At the end of their final session, not one woman wanted to leave. Laughter and reflection lingered in the air as the group promised, “Let’s keep this going.” A year later, they still meet every eight weeks. What started as leadership development has become an ongoing source of support.
What began with curiosity grew into confidence
Chrissy Heynes, Head of Customer Transformation and Improvement, remembers being offered a spot in the Senior Female Leadership Program. “I didn’t know what to expect. I thought, maybe it’s just another course,” she said. “But I am so glad I said yes. It turned out to be the best program I have ever attended.”
Developed in 2023, Southeastern Railway’s program was designed to empower women in senior leadership roles. With six sessions delivered over a year, it blended coaching with real conversations, equipping participants with the skills, strategies and connections to lead with clarity and confidence.
Safe spaces create strong leaders
Natalie Sparrow, Head of Inclusion and Wellbeing, said the program was unlike anything she had experienced in her career. “It gave me the space to reflect and grow alongside a brilliant group of women who just get it,” she shared. “There was no need to explain or filter. That kind of community is rare, and it’s helped me immensely as both a person and a leader.”
Lisa Taylor, Chief of Staff, initially hesitated. “I told myself I didn’t have time and worried it wouldn’t be practical,” she admitted. “But I was wrong. I’ve grown in confidence and now challenge behaviours and speak up for myself in ways I never used to.”
Explore how Southeastern Railway supports wellbeing and inclusion
Leadership redefined through vulnerability
For Maureen Dominey, Head of Joint Performance Team, the impact was deeply personal. “I’ve done training before that didn’t give me much, so I was sceptical,” she said. “But this was different. It helped me stop hiding my vulnerabilities. Instead of seeing them as weakness, I now see them as the key to learning and connection.”
Chrissy agrees. “We tackled some tough topics, and the group bonded in a way I’ve never experienced. We still meet up every two months, even though the program ended over a year ago. We coach each other through challenges and keep each other going.”
Not your typical leadership program
What makes this program different is its intentional design for women. It’s not just about developing skills—it’s about removing isolation, fostering connection, and supporting women to stay and thrive in senior roles.
Participants didn’t just grow individually. They became mentors, advocates, and a trusted circle for the next generation of women stepping into leadership.
The kind of leadership that lasts
The women who joined this program didn’t just finish a course. They sparked something enduring—for themselves and for those coming after them. As Natalie put it, “Being part of this coaching group has been one of the most grounding and uplifting experiences of my career. Sometimes it can feel like you’re navigating things on your own as a woman in leadership and this experience has changed that.”
Looking to step into senior leadership with a company that invests in women long after the training program ends?
