Becoming International

About us

Building leadership development that applies psychological theory to real world experience

No one lives a chocolate box life. We get lost or stuck on our journey.

Why focus on women's development?

We believe that women are not different, but that different things happen to women. We know that women get lost or stuck on their journeys of their lives and careers. And there is value in acknowledging that.

The women that we work with tell us stories of…

  • Trying to be someone that they are not, because people around them tell them that's who they should be.
  • Tripping over unseen barriers and uneven playing fields.
  • Arriving at a goal only to find that it is merely a small step on a much longer journey.
  • Failing to meet unspoken expectations, picking themselves up, and then failing again.

…and much more

And we know that, by walking alongside those women, we can help them to step back on track.

women's leadership development Becoming International
women's leadership development Becoming International

Our approach to women's development

We know that the women we work with are highly talented individuals. Stepping back on track does not need to involve learning new ways of doing.

Our approach is to help women to look within, at the thoughts and feelings that arise naturally in the face of challenge, and at the reactions that shape the choices they make about who and how they are in the world.

We help women to:

  • Be aware of themselves and their opportunities. When we are stuck, we are so busy listening to the voice in our head that tells us we’re not good enough, that we don’t pay attention to the opportunities or choices that present themselves.
  • Drop the struggle and open up to natural thoughts and feelings. Often, we waste time and energy trying to avoid, solve or just get rid of thoughts or feelings that make us feel uncomfortable.
  • Engage with what is important. Stepping back on track involves getting back in touch with what matters to us and making active choices that align to our personal values and purpose.

What underpins our work?

Our work enables women to develop by helping them to apply psychological and leadership development theories to their real world experience.

All our work is underpinned by a range of approaches, including:

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) - a well-evidenced form of clinical therapy which builds individuals' psychological flexibility to be more aware of themselves and their circumstances, to be more open to their thoughts and feelings, and make values-based choices about how they move forward.
  • Vertical Leadership Development - emphasising the importance of developing the interconnectivity and complexity of how a leader thinks, not just what they know or the job they do.
  • Hero's / Heroine's Journey - using the archetypal metaphor of change enables us to focus on 'walking alongside' learners rather than 'teaching' or 'telling' them how to be.
Becoming Training Womens Development Journey
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We provide space

We build opportunities for women to connect in their own ways and on their own terms.

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We create safety

We give women safe spaces where they can speak openly and honestly.

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We listen deeply

We seek to understand women’s experiences and provide the support that they need.

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We seek truth

We share gritty truths, not aspirational stories.  We meet women as they are.

"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."
DMChief Executive, Financial Institution
"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."
CrystalEngineering Organisation
"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."
Zoe YoungDirector, Half the Sky
"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."
Samantha Alexander and Sandra SmithFounders, Women in Colour in Policing, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire & Hertfordshire Police
"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."
AnonymousFounder, Consultancy

Register your interest in the Becoming Journey today.

Becoming is a journey. We will walk it with you. Get in touch to find out more.

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