Future Leaders: Finding your voice

Start your career with the confidence and communication skills to contribute effectively and lead conversations.

Are you often the youngest person in the room, wondering when – or how – to break into the conversation? Do you struggle handling conflict and leading difficult conversations? Have you mastered setting your own boundaries?

Stepping into a leadership role isn’t just about technical expertise, it’s about presence, influence, and communication. For early-career leaders, navigating high-stakes conversations, contributing in senior meetings, and managing challenging discussions can feel daunting.

In this interactive panel discussion, Amy Field, Board Member of the CMI South East Board, Harvey Oldershaw, Events Lead for the CMI North East, Yorkshire & Humberside Board, and Bukola Fenuyi ACMI fCMgr, Board Member of the CMI London Board, will share their experiences of developing leadership presence and communication skills early in their careers.

Drawing on practical examples, they will explore:

• The seat at the table: Proven techniques for contributing effectively in high-level meetings
• Conflict with confidence: How to handle pushback or disagreement from senior stakeholders
• Managing upwards: The art of giving respectful, impactful feedback to those in senior positions
• Strategic boundaries: How to protect your time and energy through boundary-setting that strengthens professional relationships

The session will be hosted by Rebekah Patterson fCMgr, Board Secretary of the CMI South East Board, who will guide the conversation and facilitate discussion with the audience.

By attending this session, you will:

• Fill your toolkit with practical techniques for contributing confidently in senior meetings
• Understand how to handle conflict and disagreement with senior stakeholders
• Develop skills to give constructive feedback and manage upwards effectively
• Explore strategies for setting boundaries that strengthen professional relationships

Discover how examples that ensure your “Future Leader” label isn’t just a title, but a reality.