Leading with confidence in challenging times

Practical approaches for navigating challenge, change, and crisis as a leader

Challenge, change, and crisis can emerge in any organisation. When issues arise, charity leaders are often called upon to provide stability, guidance, and reassurance – not only to their teams but also to beneficiaries, supporters, and the wider community.

Whether you want to strengthen your preparedness, are anticipating difficult moments ahead, or are already managing significant pressure, this workshop offers a supportive space to build practical skills for leading confidently through uncertainty and organisational strain.

Through interactive discussion and practical exercises, participants will explore:

• leading with integrity under pressure – staying values-led and transparent, maintaining perspective, and protecting your own wellbeing
• using your skills in new ways – pivoting, applying familiar management techniques differently, and enabling your people to shape the response
• clear communication through challenge, change, and crisis – practical techniques to keep teams, boards, and stakeholders aligned and reassured
• leadership after challenge or crisis – turning difficult experiences into learning, resilience, and renewed trust

This workshop is designed for civil society chief executives and senior leaders seeking practical, real-world approaches to lead decisively, calmly and compassionately when things get tough. Participants will leave with a toolkit of approaches to enhance their leadership skills, lead effectively through tough times, support their teams, and foster long-term organisational resilience.

If your organisation is already in crisis, you are welcome to attend — and you may also wish to contact the CEO in Crisis support line for immediate, one-to-one assistance.

Speaker

Nicola Upton

Charity consultant

Nicola Upton

Charity consultant

Nicola Upton is a consultant, coach, and trainer with more than two decades of leadership experience in charities large and small, including CEO and Director roles. She works alongside organisations navigating change, challenge, or crisis, and also supports those seeking to strengthen their impact, develop their people and services, and reduce the risk of difficulties arising. Nicola brings broad experience in organisational design, people leadership, governance, strategy, and service delivery, and is a skilled facilitator who takes a warm, human-centred approach. She is committed to helping leaders make good decisions under pressure, support their teams, and navigate complex situations with integrity and care.