Deep Reflection, Stronger Leadership: Inside the DSLP Residential Experience

Members of the Dangoor Senior Leadership Programme (DSLP) came together at the end of March for a two‑day residential that offered rare space for deep reflection, meaningful connection and renewed leadership clarity.

The residential opened on Sunday under the guidance of the facilitators from Windsor Leadership, who led participants through structured check‑ins and Windsor syndicate work. These sessions created a trusted environment in which participants were able to step back from day‑to‑day pressures and engage honestly with real leadership challenges, supported and challenged by their peers. A highlight was a session with Windsor speaker Rear Admiral Jude Terry, the first female Admiral in the Royal Navy. Rear Admiral Terry spoke about her leadership journey and took questions from the group.

As DSLP participant Erica Marks reflected, “Giving ourselves time to step away fully from our work roles and connect with our DSLP colleagues delivers a different level of connection and reflection”.

A further highlight of the Sunday afternoon was a session with Windsor speaker Rear Admiral Jude Terry, the first female Admiral in the Royal Navy. Rear Admiral Terry spoke about her leadership journey and took questions from the group.

Sunday evening and the full programme on Monday were led by DSLP co‑programme directors Larry Shulman and Michelle Janes, blending thoughtful leadership exploration with space for informality, warmth and community. Alongside facilitated sessions, shared meals and informal time together played an important role in strengthening relationships and allowing participants to reconnect with the human side of leadership.

Throughout the residential, participants were invited into a range of reflective practices, including guided writing, outdoor reflection, and conversations focused on sensemaking, vision and the kind of leader each person wants to be in the year ahead.

Following a day based on the theme of The leader I am; the leader I need to be led by Larry and Michelle, the retreat concluded with presentations by the participants which encapsulated their evolution as leaders over the course of the programme as they reflected on their progress and articulated a vision for their leadership over the next twelve months.

DSLP participant Marc Levy, CEO of the Manchester Jewish Representative Council said of the retreat,

“I enjoyed my time with my Windsor syndicate and realisation as to my main challenge and what I need to do to progress with both my personal and professional development. But the whole programme was thoughtfully put together to facilitate an environment to assist with my growth.”

A huge thanks goes to the team at Windsor Leadership; Chair Sangita Shah, and facilitators Dino Laudato, Dave Lewis and Rita Symons as well as the Windsor programming team, Sue Graham and Dr Ed Newell who also joined us.

To read more about the DSLP programme and the 2025-26 cohort, click here.