Andy Chevis

My number one priority is making sure that the work we do with our clients and customers really will help leaders improve the experience of work, for everyone in their organisation. We have a belief that if leaders can create the conditions for success for others, then anything is possible. This means I spend a lot of time chatting, reading and thinking about our point of view when it comes to leadership impact. We have an amazing team that then brings this to life in the design and delivery of our solutions. When I'm not deep in thought mode, I'm either delivering programs as a facilitator or planning for our next curve for our own business, so we can continue to work towards our vision of delivering leadership development that transforms work.

I have a pretty diverse background and experience that spans a number of industries, including Banks, Pharmaceutical, Retail, Technology, Science and Research, Hospitality, and I've even worked in Student Accommodation. This breadth of experience has given a real appreciation of the experience, challenges and opportuities, leaders face in many different environments and their unique needs. Whether it's working with the intricacies of banking and finance or delving into the fast-paced world of technology or retail, I've worked with leaders and their teams to help them raise their own awareness of the ultimate business impact they want to have, the optimum environment that will enable this and the specific contribution they need to make through effective leadership.

I'm first and foremost a facilitator. Whether it's large scale leadership programs or intact teams, I'm happiest when I'm working directly with leaders of all shapes and sizes. I believe that the process of collective sensemaking is the most powerful driver of effective learning and development. I think I'm good at creating an environment that makes this possible, that enables people to do their best thinking - together. I'm a strong believer in practice and essentially, thats what we're doing when we learn best.

I'm fairly agnostic when it comes to leadership theory, I think there's value in many different frameworks and methodologies. If I had to pick one, Complex Responsive Process (CRP). would be something I reflect on often and I think it shows up in the way I work. CRP recognises that organisations are complex social systems where patterns of interaction and sense-making emerge from the interactions of individuals and groups. CRP emphasizes the importance of understanding the dynamics of human relationships, power structures, and social contexts within organisations. It acknowledges that leadership is not just about top-down authority but is distributed throughout the system, with leadership emerging from within various levels and dimensions of the business. Ultimately it's about a leaders capacity for reflection, adaptability, and relational intelligence.

I've worked in this space for more than 25 years and in that time I've learnt that I'm not the smartest person in the room and I'm not supposed to be. The leaders I work with are brilliant. My job is to create a learning experience that brings that out in people and I believe LIW values this. Our purpose is to improve lives by transforming the experience of work and this goes way beyond the learning in the room. When you choose LIW you get a partnership, in every sense of the word. We work with you, not on you and above all, we're a team.

How would participants describe me? Well, I hope they would say curious! I'd like to think I demonstrate the qualities I'm trying to help others develop but I'm human just like everyone else. Sometimes I think the best impact I can have is to show others it's fine to not be perfect. In fact, it's in these moments of imperfection we learn the most. I think I'm enthusiastic and committed and I still really love the process of learning. I think deeply about leadership and understand the importance of practical examples and humility so you'll always get a few self depriciating stories along the way. I hope that's what participants would say they experience when we work together.