BRC Leaders Summer School
The industry-leading programme for mid-level retail leaders who are ready to drive positive change.
Programme Overview
The BRC Leaders Summer School is a blended leadership programme designed for high-performing, high-potential mid-level managers from diverse backgrounds. Equipping current and future leaders with the tools to drive meaningful change, through the lenses of people, planet, profit, and purpose. With a focus on conscious leadership, the programme combines real-world examples and rich content to address the industry's most pressing challenges.
Who Should Attend?
This programme is designed for high-performing, high-potential mid-level managers from a range of diverse backgrounds, from retail operations, to finance, HR and marketing. Individuals who are eager to elevate their leadership capabilities and drive meaningful change to be able to impact their organisation's long-term success.
Key Benefits:
- Elevate conscious leadership to become a more self-aware leader
- Boost leadership skills and confidence in decision-making
- Drive initiatives for business growth with a focus on people, planet, profit, and purpose
- Learn how to proactively counter industry challenges
- Network with industry peers and gain insights from seasoned leaders
- Develop innovative solutions to complex organisational issues
- Overcome personal growth ceilings and unlock new career potential
- Be part of a cohort of next-generation leaders ready to shape the future
Programme Highlights
Hybrid Learning Format:
We know how important it is to step away from the day-to-day but still apply your new learning within your role. That's why this programme has two immersive residential 'bookend' sessions combined with online interactive learning, bridging theory and practice.
Networking with Retail Peers
Connect with peers, mentors, alumni and industry professionals, expanding your network within the retail sector and growing your opportunity for continued learning beyond the programme.
The Four Lenses Framework
A framework, created by our designers, that forces you to think beyond the bottom line and consider all of the implications of your decisions. This framework can help to navigate tricky decisions whilst at the same time, bringing your team on the journey with you.
Interactive & Experiential Learning
The programme uses a variety of interactive and experiential learning methods to enhance engagement and understanding. You will engage in group projects, including a business simulation, where you can apply your learning to real-world situations.
BRC Leaders Summer School
Download the brochure now to explore how our programme can help you advance your leadership skills and accelerate your career.
What Our Alumni Say
I attended the BRC Summer School feeling a little apprehensive about the course and unsure of what to expect. I learned so much over the six-week programme, and the mix of in-person sessions, online learning, and webinars was an ideal combination for developing as a leader. The speakers were incredible, and Evelina’s session on the Purpose Lens had a strong impact on me. I loved being part of a coaching group that was there for support throughout the course—and continues to be now that it has finished. I feel I’ve made valuable contacts and good friends during the course and look forward to putting my learning into action as I return to work with a completely new outlook as a leader.
Possibly the best course I have ever been on. It really pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to be 100% myself. Walking into Ashridge House, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I thought I’d be learning strict management and leadership skills. I did learn these, but the BRC Summer School was so much more than that. With a focus on the four pillars—People, Planet, Profit, Purpose—it encouraged me to be curious and reflect on myself, first and foremost, as well as on those around me, both in professional and personal settings. It made me realize that I am the right person for my role, and those around me should feel that way too. It helped me dive deeper into our individual purpose in life and at work. What do we truly want to achieve? The BRC Summer School gave me the confidence to be myself and to consider each pillar in depth, thinking about how I can use these insights to help create a safe environment for those around me, so they too can be their true selves and achieve great things!
I attended the BRC Leaders Summer School feeling a little apprehensive about the programme and unsure of what to expect. Over the six weeks, I learned so much and found the combination of in-person sessions, online learning, and webinars to be ideal for developing as a leader. The speakers were incredible, and Evelina's session on the Purpose Lens had a significant impact on me. I loved being part of a coaching group that provided support throughout the course and continues to do so even now that it has ended. I feel I’ve made some great contacts and good friends during the programme and look forward to applying what I’ve learned as I return to work with a completely fresh perspective as a leader.
Programme Curriculum
Residential One
Kick off the learning experience with an immersive session alongside your group and dedicated coach. Dive into the four core lenses through expert-led talks and interactive workshops, focusing on building your personal leadership style and understanding conscious leadership. Begin the group simulation and set expectations for the virtual bridge, all while forging lasting connections with peers.
Digital Bridge & Interactive Learning Sessions
The learning platform and app offer flexible, on-demand access to content, with tools to track progress and encourage reflection. The programme includes self-led learning with three core modules and four optional modules (requiring at least one). Core modules include: Leading through ambiguity and change, Teams that fit together and The Self-Aware Leader. Choice modules: Big data, Wellbeing, Digital Transformation or Circular Economy
Group Coaching
During the virtual bridge, delegates participate in regular group coaching sessions with peers and a dedicated coach (who are past delegates of the programme). These sessions focus on social learning through discussion, debate, and collaborative problem-solving. Participants explore insights from live sessions, e-learning content, and personal experiences in an inclusive, supportive environment. Ongoing coaching sessions will also be available during the residentials to further strengthen relationships and team cohesion.
Residential Two
The programme concludes with an in-person regroup at Ashridge House to tie everything together. A live coaching seminar, individual development commitments, and a reflective session provide personal growth opportunities. The final keynote speaker offers fresh perspectives, followed by a closing ceremony and celebration.
Programme Details:
BRC Members
As a BRC member, you benefit from exclusive discounted rates on all our programmes. To make it even better, you can unlock further savings with our Early Bird discount when you book early. It’s our way of helping you access industry-leading development opportunities at the best possible value.
The Early Bird rate is £4,450 (available until 31st January 2025), and the standard price is £4,885. The price includes accommodation at Ashridge House in Berkhamsted for both residential sessions, all meals during both residential sessions, and access to online content for nine months after the programme. Drinks, snacks outside of meals, and travel to and from Ashridge House are not included.
The programme takes place at Ashridge House in Berkhamsted, a historic estate set in beautiful countryside, providing an inspiring and tranquil environment for learning and networking. The in-person sessions are complemented by a virtual bridge, offering interactive online content to connect and deepen your learning between the residential sessions. This combination of an immersive setting and flexible online learning ensures a comprehensive and engaging experience.
Standout features of the BRC Leaders Summer School programme include: a focus on conscious leadership, real-world case studies, networking with industry leaders, and hands-on learning experiences.
Non-BRC Members
Non-members are welcome to join our programmes and gain access to the same industry-leading content and expert insights that our members enjoy. Even without membership, you can still take advantage of our Early Bird discount by booking early, making these opportunities even more accessible. It’s a great way to invest in your development and connect with industry professionals.
The Early Bird rate is £4,900 (available until 31st March 2025), and the standard price is £5,390. The price includes accommodation at Ashridge House in Berkhamsted for both residential sessions, all meals during both residential sessions, and access to online content for nine months after the programme. Drinks, snacks outside of meals, and travel to and from Ashridge House are not included.
The programme takes place at Ashridge House in Berkhamsted, a historic estate set in beautiful countryside, providing an inspiring and tranquil environment for learning and networking. The in-person sessions are complemented by a virtual bridge, offering interactive online content to connect and deepen your learning between the residential sessions. This combination of an immersive setting and flexible online learning ensures a comprehensive and engaging experience.
Standout features of the BRC Leaders Summer School programme include: a focus on conscious leadership, real-world case studies, networking with industry leaders, and hands-on learning experiences.
FAQ's
The Summer School is an immersive, blended leadership programme tailored specifically for high-performing or high-potential retail leaders. Unlike general leadership courses, it is designed for the retail sector, offering practical tools to address industry challenges while building skills in sustainability, strategic thinking, and conscious leadership. Participants engage with experts and peers to develop self-awareness and solve real-world problems.
The programme is ideal for retail leaders ready to advance their careers, build confidence, and lead change within their organisations. Conscious leaders prioritise people, sustainability, and ethical practices while driving profitability. They focus on inclusivity, adaptability, and creating long-term value for their teams and businesses.
The fee includes:
- Accommodation, meals, and refreshments during residential sessions
- Nine months of online content access post-programme
- Full membership to the alumni network
Travel and additional drinks are not included. Residential sessions are held at Ashridge House in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire.
Participants gain advanced leadership skills, tools for navigating sustainability and change, a stronger professional network, and confidence in applying strategies to retail challenges. Success is measured through self-assessments, tracking progress in conscious leadership against initial learning goals.
We engage participants' line managers to support the learning process and internal return on investment. Onboarding packs and regular updates ensure organisations stay informed and aligned with the content.
Apply by clicking ‘Book Now’ on our website and completing a short questionnaire. If a different programme suits you better, we’ll contact you to discuss options. For more information, click ‘Find out More’ to book a call with our Customer Success Manager.
Yes, we often work with HR and managers to book multiple spots as part of organisational development strategies. Group discounts are available—contact us to discuss your leadership development plans.