Leadership Team
Meet the people guiding The Institute of Leadership. Our leadership team brings together diverse expertise, experience, and vision, driving innovation and excellence across every aspect of our organisation. Learn more about the individuals shaping our strategy, inspiring our members, and championing leadership development worldwide.
John is our CEO, working closely with our Board and all the members of our team to support us in fulfilling our mission. He has worked in many leadership roles across the world and enjoys supporting other leaders to achieve their best. John did his MBA at Northumbria University, and spends most of his spare time running (slowly), reading, writing, and collecting antique Chinese Government bonds. Yes, really.
John’s motto is “We are what we share”.
Rebecca is passionate about leadership because she's seen the difference it makes - both good and bad. Most of us have experienced poor leadership at some point, and we know how deeply that can affect confidence, culture and performance. It’s often said that people don’t leave organisations, they leave poor leaders - and that belief has stayed with her throughout her career.
As Commercial Director at The Institute of Leadership, Rebecca works in partnership with organisations to help them build strong, healthy leadership cultures. She focuses on providing leadership support that makes a genuine difference - to individuals, to teams and ultimately to organisational results.
For Rebecca, it’s about helping people be the best leaders they can be, with confidence, clarity and purpose. Because we are a charity, the work she does also ensures our charitable objectives can continue to flourish - extending our reach, advancing the science and practice of leadership, and enabling more leaders and organisations to thrive.
Cassandra is our Head of HR and currently seconded to the Senior Leadership Team, where she plays a key role in shaping our people strategy and culture. Since joining the Institute, she has progressed from HR Coordinator to her current role, bringing nearly 20 years of HR experience, alongside broader expertise in finance, administration, and operations.
Her career spans both commercial and not-for-profit sectors, including global automotive and engineering organisations. This diverse background gives Cassandra a unique perspective on building inclusive, high-performing workplaces.
CIPD-qualified and passionate about early resolution, wellbeing, and developing new ways of working, she leads initiatives that foster collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement. She’s known for her thoughtful approach, strong organisational skills, and commitment to creating environments where people feel supported and empowered.
Outside of work, Cassandra has a keen interest and qualification in clinical nutrition and enjoys exploring the connection between wellbeing and performance.
John is our CEO, working closely with our Board and all the members of our team to support us in fulfilling our mission. He has worked in many leadership roles across the world and enjoys supporting other leaders to achieve their best. John did his MBA at Northumbria University, and spends most of his spare time running (slowly), reading, writing, and collecting antique Chinese Government bonds. Yes, really.
John’s motto is “We are what we share”.
Rebecca is passionate about leadership because she's seen the difference it makes - both good and bad. Most of us have experienced poor leadership at some point, and we know how deeply that can affect confidence, culture and performance. It’s often said that people don’t leave organisations, they leave poor leaders - and that belief has stayed with her throughout her career.
As Commercial Director at The Institute of Leadership, Rebecca works in partnership with organisations to help them build strong, healthy leadership cultures. She focuses on providing leadership support that makes a genuine difference - to individuals, to teams and ultimately to organisational results.
For Rebecca, it’s about helping people be the best leaders they can be, with confidence, clarity and purpose. Because we are a charity, the work she does also ensures our charitable objectives can continue to flourish - extending our reach, advancing the science and practice of leadership, and enabling more leaders and organisations to thrive.
Cassandra is our Head of HR and currently seconded to the Senior Leadership Team, where she plays a key role in shaping our people strategy and culture. Since joining the Institute, she has progressed from HR Coordinator to her current role, bringing nearly 20 years of HR experience, alongside broader expertise in finance, administration, and operations.
Her career spans both commercial and not-for-profit sectors, including global automotive and engineering organisations. This diverse background gives Cassandra a unique perspective on building inclusive, high-performing workplaces.
CIPD-qualified and passionate about early resolution, wellbeing, and developing new ways of working, she leads initiatives that foster collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement. She’s known for her thoughtful approach, strong organisational skills, and commitment to creating environments where people feel supported and empowered.
Outside of work, Cassandra has a keen interest and qualification in clinical nutrition and enjoys exploring the connection between wellbeing and performance.
Jerome has worked in leadership management development for over 25 years, and enthusiastically leads The IoL's Institute Approved initiative. He loves working collaboratively with clients to create solutions that will bring value to your business and bring your vision to life.
Laura is passionate about the role leadership plays in shaping not just performance, but people’s everyday experience at work. She works closely with organisations to understand their challenges and help them build leadership capability that makes a genuine, lasting difference.
Working across the Institute's full commercial offering, Laura takes a collaborative and consultative approach, focusing on what will truly work for each organisation, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution. Her focus is on delivering meaningful impact that supports both people and performance.
Laura creates conversations that are genuinely valuable, as she believes leadership isn’t just about development. It’s about creating environments where people can perform at their best, feel supported and drive long-term success. For her, great leadership should be felt at every level of an organisation.
Jerome has worked in leadership management development for over 25 years, and enthusiastically leads The IoL's Institute Approved initiative. He loves working collaboratively with clients to create solutions that will bring value to your business and bring your vision to life.
Laura is passionate about the role leadership plays in shaping not just performance, but people’s everyday experience at work. She works closely with organisations to understand their challenges and help them build leadership capability that makes a genuine, lasting difference.
Working across the Institute's full commercial offering, Laura takes a collaborative and consultative approach, focusing on what will truly work for each organisation, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution. Her focus is on delivering meaningful impact that supports both people and performance.
Laura creates conversations that are genuinely valuable, as she believes leadership isn’t just about development. It’s about creating environments where people can perform at their best, feel supported and drive long-term success. For her, great leadership should be felt at every level of an organisation.
With over 17 years in the hospitality industry, Karen curates captivating events that enhance the member experience, including virtual events like our Meet the Author, Members Masterclass series and amazing live events like Leadership Live and The Leadership Awards.
With more than a decade of content marketing experience, Ciara is driven by a passion for storytelling that inspires and connects. She plays a key role in coordinating EDGE Magazine, our members’ publication that gives voice to the community and shines a spotlight on members’ stories and successes.
With over 17 years in the hospitality industry, Karen curates captivating events that enhance the member experience, including virtual events like our Meet the Author, Members Masterclass series and amazing live events like Leadership Live and The Leadership Awards.
With more than a decade of content marketing experience, Ciara is driven by a passion for storytelling that inspires and connects. She plays a key role in coordinating EDGE Magazine, our members’ publication that gives voice to the community and shines a spotlight on members’ stories and successes.
