Empowering leadership through a strengths-based lens
Championing diverse leadership in higher education
A Discovery Workshop for:
Participants of the Professional Services Leaders of Colour: West Midlands Pilot Programme, a cross-institutional initiative to support aspiring leaders from minoritised backgrounds working in higher education professional services roles.
Organised by Alex Johl, EDI Project Manager at the University of Birmingham, this one-day event brought together professionals from institutions across the region, including the University of Birmingham, Birmingham City University, and Coventry University.
“One of the key themes that emerged from our programme was that racially minoritised staff were having to show up at work and fit a certain mould, and didn’t know how to use their unique talents and skills to shape their roles around them. Strengthify came in and gave everyone the space and tools to understand what energises and empowers them, and helps them work at their best.”
– Alex Johl, University of Birmingham
The Strengthify Discovery Workshop was designed to support participants in building self-awareness, deepening insight into their strengths, and connecting with peers in a meaningful, energising way.
Aims of the workshop:
- Introduce participants to strengths-based methodologies and personalised self-insight
- Use CliftonStrengths profiles to support reflection and leadership development
- Provide a shared language for participants to explore how they work, lead and collaborate
- Offer safe, empowering space for underrepresented professionals to reflect on their identity, career direction, and impact
- Support inclusive leadership by celebrating what individuals naturally do best
What changed? Discovery workshop outcomes and feedback
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive:
- 100% of participants said the workshop was very or extremely valuable
- 100% said they would recommend a strengths-based approach to a friend or colleague
- 100% rated the value of adopting a strengths-based approach in their team or organisation as very or extremely valuable
Participants left feeling seen, motivated, and more self-aware. They highlighted the power of the personalised feedback, the structure of the session, and the depth of the conversations it sparked.
“Transformative and empowering – I discovered my hidden strengths and left inspired to embrace new challenges.”
– Clayton Shaw, Birmingham City University
“Today’s workshop was a fantastic journey of self-discovery, helping me uncover strengths that were unique to me.”
– Devina Whitwell, Coventry University
“It was refreshing to partake in an assessment programme that is more personalised and not generic.”
– Thabiso Dube, Birmingham City University
“Useful, relevant and reflective.”
– Monique Myers, University of Birmingham
Creating a safe, energising space for reflection
Several participants commented on how the facilitator created a warm, welcoming environment where they could bring their full selves into the room. The workshop provided space for thoughtful reflection and meaningful connection.
“The depth of the context and the use of lived experiences.”
– Thabiso Dube
“Strengths report analysis.”
– Monique Myers
“The individual reflections were most useful, however the time during the day felt a little tight – I would have liked more time to explore.”
– Devina Whitwell
Supporting diverse leaders with meaningful tools
This Discovery Workshop reinforced our belief that strengths-based development offers a fresh, authentic route to leadership growth — especially when working with underrepresented groups. Feedback reflected the value of:
- Personalised insight and practical takeaways
- Time and space to reflect on identity and impact
- Connection with peers facing similar challenges
The structure of the session supported confidence-building, new perspectives, and a greater sense of belonging — all essential for inclusive leadership to thrive.
What’s next? Taking strengths forward
Many participants expressed interest in applying their insights further:
- Creating strengths-based personal development plans
- Using their profiles to guide career moves and navigate workplace challenges
- Continuing the conversation with mentors, peers or teams
- Exploring future opportunities for follow-up or deeper support
“The results can be used to develop a strength statement and make it part of my personal development strategy.”
– Thabiso Dube
If you’d like to explore bringing this type of experience to your team or organisation, please get in touch.