How I unlock potential and upgrade leadership

I use vertical development as the basis for all my programs; it is about transforming how you think and see the world and helping you move through stages of growth. These stages aren't strictly linear and often overlap or recur as individuals continue to evolve.

My Approach

  • This is the eye-opener phase. It's all about gaining awareness and having those "aha" moments that challenge our current way of thinking. For leaders, it means becoming conscious of their inner strengths, limitations, and the broader impact they have on their environment. It's the initial spark of insight that urges us to look beyond our usual horizons and question deeper—Why do we do what we do? How can we do it better?

  • Growing up isn't just about chronological age or climbing the corporateladder. In this context, it's about maturing in our thoughts and actions. As we grow, we develop a more refined understanding of ourselves and the world around us. We become better at managing complexities and navigating challenges with grace. Leaders whogrow up are adept at making informed decisions, setting clear boundaries, and prioritising what truly matters for sustainable success.

  • It's time to tidy up our act. This stage is about addressing personal and professional baggage that might be holding us back. It involves reflecting on our behaviours, beliefs, and biases and taking responsibility for our actions and their outcomes. For leaders, cleaning up often means resolving past conflicts, improving emotional intelligence, and fostering healthier relationships both within and outside the workplace.

  • Finally, showing up is about being fully present and bringing our best selves to every situation. It's the culmination of the previous stages, where leaders stand firm in their values and purpose, ready to inspire and make a difference. Showing up means being authentic, vulnerable, and courageous, whether facing success or adversity. It's about living and leading in a way that aligns with our deepest convictions, making a positive impact on our teams, organisations, and communities.

Learnership™— My Methodology

After years of working inside organisations using conventional training methods that didn’t shift performance, I was inspired to find a better way.

Introducing Learnership™—a ground-breaking methodology designed to drive real change and tangible results. It incorporates the freshest thinking on human improvement, including vertical development, leadership maturity, experiential learning, behavioural change and whole-person nervous system regulation.

Learnership™ isn't just another run-of-the-mill leadership development method. It's a game-changer that empowers leaders to learn by doing, transforming the way they perform and the impact they have on your company.

  • Unlike traditional programs that rely on case studies and hypothetical scenarios, Learnership™ puts real work at the centreofthe learning experience. By tackling actual challenges in the workplace, participants gain practical insights and actionable strategies they can implement immediately.

  • By immersing participants in their everyday work environment, Learnership™ opens their eyes to new perspectives and possibilities. This shift in mindset enables them to see problems from different angles, fostering creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills.

  • In today's fast-paced business world, uncertainty is inevitable. Learnership™ equips leaders with the confidence and resilience to navigate ambiguity with ease, empowering them to make informed decisions and lead with conviction.

  • Gone are the days of passive learning and theoretical concepts. Learnership™ prioritises experiential learning in the present moment, enabling participants to apply new insights and skills immediately and drive meaningful results.

  • With Learnership™, leaders don't just react to challenges—they anticipate and shape the future. By envisioning new possibilities and embracing change, they become catalysts for innovation and growth within your company.

What’s the difference between Horizontal and Vertical Development:

Horizontal Development

Think of horizontal development as expanding what you already know. It’s about acquiring more skills, knowledge, and competencies in your current way of thinking and operating. Imagine adding more books to a shelf; you’re broadening your collection but not necessarily changing the shelf itself.

In a professional setting, this could mean learning a new programming language, mastering a new sales technique, or getting certified in a particular skill set. It’s about enhancement and addition within the same level of thinking and problem-solving.

Vertical Development

Vertical development, on the other hand, is about transforming how you think and see the world. It’s like getting a taller shelf that allows you to organise your books (and add even more) in new ways. This type of development involves a fundamental shift in perspective, understanding, and problem-solving capacity. It’s about growing your capacity to handle complexity, ambiguity, and change. For leaders, vertical development means evolving their mindset and capabilities to navigate more complex challenges, lead with greater empathy, and create more innovative solutions.

Hamish has really changed the way that UNIFIED Music Group think about Leadership, and we are so grateful for the skills that he continues to teach us. He is a true partner in the growth of both people, and business. I would highly recommend Hamish to any business or senior team who want to work together effectively and build a strategy that leads from the top.

Michelle Rose, Chief of Staff
UNIFIED Music Group