The broad term Cultural Leadership acknowledges that leadership exists on multiple levels within an organisation.

What is it to be a 'change agent', a 'values ambassador' or even a 'culture champion'?

Our paper, 'A Cultural Hypothesis', was published in Spring 2024. Via a series of case studies and relevant research, it promotes 4 enablers that distinguish the most sustainable, transformational and high performing organisational cultures. This Learning Lab celebrates the critical role of cultural leaders, and it serves as a preview for a forthcoming sister paper which will focus on the process of facilitating cultural change.

‍This session will explain how exceptional leadership binds together those elements distinctive of cultures that thrive.

In this Lab we will:‍

• Briefly revisit  'A Cultural Hypothesis' and the key reflections that have emerged following its publication.
• Enjoy a detailed exploration of Cultural Leadership and the key agents responsible for facilitating change.
• Discuss key stages and interventions with others intent on creating cultural change.

What to expect:‍

• An update on critical features of the hypothesis: purpose, psychological safety, belonging, and cultural leadership.
• Support and learning around how to build your own cultural insights and activity.
• Further insight into the MF approach to working with cultural sponsors, cultural architects and guardians of culture within organisations.

In advance of the session, you may like to read, revisit or share 'A Cultural Hypothesis'. We're excited for it to reach as wide an audience as possible - to enable even more high performing organisations, teams and their allies.

Our Facilitator:

Dr Edd Vahid is the Head of Academy Football Operations at the Premier League. He joined the Premier League in 2022 after a successful 8-year period with one of English Football’s leading academy programmes at Southampton. Edd held various roles at Southampton FC including Academy Manager and Head of Coaching & Learning. Before moving into the world of football, Edd spent close to a decade working with talented athletes, coaches and support staff in Olympic and non-professional sports. This involved overseeing high performance scholarship and support programmes at the University of Bath. Edd subsequently served as a Senior Performance Lifestyle Advisor with the English Institute of Sport. This role focused on implementing individual and strategic solutions to lifestyle challenges experienced by talented and elite athletes. His PhD explored the theme of Talent Development.