Learner: Renata Preston
Role: Senior Customer Manager, Silver Spoon (Associated British Foods plc)
Programme: Women in Leadership – Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager (CMI)
Provider: Instep UK
The Journey
For Renata Preston, enrolling in the Women in Leadership Programme was “a pivotal decision in my professional journey.” She joined with the goal of strengthening her functional management skills, building her leadership confidence, and confronting the imposter syndrome that had been holding her back in her career.
From the outset, Renata found herself in “a supportive cohort of fellow apprentices,” which created a nurturing learning environment and opened up valuable networking opportunities that enriched her experience.
A standout aspect of the programme for Renata was the support and guidance of her coach, Emma McNichol. “Our regular one-to-one sessions were instrumental in my development,” she said. “Emma ensured that I stayed on track with my post-work requirements and also encouraged broader discussions around British values, diversity, and inclusion.” Renata added, “Thanks to her mentorship, I felt fully prepared for my final assessment, and I’m proud to say I achieved a distinction.”
The Impact
Renata embraced every opportunity to work on her development areas. This commitment led to a promotion into a more senior role, where she was appointed as a lead in the Growth Team for the Go-To-Market pillar. She successfully negotiated several key contracts and expanded her involvement across a wide range of accounts.
One of the most meaningful milestones was delivering a presentation about her journey. “I openly shared my development areas,” she reflected, “which was a powerful moment and a reflection of the growth mindset I’ve cultivated.”
The programme’s blended learning approach, “combining online modules, group workshops via Teams, one-to-one coaching, independent research, and real-world application” was described by Renata as “accessible and impactful.” It allowed her to apply new knowledge directly to her role and supported different learning styles.
In addition to personal growth, Renata delivered measurable business outcomes. She resolved a customer compliance issue that resulted in £20,000 in annual savings and reduced risk. She also became more confident in public speaking and feedback, shifted from avoiding challenges to actively seeking growth, and gained greater self-awareness and clarity on her development areas.
About the Course
The Women in Leadership – Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager programme is a nationally recognised qualification designed to empower aspiring and existing female leaders. Delivered by Instep UK and accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), the course blends academic learning with practical application to develop confident, capable leaders.
Participants engage in a rich mix of learning formats, including:
- Online modules covering core leadership and management principles
- Interactive group workshops delivered virtually via Microsoft Teams
- One-to-one coaching with experienced leadership mentors
- Independent research and real-world projects that align with their current roles
The programme is tailored to support women in overcoming common workplace challenges such as imposter syndrome, confidence barriers, and limited access to leadership pathways. It also promotes inclusive leadership, strategic thinking, and effective communication.
Graduates of the programme not only gain a CMI Level 5 qualification but also report increased confidence, improved performance, and tangible business impact across their teams and organisations. Many participants also highlight the long-term value of the skills and networks they develop during the course.
The Outcome
“Today, I hold a qualification I’m proud of, I’ve excelled in my new position, and most importantly, I’ve unlocked my full potential,” Renata shared. “This journey has been transformative, and I’m deeply grateful for the experience.”
Want to learn more about the Women in Leadership programmes? You can read more detailed information here, or get in touch today and a member of our team will reach out to you.
