At Calderdale College, we like to go above and beyond supporting leaders with their professional development as we work towards our vision to be Calderdale’s hub of lifelong learning and personal growth.

We crafted a masterplan to welcome local businesses and entrepreneurs to the College through Xpert Lounge Live, a live spin-off to our podcast series, Xpert Lounge, where local leaders share their untold secrets, honest reflections and life lessons to help you kick-start your journey to leadership excellence.

Our community joined us for the first Xpert Lounge Live masterclass on 17 April 2024, where they had an intimate glimpse into what makes a great leader, so that they too can unlock their potential and reach their goals through valuable industry insights.

Guest speakers from the event, Jim Moran, Club Executive at AND Digital and Eorl Crabtree, former Huddersfield Giants Rugby League player turned entrepreneur joined our Deputy Principal, Karl Veltman, in the lounge to share their powerful careers advice and the lessons they learned on their leadership journeys.

Jim Moran kicked off the event with an exclusive TED-style talk, which revealed AND Digital’s mission to empower the digital generation, the formula for overcoming challenges and setbacks and the factors that contributed to the firm being recognised as the No.1 Best Tech Company to Work for in the UK.

“I want to empower people, becoming a leader can be taught..,” said Jim Moran. He explained how becoming a leader isn’t a streamlined process, it’s something you work towards and build on overtime with the right attitude and action-plan. 

Eorl Crabtree then took the stage in a captivating interview with Karl as we turned back the clock to his early days in Rugby League and how his experiences on the pitch have moulded him as the charismatic leader and entrepreneur he is today.

Eorl said: “It’s important to understand every individual is made up differently which influences how you or your colleagues may approach situations. Embrace who you are and let that follow through into your work.”

The masterclass was designed to inspire seasoned and future leaders with practical tips on how to develop positive workplace cultures. The day also included networking where entrepreneurs, business directors and managers came together from across West Yorkshire to share skills and experiences.

Our business engagement team, Rise, were also at the event to discuss how we can work together to build a resilient future for the region.

The audience were given the opportunity to ask questions directly to our guest speakers through an interactive Q&A session where they learnt about core leadership and managerial qualities that can be applied to work and personal practices, as well as important work-life balance and wellbeing factors that are empowering business leaders and their teams.

Rachel Oates, Marketing Manager at Community Foundation for Calderdale said: “Calderdale College’s Xpert Lounge Live masterclass was insightful and inspirational to all current and future leaders. Definitely some food for thought and some ideas I can work and challenge myself on!”

Watch here for the highlights of our first live masterclass.

See Jim Moran’s interview, where he discusses how being leader can be taught. 

To watch or tune in, subscribe to our podcast channels HERE.