Hull leaders’ energy ignites at inspiring leadership conference

70 inspiring Hull leaders came together for a jam packed conference – IGNITE! – to celebrate the 500-strong HEY Confident Futures Network, and to collaborate and learn together.

The Hull Truck theatre was buzzing with activities, conversation and leaders old and new. Everyone connected and were ready for an exciting day.

Martin Johnson, the first keynote speaker, kicked the day off with a fascinating exploration of resilience.  He shared how optimal performance is possible through navigating the daily challenges and ups and downs of the work place. Lots of the attendees resonated with the wisdom around resilience.

A 10 minute yoga and breath work session got everyone energised before the exceptional second key note speaker, Sonia Bate. She brought an infectious energy to the room and got us all thinking about conscious leadership and the skills needed in a modern workforce. It was a fantastic learning opportunity for all in the room, with many coming away feeling kinder to themselves and knowing the next step they wanted to take.

From the crescendo of conversation following the keynotes, both speakers imparted wisdom and insight that got attendees really thinking.

Moving on to the Music School, delegates enjoyed a delicious and nutritious lunch provided by the brilliant WANT caterers and further rich conversations ensued. New collaborations were started, friendships made and learning shared.

People divided into punchy vibrant breakout sessions with popular HEY Confident Futures Facilitators enabling each person to explore their own responses to such subjects as Future proof leadership, making friends with your inner critic, confident decision making and Re-igniting your spark.

Masks were made and discarded to help us be our authentic self, T-shirts created with empowering slogans on and opportunities to reflect on everyone’s own personal leadership journey.

We came together to hear Celia McKeon’s take on the inspiring day. Energised to be amongst such an array of passionate, dedicated leaders, her key takeaways focused on each of us looking after our wellbeing – both our own and our teams – and how powerful we are as leaders collectively.

The conference closed by championing the leaders of the city who go above and beyond to connect people, to collaborate with others and to be generous. We also reflected on the brilliant contribution Beryl Kelsey had on the city in her 50 odd years of volunteering and making change happen in Hull. She was with us in spirit.