Programme overview
This comprehensive course is designed to empower professionals at all levels to elevate their careers through a strategic blend of skill enhancement, adaptability, and influential leadership. Over six meticulously crafted units, participants will embark on a journey from understanding the fundamentals of career upscaling to mastering the art of networking and soft skills crucial for today's dynamic workplace environment. Starting with the foundational principles of career elevation, the course swiftly transitions into the pivotal role of soft skills, adaptability, and effective networking in achieving professional growth.
Participants will learn how to become thought leaders in their respective fields, setting themselves apart from the competition by cultivating unique perspectives and innovative ideas. The course further delves into the nuances of standing out in a crowded marketplace, guiding individuals on how to make impactful contributions that resonate with peers and superiors alike. Emphasis is placed on successful mentorship and the art of training, equipping participants with the skills necessary to foster growth in others while enhancing their leadership capabilities.
Key skills you will gain throughout the programme include:
- Influential leadership skills
- Mastering the art of networking
- The importance of soft skills development
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Who is the programme suitable for?
This programme is designed to support professionals at all levels seeking to enhance their career trajectory.
- Early-career individuals aiming to establish a strong foundation in their chosen fields.
- Mid-career professionals looking to pivot or advance in their current paths.
- Senior leaders striving to refine their leadership capabilities and influence within their organisations.
Who will I be taught by?
Sarah Malik
Sarah Malik is a lawyer by profession and a well-respected and well-known thought leader internationally. She is the founder of a flourishing legal consultancy headquartered in the UAE. She practised at a highly rated commercial Chambers in London and is appointed to the Executive Council of a prominent Saudi law firm. She owns a property portfolio and a management consultancy business which provides bespoke mentoring, consultation, strategic and operational advice and training.
Sarah is sought after for leadership guidance and recognised for disrupting conventional views with her authentic and raw manner. Her accolades and appointments include:
- Advisory Committee for Dubai International Arbitration Centre 2023
- Appointed to DIFC Court Users Committee 2023
- Leading Practitioner – Arbitration Power list: Middle East Legal 500 EMEA 2023
- Juris Centre for Excellence Middlesex University 2023
- Legal Counsel for Women In Leadership Deliver 2023
- A Firm to Watch in Dispute Resolution: Arbitration and International Litigation – Legal 500 EMEA 2022
- Litigator of the Year – The Inaugural GCC Women in Law Awards 2022
- Honourable Mention – Law Firm Leader of the Year 2022
- Finalist for Most Influential Woman in Blockchain and Crypto – The Inaugural Middle East Blockchain Awards 2022
Sarah is a multi-award-winning lawyer, a published author, a visiting lecturer at Middlesex University Dubai, an international speaker and is appointed to numerous boards and committees worldwide. She is engaged by institutions, by business and by industry to provide pragmatic solutions based strategic advice in various disciplines and in various jurisdictions. She is recognised for her ability to get things done and to cut to the heart of any issue effectively and is known for her straight talking manner.
Dr Nitin Vihari Poluru
Dr Nitin Vihari brings a rich educational background and extensive expertise as a Senior Lecturer in the Business School and Campus Programme Coordinator of MA in Human Resource Management. His academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in technology, followed by a master’s in business administration. He further honed his specialization by obtaining a Doctor of Philosophy in Human Resource Management from the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee.
Dr Vihari's commitment to excellence in Human Resources is evident through his active engagement with leading professional bodies. He is an Academic Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) in the UK, a Professional Member of the Australian Human Resource Institute (MAHRI) in Australia, and a Fellow at the Higher Education Academy, UK.
Dr Vihari has published his research in various international peer-reviewed journals such as the International Journal of Conflict Management, Frontiers In Psychology, Global Business Review, International Journal of Work Organization and Emotion, and many others.
Dr Vihari's teaching and research interests span Human Resource Management, Leadership, Organizational Behaviour, and Business Research Methods. His approach to teaching and learning is both innovative and insightful, significantly contributing to advancing Human Resource Management and Development.
PROGRAMME DELIVERY
The course will be delivered through six learning units of three hours each (6x3=18 hours) offered over three weeks (two units per week, each week: 6 hours). Each unit will consist of one hour covering the theoretical foundations of the leadership topics explored and two hours covering practical applications of those topics, adopting a coaching methodology.
The theoretical foundations sessions are designed and will be delivered by Dr Nitin Vihari Poluru CIPD, Senior Lecturer and Campus Programme Coordinator of MA Human Resource Management and Development at Middlesex University Dubai.
The practical applications sessions are designed and will be delivered by Ms Sarah Malik, leading legal practitioner and thought leader, founder of SOL Legal Consultancy and adjunct lecturer at Middlesex University Dubai.
The course will be delivered in person at Middlesex University Dubai campus.
- 28 May 2024 – 5:30PM – 8:30PM
- 29 May 2024 – 5:30PM – 8:30PM
- 5 June 2024 – 5:30PM – 8:30PM
- 7 June 2024 – 5:30PM – 8:30PM
- 12 June 2024 – 5:30PM – 8:30PM
- 14 June 2024 – 5:30PM – 8:30PM
PROGRAMME MODULES
- To focus on the development of self-concept over time and how personal experiences influence career development.
- To explore the modern perspective on careers as flexible and fluid, not constrained by traditional organizational boundaries.
Setting Clear Career Goals (1 hour)
- The importance of defining short-term and long-term career objectives.
- Creating a roadmap for achieving career goals.
Investing in Professional Development (1 hour)
- Advocating for continuous learning through workshops, courses, and certifications.
- Showcasing the importance of staying relevant and acquiring new skills.
- Keeping ahead of changes and trends.
- To discuss the role of EI in understanding and managing emotions, crucial for effective communication, leadership, and interpersonal relations.
- To examine how social networks, relationships, and connections contribute to professional and personal success.
Soft Skills and Adaptability in the Workplace (1 hour)
- The significance of adaptability in the workplace.
- Developing a mindset of continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends.
- Conquer your fears by acknowledging and addressing any fears or insecurities you may have about change.
- Strategies for developing and showcasing soft skills alongside technical knowledge.
- Honing your abilities to resolve conflicts, solve problems, and provide excellent service can lead to stronger relationships with colleagues, clients, and other professional contacts.
Effective Communication (1 hour)
- Developing clear and concise written and spoken communication. Structuring thoughts logically, using plain language, and adapting communication styles for different audiences.
- Creating a practice of actively listening to audiences and fellow leaders as a core leadership skill that enhances communication.
- Considering cultural nuances and global perspectives as a matter of importance in communicating to diverse audiences.
- Recognising the importance of effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Becomes more important with the advent of AI
- Honing your abilities to resolve conflicts, solve problems, and provide excellent service can lead to stronger relationships with colleagues, clients, and other professional contacts.
- To explore how individuals can develop and communicate their unique value propositions to establish themselves as experts in their fields.
- To understand the process through which new ideas, practices, or products spread within a community or society, highlighting the role of thought leaders as change agents.
Developing Deep Expertise (1 hour)
- The importance of becoming an expert in a specific area.
- Strategies for staying informed about industry trends and contributing valuable insights.
- Giving own thoughts as opposed to following what everybody says.
Continuous Innovation (1 hour)
- Encouraging a mindset of continuous innovation.
- Proactively suggesting improvements and innovations in the industry.
- Encourages thought leaders to take risks - Innovation often means taking risks and thought leaders who are willing to take calculated risks can use these opportunities to showcase their thought leadership capabilities.
- To discuss how individuals can develop sustainable competitive advantages by leveraging their unique skills, knowledge, and experiences.
Identifying Unique Value Proposition (1 hour)
- Helping individuals identify their unique strengths and skills.
- Emphasising the importance of showcasing what makes them stand out.
Demonstrating Initiative and authenticity (1 hour)
- Take on additional responsibilities and projects.
- Proactive behaviour and going above and beyond to set oneself apart.
- How to have your voice heard.
- Having original/unique ideas. Refrain from following the crowd.
- Do not be afraid to be yourself.
- Coaching and mentoring leverage the experience, knowledge, and insights of seasoned leaders (mentors and coaches) to guide emerging leaders in their personal and professional growth. The objective is to prepare individuals to effectively handle leadership roles and challenges, thereby contributing to the organization's success.
Leading by Example (1 hour)
- Demonstrating the values and behaviours expected from mentees.
- Setting a standard for others through actions and leadership.
- Share your knowledge and skills (knowledge is power).
- Teach and guide the future generation.
- Give opportunities via internships/mentoring.
Tailored Guidance and Encouraging Autonomy (1 hour)
- Recognising and addressing the unique needs of each mentee.
- Tailoring guidance to individual strengths, weaknesses, and career aspirations.
- Fostering independence and critical thinking in mentees.
- Encouraging ownership of projects and decisions with appropriate support.
- Leadership theories and models provide frameworks for understanding how effective leadership can be achieved within organizations and groups. These theories have evolved, from early models that focused on the traits and behaviours of successful leaders to more contemporary models that consider the complex interplay between leaders, followers, and the context.
Vision and Strategy (1 hour)
- Articulating a vision for a team or organisation.
- Developing a strategic plan to inspire and align team members.
- Understanding that being a leader does not happen from just undertaking a course but rather takes time, experience, a journey and a growth of confidence and mindset.
Lead with Integrity, Transparency and Adaptability (1 hour)
- Stressing the importance of ethical leadership.
- Demonstrating honesty, integrity, and accountability as a leader.
- Highlighting the need for leaders to be adaptable in the face of change.
- Instilling a culture of continuous improvement for both individuals and teams.
- ‘Improving your leadership begins with a focus on improving what you’re good at’