When Times Get Tough, Don't Stop Growing! 

“Courage is teachable, measurable, and observable.”
- Brené Brown, Author and Leadership Researcher

Let's be frank. 2026 has been a brutal year for many. One we'd probably rather forget!

Uncertainty, volatility, economic pressures and rapidly changing technology. For many leaders and organisations, it's been a year where the sheer pace of change has created hesitation, indecision and, at times… paralysis.

Rather than moving forward with confidence, it's tempting to stand still, play it safe and wait for things to settle.

So, when things get tough, it's equally tempting to freeze. Pull back and tighten budgets. Put development on hold. Focus on just getting through, rather than preparing for the future.

But that’s when we need great leadership the most!

I've always believed that developing our people isn't something that we do when times are good. It's something that we must keep doing, especially when times are challenging.

Because uncertainty doesn't reduce the need for capable, confident and courageous leaders. It amplifies it!

Looking towards 2027, perhaps one of the most important questions that we can ask ourselves is not simply “What challenges will we face?” rather,

“Are we developing our people to turn those challenges into opportunities?”

And that brings me to something we're incredibly excited about!

On Thursday 12 November, we're holding our annual Proteus Leadership FRENZY - our one-day only event, offering exceptional savings across our 2027 professional development programs.

Yes, this is a promotion, and I'm quite happy to put that on the table! But more importantly, it's a genuine opportunity to be intentional about the development of your people. Plan ahead and make your 2027 leadership development budget go much further.

Whether you're investing in emerging leaders, experienced people leaders, or even your own personal leadership growth. This is an opportunity to turn those good intentions into action.

Because the future won't wait til we're ready. We need to get our people future-ready now.

If developing great leaders and creating better workplaces is on your agenda for 2027, then we'd love for you to be part of our Frenzy.

Wishing you a wonderful week of planning, leading and helping your people flourish!

Richard Dore
CEO - Director of Partnerships
Proteus Leadership