GAP: the gift that keeps on giving

Growth Advantage Programme participant Claire Kinloch came to the end of this executive learning programme recently and here shares her thoughts on the programme.

When I signed up for the Growth Advantage Programme (GAP) at Strathclyde Business School it was with a commitment to the Genoa Black business and team to make every effort to understand how to make us better and to scale up.

And despite every calendar snoop ahead of each two day programme at Strathclyde eliciting fear in me about how I would ever fit everything in, after 10 minutes of settling down amongst my peers on the programme, I kicked myself for even questioning the value each session will bring.

The Growth Advantage Programme is designed to deliver relevant, accessible and practical learning for the leaders of ambitious businesses in Scotland by combining world class executive education with the power of peer learning. Delivered by Scotland’s top entrepreneurship faculty at the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship, the programme also benefits from visiting professors such as Sir Tom Hunter, the entrepreneur and philanthropist; MIT’s Bill Aulet, author of the acclaimed Disciplined Entrepreneurship methodology; Ros Taylor, the internationally recognised psychologist, author and broadcaster; and Irene Graham, Chief Executive of the Scale Up Institute.

The programme is directed by peer learning expert John Anderson, former Chief Executive of The Entrepreneurial Exchange and now Head of SME Engagement at Strathclyde Business School, whose 20 years of peer learning experience has been recognised by his inclusion in the 2016 Maserati 100 list.

Notwithstanding the exceptional content, speakers, programme design and sheer passion of those leading the programme, it is without doubt the peer learning, feedback and fun I have relished the most.

Recently, the very generous James England from Blue Sky Experiences gave up a day of his and his team's time at their inspiring Perthshire location for an "Insights" encounter. Discovery of the self was the focus and how very revealing (and hilarious) it was for us all!

Discovering new, creative and challenging techniques, tools, inspiring case studies and best practice through the programme is one thing, but discovering yourself (the good, the bad and the ugly) has taken the gift of this programme to a whole new level.

The openness and generosity of the group is overwhelming. From the honest and direct feedback, the genuine interest and support in each other, the sharing of experience and learning to help others do better next time, coupled with  a real respect for diversity... to carefully planned and executed Spitfire fly-bys from Iain Hutchison to give everyone an end-of-week finale to self-discovery, is not only inspiring but humbling.

I would strongly advise that whether you are looking for professional reinvigoration, personal liberation or both, you sign up to the next cohort with John Anderson at Strathclyde Business School.

For further information on GAP, please contact john.c.anderson@strath.ac.uk 

About Claire Kinloch

Claire Kinloch is Managing Director & Owner of marketing and creative agency Genoa Black. Claire has previously been in senior marketing positions at Orange, BD Network and The Leith Agency.