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Last weekend, our second-year Oxford Laidlaw Scholars gathered at Lady Margaret Hall for an intensive Leadership Training Day to equip them with the essential skills to navigate challenges, influence change, and lead with impact.

The day was an opportunity for Scholars to step outside their comfort zones, engage in interactive workshops, and reflect on their personal and professional growth. The sessions focused on three fundamental aspects of leadership:

  • Public Speaking with Simon Bucknall – Scholars explored techniques to speak with confidence and clarity, gaining practical tools to enhance their presence and delivery. Through engaging exercises, they refined their storytelling, persuasion, and articulation skills, essential for their future leadership roles.
  • Active Listening with Priscilla Leigh – Effective leadership starts with listening. This session encouraged Scholars to cultivate deep listening skills, helping them to foster stronger relationships, build trust, and engage in meaningful dialogue—skills that will be crucial as they prepare for their Leadership in Action (LiA) projects.
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  • Time Management with Dr. Dyedra Morrissey – Scholars learned practical strategies for prioritisation, goal setting, and productivity, equipping them with the tools to balance multiple responsibilities while staying focused on long-term impact. Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Morrissey shared:
    "It was amazing to hear about the Leadership in Action projects the Scholars have planned internationally during the summer. I look forward to hearing how everyone is getting on once they are doing their projects!"
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Looking Ahead: Leadership in Action

Beyond the skills developed during the training day, the event also served as a space for Scholars to plan and prepare for their upcoming Leadership in Action (LiA) projects—where they will take their learning beyond the classroom and apply it to real-world challenges across different global contexts.

From research-driven community initiatives to sustainable development projects, these Scholars will soon be putting their leadership into action, demonstrating the power of character-driven leadership to create meaningful change.

A Milestone in Their Leadership Journey

As our Scholars continue on their Oxford Laidlaw journey, this training day stands as an important milestone in their growth—helping them to develop the confidence, resilience, and skills needed to lead with integrity and purpose.

Stay tuned as we follow their progress and share updates on their impact in the months ahead!

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