Inspiring young women in the Arts
elle (Emerging Legacy Leaders East) was a new coaching and networking programme supported by The Legacy List, the charity set up to support the legacy of the 2012 Olympic Games. Its mission is to make connections between people and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park through developing high quality art, education and skill building initiatives to create brighter futures for the local communities.
elle focused on women at the beginning of their careers who were embarking on a creative career path. Its purpose was to better equip women to deal with the challenges they face, the choices they make and the leaders they will become.
How did we help?
The Legacy List approached 12 arts and culture organisations in East London to ascertain their interest and commitment to giving their employees time to be coached and get involved, working in partnership across the local arts and cultural sector.
The pilot was launched in September 2014 with the first cohort of elle associates, for whom Leaders Lab designed a bespoke 6-month coaching programme. Associates undertook over 24 hours of coaching focused on aspects such as self-confidence, managing upwards, time management and networking skills. At the end of the programme, each associate gave a presentation demonstrating their learning.
Alongside the programme, inspirational men and women from a range of sectors – ‘elle experts’ – contributed to a series of events designed to support the coaching sessions. Events from speed networking to debates on leadership provided opportunities for associates to test their learning in real but safe environments.
The elle associates 2014-2015. Photo © Ollie Harrop
I’m very happy with how it’s going with the coaching, it’s been a complete hit with the associates and their employers.
Being part of elle has reminded me that I count. I count in terms of what I can offer my field and what I can offer others around me. What I say and do impacts others all of the time, so giving the best of me as much as possible is pertinent to succeeding. elle has helped me on a pathway to get the very best out of me.