Stepping into leadership shoes can feel like tiptoeing across a tightrope. Those of us who grew up LGBTQIA+ probably spent most of our childhood and our early career trying to blend in and not stand out from the crowd. Being a leader means that you're about to stand out in a big way! But guess what? Your unique identity—the very thing that makes you beautifully you—can be your secret weapon to being one of the most powerful and authentic leaders in your workplace. 

What to Expect:

• Fear vs. Fabulous: We'll chat about those butterflies in your stomach and how we can turn our fears about stepping up as a leader into our first opportunity to demonstrate why you're the perfect person to be a leader. Let's talk about why, fear can be a good thing in leadership and how you can harness that power to make better decisions and lead with your heart on your sleeve. 
• Authentic Leadership: No cookie-cutter bosses here! Let's explore what it means to lead authentically—quirks, glitter, and all. Some of the best leaders we come across seem like they're natural born leaders, but that's never the case.  We'll explore how authenticity in the workplace is vital for leading and how you can use your identity to your advantage.
• Some simple tools for success: Sometimes having a small toolbox of management resources can be really helpful! Here's a quick peak inside our toolkit of resources to explore some basic frameworks and leadership skills to overcome imposter syndrome and that will make you stand out to your team and beyond. 

Your host: 

This webinar is being hosted by Oscar Hoyle who is the Chief Executive Officer at Blossom LGBT CIC and also a director at Trans in the City. Today, Oscar's work centres around creating environments where queer young people (and the young at heart) can thrive in their social and professional lives. Oscar holds an impressive portfolio of experience including operational management in a chain of retail stores before finding their passion in LGBTQIA+ equality having worked at Stonewall and as a leader in multiple small charities. 

Play Along: 

This webinar will be hosted on YouTube via a private viewing link! So that you're still able to ask questions, take part in polls and quizzes, and contribute to the learning of others we'd recommend installing the Slido app from https://www.slido.com/. You'll also be able to use slido on the web in another tab or window if you don't want to use your phone. We'll provide more information on how to use Slido during the event. 

Further Support: 

We're excited to be able to offer free one to one mentoring for LGBTQIA+ people aged 16 to 30 years old. If you're struggling to kick start your career, or are looking for guidance on how to grow and step up as a leader, we can support you. Our mentoring is holistic and allows you to explore who you are, what makes you powerful, and how you can channel that into your career. We have an expert team to get you started before finding you a mentor who can guide you in your specific industry of choice. For more information you or to book in your first meeting with us, you can email [email protected]. 

Whilst this event is free and made possible by the National Lottery Community Fund, we kindly ask that LGBTQIA+ people already in full time work, allies of the community, and those already in leadership roles to consider making a donation of £5+ to allow us to continue to keep these events completely free of charge for those who need them. With particular thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for making Blossom LGBT CIC's employability and upskilling programme possible through their grant for our pilot scheme.