Kristy Houghton – Challenge of Leadership

The interactive discussions, real-world case studies, and collaborative projects provided a rich learning environment where I gained valuable insights and fresh perspectives.

Why I Embarked on the LMA Program
I chose to undertake the LMA Challenge of Leadership program to further develop my leadership and management capabilities. My goal was to acquire practical tools, proven frameworks, and strategic insights that would enable me to lead high-performing teams with clarity, confidence, and purpose. I was particularly motivated to strengthen my emotional intelligence, build resilience under pressure, and increase my personal confidence as a leader. Ultimately, I wanted to create a more engaged and productive team culture while delivering a meaningful impact within my organisation.

Personal and Professional Goals
Through this program, I aimed to achieve a blend of personal and professional growth. Professionally, I was focused on becoming a more effective and confident leader—one who can inspire teams, lead through change, and align leadership practices with strategic organisational goals. I sought to develop my ability to manage diverse teams, make better decisions under pressure, and drive consistent performance.

On a personal level, I wanted to build deeper self-awareness and strengthen my emotional intelligence—two attributes I consider essential to successful leadership. I was also keen to improve my communication and influencing skills and broaden my perspective through engagement with peers from other industries.

Key Learnings and Tools Applied
One of the most impactful tools I applied was situational leadership—adjusting my leadership style to meet the varying needs of individual team members. This approach has enabled me to be more responsive and supportive, providing the right balance of direction and autonomy to foster both accountability and growth across my team.
Another key learning was the emphasis on emotional intelligence. Developing this skill has significantly improved how I handle conflict, communicate with empathy, and build stronger working relationships. It has helped me foster a more open, collaborative, and high-performing team environment.

Most Enjoyable Part of the Program
The most enjoyable aspect of the program was the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse cohort of peers. The interactive discussions, real-world case studies, and collaborative projects provided a rich learning environment where I gained valuable insights and fresh perspectives. The diversity of experience and thought within the group helped challenge my assumptions, refine my leadership approach, and energize my learning journey.

Would I Recommend the Program?
Absolutely. I would highly recommend the LMA Challenge of Leadership program to both individuals and organisations. For individuals, it offers a practical and well-structured pathway to developing real-world leadership skills that can be applied immediately in the workplace. For organisations, it represents a valuable investment in building a strong leadership pipeline, enhancing team dynamics, and strengthening overall performance.

This program effectively bridges the gap between leadership theory and practical application, empowering leaders to make meaningful, measurable contributions to their teams and organisations. It has been a transformative experience, and I believe it offers enduring value for anyone committed to leadership excellence.