous support made the entire programme possible. Their belief in the value of heritage, leadership and intergenerational learning has been instrumental in bringing our vision to life, and we are truly thankful for their continued partnership.
And lastly to the INTO family – thank you for continuing to believe in the power of leadership, learning and listening.
More stories of leadership
