Movement For Progressive Leaders

vocL nurtures, connects and champions
new voices of responsible business leadership

vocL empowers and connects values-driven business leaders, supporting them to have a more confident voice and enabling them to shape responsible policy for their sectors, for a better economy and societal progress.
At its core is a professional development programme for rising stars of business, backed by prominent business figures and a strong supportive peer-to-peer community.

Exclusively for values-driven, ambitious, business leaders, who want to have greater impact.
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vocL Founders & Mentor Associates

vocL has a board of expert associates who are dedicated to mentoring and supporting. Their guidance helps shape each vocL Voice’s journey, unlock potential, and provide clear strategic direction.

Juergen Maier

Founder
Industrialist and business advisor, former CEO of Siemens UK

Henrietta Lindsell

Founder
Chair of the Lindsell Foundation

Richard Walker

Executive Chairman of Iceland Foods Group

Sir Charlie Mayfield

Chairman QA Ltd & Be the Business, former chairman John Lewis Partnership

Andy Haldane

Chief Executive, Royal Society of Arts

Katherine Bennett CBE

Industrialist and Chair Western Gateway, CEO High Value Manufacturing Catapult

Stephen Phipson

Chief Executive Officer at MAKE UK

Paul Drechsler

Chairman International Chamber of Commerce & London First, Company Director & Former President CBI

Sarah Howard MBE

Chair at British Chambers of Commerce

Will Butler-Adams

Chief Executive of Brompton bicycle
Explore our full list of Associates

Why vocL?

Business has the power to unite policymakers and communities, shaping an inspiring, inclusive, and responsible world of work.

There are brilliant people in the business community who can offer experience and long-term strategic thinking.  Yet, we are struggling to name even five high profile, inspiring role models of responsible business.

Our purpose is to amplify business leaders' voices, drive responsible policies, foster truly inclusive and inter-generational conversations and champion business as a force for good.
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vocL Programmes

Being able to communicate company purpose and societal impact is now an essential ability for any business leader. vocL empowers business leaders, especially future senior leaders, to be brave, to become more effective, authentic communicators with the ability to shape public policy and to positively influence society.

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The vocL professional development programmes have been designed for promising early-career professionals (eMerging Leader Programme) as well as for executive pipeline leaders who are expected to form the next C-suite of their organisations (Leader Programme).

vocL Voice example Riddhi Karambelkar

Head of Manufacturing Engineering at Brompton Bicycle Ltd

The following short video of Riddhi Karambelkar highlights some of our Leader Programme aspects.
vocL has taught me that your voice can be an absolute superpower, if you know how to use it.
Engineers are needed to change the world, now more than at any time in our history, but we cannot do our job from behind a desk or inside a factory, we need to put our heads above the parapet, to educate, inspire and challenge our politicians, business leaders and society as a whole. VocL is giving us the confidence to have that voice.
Will Butler-Adams
CEO, Brompton Bicycle Ltd
As a people leader who has put several senior leaders through the vocL programme, I can confidently testify to the unique opportunity vocL provides leaders with to build confidence, find their voice and grow their influence.
  
It provides a safe space to practise and develop their skills, while gaining exposure to high-profile business leaders and politicians in conversations that really matter.

VocL provides Leaders with an elevated and real-life perspective on leadership, communication, influence and industry impact. From a People development perspective, the combination of mentoring, practical experience and real-world impact delivers tangible individual growth outcomes that go well beyond traditional leadership programmes.
Emma Doyle
Head of People, Certas
vocL offers a unique opportunity to nurture leadership skills in a secure environment, enabling networking with peers and collaboration with established business figures to create impactful content.
Sarah Walker-Smith
CEO, Ampa Group and Shakespeare Martineau LLP
My vocL mentor played a pivotal role in refining my messaging, both for debating panels and in my communications with my team and clientele.
Will Lankston
 Managing Director, Timpson Direct
vocL is not just another “training” programme
It’s an incredibly powerful arena for aspiring leaders that want to sharpen their personal brand and ultimately find their voice and make a real impact.
Marko Grizelj
Head of HVDC Sales UK&I, Siemens Energy

Client Examples

Written by voices from across the vocL community, it brings together real world perspectives on leadership, growth, skills and responsible business. From personal reflections to practical insight, each piece is grounded in lived experience and shaped by those leading through complexity today.
See the Substack

Join our Movement
Download the vocL App

The vocL programme is supported by our dedicated membership app.
A secure and engaging platform designed to facilitate vibrant discussions and meaningful communication.

The app is free for the public to download, explore content, and join the conversation.
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FAQs

If you have any questions or need assistance, please refer to our FAQ section below.

The vocL programme is aimed at organisations' rising stars and potential future C-suite leaders. It is for those with a strong sense of social purpose and a belief that all business leaders and companies should strive to make a positive social impact. They have a keen interest in policy making and are enthusiastic about learning and personal growth.

The vocL leader programme lasts 3 years. In the initial year, participants are mentored and engage in content creation. The subsequent two years are dedicated to practice through live event and panel involvement, networking, and various other growth opportunities.

Yes - vocL aims to build a community striving for a fairer more equal society specifically within the UK.

vocL has an impressive line-up of dedicated associates who play pivotal roles in unlocking the massive potential of our vocL voices and the strategic direction of the programme. To become an associate, please get in touch with us to discuss next steps.

Still have a question?

Please contact us directly and we will get back to you shortly.
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Empowering Business Voices
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