YCA Panel event: The Leadership Leap: Managing Up, Leading Down, and Thriving in Between

Making the transition from technical expert to effective leader is one of the most significant shifts in any career. For many emerging leaders, success is no longer just about delivering great work, it's about influencing others, navigating competing expectations, and helping people perform at their best.

Join a panel of experienced leaders as they share practical insights, lessons learned and real-world experiences from their own leadership journeys. Together, we'll explore how to recognise when you're ready to step up, what to focus on during your first 90 days in a leadership role, and the common mistakes that can derail even the most promising new leaders.

The discussion will also examine the balancing act of leadership: managing up by building credibility with senior leaders and advocating for your own growth, while managing down by leading former peers, delegating effectively and having challenging conversations with confidence. We'll also explore how leadership expectations are evolving, including what the next generation of professionals values in a leader and how hybrid work is reshaping mentorship, development and team culture.

You'll leave with practical strategies and a clearer understanding of the skills that matter most in today's workplace, including emotional intelligence, communication, commercial awareness, delegation and the ability to thrive in ambiguity.

Whether you're leading for the first time or looking to position yourself for your next career move, this session will provide valuable insights to help you make the leap with confidence.