The Development Alchemists AWARE Programme, an interview with Sue Groves – Leadership and Development Trainer coach and facilitator

Learning at Your Own Pace, Growing Through Shared Experience

Sue Groves, a seasoned learning and development professional, has witnessed the evolution of workplace training firsthand. "I've been in learning and development, designing and delivering training, coaching and facilitating for over 40 years now," she reflects. From traditional classroom settings to the virtual revolution accelerated by the pandemic, she's seen what works and what doesn't. 

For Sue, her passion for supporting learning has always been clear: "I just think that being around people and helping them develop in some shape or form is kind of who I am." Her assessment of AWARE? "I just love it because no two sessions are the same." What makes AWARE exceptional is its elegant balance between self-directed learning and meaningful human connection. As Sue explains, online learning "really only works if it is supported by some sort of facilitation‚ thinking about the 'so what’? What does that mean to me? What am I going to do with it?' ‘What next?’  That reflective space is built into AWARE by design. Participants engage with content independently, then come together in facilitated sessions where learning is explored, challenged and embedded.  “That’s why I like the AWARE programme,” Sue says. “It’s an integral part of it.”

The Power of the Mural Board

At the heart of AWARE lies an innovative visual learning platform that participants can access whenever and wherever they choose. As Sue observes, "The way that the whole programme is set up uses individual strengths. So, whatever your learning style is, there's something for everyone in the AWARE boards." Participants consistently praise the flexibility. They've "enjoyed the visual aspect of it. They've enjoyed the fact that they can plan it around their diaries. They haven't got to set a date at set times." But here's where it gets truly interesting: these boards remain accessible long after the programme concludes. "They also have the ability to be able to go back to the boards once the programme's finished and just recap their learning," Sue notes. "They like that facility as well."

Where Individual Study Meets Collective Intelligence

Every few weeks, AWARE participants come together in facilitated sessions to share experiences and learn from one another. These aren't lectures‚ they're genuine conversations that allow people to explore ideas "safely without feeling judged." "People tend to tune in to what really resonates with them," Sue explains. "They bring it to the table and we discuss it. And then that focus sparks an insight for someone else , 'do you know I hadn't thought about that? Because I was focusing on something completely different.'" 

Sue sees her role as holding that space and ensuring that every voice is heard. And that everyone leaves feeling that they’ve moved forward." Participants consistently highlight these facilitated discussions in their feedback: "They really value the opportunity to be part of a facilitated discussion at the end of each module."

Real-World Relevance

Traditional leadership programmes often follow a one-size-fits-all approach. AWARE turns this on its head. The programme covers comprehensive leadership principles, but you have the freedom to focus on what's directly applicable to your workplace and team. Sue regularly hears participants say, "I really like this because I can apply it to what's happening in my workplace at the moment. So it's directly relevant." This connection between learning and immediate application transforms professional development from an abstract exercise into a practical toolkit for navigating real leadership challenges.

Flexibility That Fits Your Life

The programme is designed to fit around your diary, not dictate it. There's no need to block out fixed times or rearrange critical commitments. You control when and where you engage with the content, making it genuinely accessible even for the busiest professionals.

Why It Works

For Sue, facilitating AWARE sessions remains "fascinating" after decades in the field. "My experience has been that each group is completely different making the facilitation remain relevant and fresh.  Whilst the content remains the same there are real differences in focus and direction, which just shows the depth of the programme really."

This variety stems from AWARE's fundamental philosophy: leadership development should be a living, evolving conversation, not a rigid curriculum. When participants bring their whole selves and real challenges to the table, the learning becomes exponentially more valuable for everyone involved.

A New Approach to Leadership Development

The AWARE programme represents a thoughtful evolution in leadership development. It harnesses the benefits of digital learning‚ flexibility, accessibility, visual engagement‚ whilst preserving what makes learning truly transformative: human connection, shared experience, and the opportunity to explore ideas in a supportive community. As organisations navigate increasingly complex challenges and hybrid working environments, leaders need development opportunities that are both rigorous and realistic. They need programmes that respect their time, acknowledge their expertise, and provide genuine tools for growth. AWARE delivers on all these fronts.

Whether you're an emerging leader finding your voice, a seasoned manager facing new challenges, or an organisation seeking to develop your leadership cohort, AWARE offers a path forward that's both practical and profound. It's leadership development designed for the real world, by people who understand how adults learn and grow.

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To learn more about the AWARE programme or discuss how it might benefit your organisation, contact The Development Alchemists – www.development-alchemists.com