President's Career Accelerator Programme 2025

Closing date for entries - 2 May 2025

See the download for all the information and the application form.

The Insurance Institute of Stoke-on-Trent is proud to sponsor the second year of its development programme for professionals building their careers in the local insurance and financial services market.

This fully funded 6-month Career Accelerator Programme was initiated by the Council to help address one of the sector’s biggest challenges: talent development and retention. The Institute is committed to investing in local professionals and showcasing the opportunities for progressive, sustainable careers here in Staffordshire.

We’re also thrilled to be hosted by DJH and Wealth Experts, who are generously providing their office space as the venue for this year’s programme.

“The goal is not to be perfect by the end. The goal is to be better today.” Simon Sinek

This programme has been curated to:

>improve participants career development

>increase their emotional intelligence

>push past any obstacles that is standing in their way

in a supportive, practical, enjoyable learning environment, bringing in the expertise of the leaders of our time and hosted from a lived experience point of view. With a unique point being that participants are getting the benefit from a group of like-minded people within the same industry and area.

“Managing your impulsive, emotional Chimp as an adult will be one of the biggest factors determining how successful you are in life” Dr Steve Peters

For the company: As a result of the support, participants will feel valued by your organisation, and you will have happier, healthier, more productive staff who are more likely to be retained and promoted within your organisation.

“Most employees are disengaged, want more training, and want to know their employers care about, and are invested in their future. They want to know that there are opportunities to advance and that their career path isn’t just a dead end.” Training Industry

For the participants: To get out of the office and into a safe space you will:

>Increase on your skillset

>Get personal and group support on challenges you are facing right now and looking into the future

>Connect with like-minded people

“You can choose courage, or you can choose comfort, but you cannot choose both” Brene Brown

Participant Feedback from the 2024 Programme:

“I’ve learned to adapt my leadership style and own my voice.”

“More faith in myself and the value I bring.”

“It was empowering to hear different perspectives and realise I’m not alone.”

“I can now read people and situations better—it’s changed how I lead.”

“I’ve gained confidence to take on new challenges.”

100% would recommend this programme

Included in the Training:

Monthly Facilitated Learning & Support (5 x half day in person sessions hosted at DJH office, Stoke-on-Trent)

Once a month, participants join a group of fellow participants to receive high-level facilitated peer support. Through coaching techniques, masterminding, learning and drawing on Katie May Beardmore’s 15+ years of leadership expertise, she keeps the group aligned and on track towards their intentions and priorities so that every month counts. The extended network this creates is a valuable source of support and motivation. Peer support helps to identify and overcome bottlenecks to their careers and supports each individual to self-navigate them and build momentum. Profound connection with fellow participants in a safe space is one of the most highly valued aspects of the training programme.

Invite to President's Annual Dinner

Enjoy the fabulous evening event on Friday 26th September at the DoubleTree Hilton in Stoke-on-Trent as a guest of the Institute

Katie May Beardmore returns as facilitator of the Career Accelerator Programme following the success and impact of last year’s pilot.

Katie is an executive leadership coach, speaker, and former Director of People & Client Success with 17+ years’ experience across the tech, financial, and insurance sectors. She’s passionate about helping leaders and emerging talent utilise their strengths, develop their emotional intelligence, and progress in their careers—without burning out.

Starting her leadership journey at 20, Katie rose to director level in a family-owned fintech business, supporting growth to 350+ staff and over £25m in revenue. She combines lived experience with powerful coaching tools, bringing warmth, challenge, and clarity to every session.

Katie is also the former President of the Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce (2021–2023) and trustee of local charities. She’s a certified One of Many™ Leadership Coach and Trainer. Find out more about Katie here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbeardmore/

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