Women’s Leadership Development

Helping women to lead unapologetic lives

We make a profound difference to women, equipping them with the tools to anticipate, challenge, manage ambiguity and transition in their lives and careers.

The journey of Becoming

At Becoming we help women find the woman, the leader they were created to be. We offer women’s leadership development, coaching and bespoke consultancy aimed at helping women grow and progress in organisations.

Our mission is to help women lead unapologetic lives. We do this by walking alongside women as they take a journey of discovery. Drawing on psychology and adult learning, we share tools and techniques that help women to develop the awareness and flexibility to be themselves in the face of challenges and barriers that arise in their careers and lives.

We will walk with you on a journey of Becoming, uncovering the depths of the women, the leader, you are within.

A journey for leaders

Too much women’s leadership development is about telling women what to do and how to do it. It is about directing women to act in ways that are desirable or deemed to be successful.

As women get more senior, and talent pipelines become thinner, we need to be bold enough to stop focusing on what they do, and instead help them to discover the leader they can be. We need to embrace diverse talent and the wealth of strengths and wisdom women leaders offer.

At Becoming, we offer leadership development to women leaders who already have the skills they need to lead. We help them to develop the strength and flexibility to manage ambiguity and challenge as they progress.

We will walk with you and your women leaders, as you unleash possibilities and potential.

A journey for women

Often, the message that women receive is that they are not enough, are broken, or need fixing. There is an underlying implication that women are, in some way, less than.

At Becoming we know that women are not different in anyway. But different things do happen to women. They face different expectations, experience different life events, and face different career challenges. There is value in acknowledging and providing space for women to explore that together.

At Becoming, we offer development programmes for women who are ready to address the challenges they face and who seek meaning and connection, within themselves and with others.

We will walk alongside you, as you seek a larger and richer life.

Please note that we welcome individuals with non-binary and gender-fluid identities and those who identify as women.

Our services

The Becoming Journey

A leadership development programme for women who are stuck or knocked off-track in their career. And for organisations who want to help women progress in their business.

Coaching & Mentoring

Working with individuals to help them on a personalised journey of discovery to address the leadership and career issues they are facing.

Women’s Networks

Consultancy and support for women’s networks both in- and outside organisations, including design and delivery of workshops based on principles of The Becoming Journey.

Bespoke Consultancy

Consultancy with organisations that are looking to shift behaviours and create organisational change around gender and other equity and inclusion challenges.

Latest thought leadership, research and opinion

Vertical development leadership green path through trees

How to facilitate Vertical Leadership Development?

Alison Maitland 30th January 2026

Vertical Leadership Development requires careful scaffolding to facilitate the personal journey of change that each leader will undertake.

Vertical development leadership tree on a hill

When is Vertical Development right?

Liz Walker 29th January 2026

Vertical development is not a universal solution to every development need. So when is vertical development actually right – for an individual, and for the organisation around them?

Nicki, Caroline & Rachel celebrating their Atlantic Row

Reflections: “Rowing the Atlantic was the easy part”

Liz Walker 12th November 2025

Nicki is an ‘ordinary’ women who completed an extraordinary challenge. What’s your ocean row?

"We chose The Becoming Journey because we believed it would enable our talented senior women leaders to develop. The first high potential candidate to participate has emerged transformed by the calibre of the programme leaders and content. We knew this wasn't going to be a traditional leadership course - she wasn't lacking anything; she simply needed help to 'drop' into leading as herself. Since completing the Journey she's claiming her space in the leadership team. She is more sure of her capabilities and who she really is as a leader."

"I think my organisation has gained a grounded diverse voice. I'm not afraid to speak my opinion and thoughts based on my experiences. I think the organization has gained a compassionate leader that has the skills to grow herself and her team."

"Liz & Alison get the 'Risky but Genius' award for their ability to get to the heart of the issues, and work with clients to push the boundaries and focus on what will really create change for individuals in their organisations."

"Becoming's Dr Alison Maitland and Liz Walker deliver a bespoke, highly effective service which encapsulates the voices of our rich diverse communities of Women within the heart of our tri-force and delivers increased trust and confidence. It is an immense pleasure for WoCiPBCH to work alongside these formidable women who have changed the trajectory and narrative for so many. This is a resource worth investing in to see sustainable growth in any organisation, especially and necessarily so in Policing."

"This is a very valuable investment of time and will enable you to grow both personally and professionally. The tools you will learn are for lifelong learning and this journey will open your eyes to seeing things in a completely different way. Be prepared to be inspired by heartfelt stories and insights."