Education on your doorstep: Yorkshire leadership courses and peer-to-peer support

We caught up with Julie Wilford, CEO of Encompass Agency Group, about her experience with Executive Education at Leeds University Business School.

Can you tell us a bit about your role and the organisation you work for?

I am CEO of Encompass Agency Group, which comprises Design Portfolio and its in-house impact consultancy, Ever Sustainable; and Kalago Digital. We’re a corporate communications agency specialising in digital experience, corporate reporting, sustainability communications, branding and employee engagement. We work with listed companies, private organisations and charities to help them communicate clearly and effectively with stakeholders. As CEO, I am responsible for the strategic direction of the business, supporting our team and ensuring we deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.

What first made you get involved with Executive Education at Leeds University Business School?

As a business leader, I am a strong believer that learning should never stop. While experience is incredibly valuable, I wanted the opportunity to step back from the day-to-day challenges of running a business and explore new ideas, perspectives and approaches to leadership. Leeds University Business School offered a combination of academic rigour and professional coaching, as well as the opportunity to learn alongside other leaders facing similar challenges and opportunities. And all on my doorstep!

You’ve now taken part in a few different things with us. What has made you keep coming back?

Following my completion of the Help to Grow Programme in 2024, I have continued working with Leeds University Business School through MBA Research Projects, hosting a Non-Executive Director placement, becoming a Leader in Residence, giving time to student projects and attending a Leadership Residential as part of the Help to Grow Alumni offering.

What has kept me coming back is the quality of the content, the calibre of the speakers and the opportunity to connect with other business leaders from across the region and some very talented students. Every programme has provided a different perspective, and I’ve always left with ideas that I could immediately apply in my own business

What have you found most useful from the experience?

The most valuable aspect has been having the space to think strategically. Running a business often means focusing on immediate priorities, but Executive Education provides the opportunity to step back, challenge existing assumptions and consider future opportunities. I’ve also found the peer-to-peer learning invaluable. Hearing how other leaders approach challenges can be just as insightful as the formal content itself.

Has it changed how you approach leadership or business decisions?

Yes. It has reinforced the importance of taking a long-term view, remaining open to different perspectives and creating an environment where people can learn, develop and contribute their ideas. It has also encouraged me to balance commercial priorities with investment in people, innovation and organisational capability, recognising that sustainable growth depends on all three.

What would you say to someone else thinking about getting involved with Executive Education?

I’d strongly recommend it. The combination of expert insight, practical application and networking with other professionals makes it an incredibly worthwhile experience.

Find out how Executive Education at Leeds University Business School could help you take the next step in your leadership and business growth here.