Programme

Edinburgh Ocean Leaders launched in 2020. It is the only executive leadership programme designed specifically for early mid-career professionals working on the oceans. The programme combines leadership, mentoring and networking support with international field-based experiences.

Becoming an Edinburgh Ocean Leader

Each year ocean professionals from around the world are invited to apply through a global nomination process. To continually broaden the programme’s reach, the pool of nominators is updated with each application cycle.

From the applicants, eight outstanding individuals are selected by the programme’s Directors and International Advisory Panel to become Ocean Leaders. These professionals are chosen at a pivotal juncture in their career, having already demonstrated exceptional potential as change-makers. Selected from diverse backgrounds and professional experiences – spanning finance, conservation, policy, technology, education and law – these leaders are united by their capacity to drive meaningful ocean change .

The programme is offered at no cost for the Ocean Leaders, ensuring that selection is based on merit and leadership potential, rather than their ability to pay.

Upon joining the programme, the Ocean Leaders continue in their current roles while embarking on a year- long journey that includes  mentoring, leadership training, professional skills development and face-to-face learning. They also become part of a globally-distributed and lifelong Ocean Leaders Network, a community that continues to grow and support each other well beyond the one year leadership programme.

Ocean Leaders Network Activities

Induction Event: An immersive induction workshop in Edinburgh for the new cohort, coinciding with the Annual Meeting of the Ocean Leaders Network.

Leadership Training and Mentoring: Comprehensive 1-to-1 and group sessions, both remotely and in person.

International Field Mission: An immersive field experience to address and strategise solutions for complex ocean challenges.

Lifetime Network: Access to a global community of ocean leaders and change-makers for ongoing support and collaboration.

Ocean Leaders Programme (Year 1) Activities

Induction Event: An immersive induction workshop in Edinburgh for the new cohort, coinciding with the Annual Meeting of the Ocean Leaders Network.

Leadership Training and Mentoring: Comprehensive 1-to-1 and group sessions, both remotely and in person.

International Field Mission: An immersive field experience to address and strategise solutions for complex ocean challenges.

Ocean Leaders Network Activities

Annual Meeting: An annual gathering of the Ocean Leaders Network in Edinburgh including leadership activities, workshops and networking.

Event Collaboration and Participation: Opportunities to collaborate on and participate in Edinburgh Ocean Leader events at international conferences.

Edinburgh Ocean Conversations and Leadership Workshops: Discussion events with high-level speakers on leadership and navigating complex ocean challenges.

Lifetime Network: Access to a global community of ocean leaders and change-makers for ongoing support and collaboration.

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