Initially encouraged to go on Aurora by the director of my department, I was uncertain as to whether to apply because I didn’t really see myself as a leader. Although technically eligible, I didn’t manage anyone, and I didn’t feel like my role had much influence. Nevertheless, I was flattered that my director saw me as someone who could learn to flourish as a leader, and having had such a positive experience of Aurora I owe her thanks for that encouragement!
Stuck in a rut
Before I started the programme, I was in a career rut. My line manager had left for a role in a different university, and I was unsure how to navigate a loosely defined but unmistakably large workload independently. I wanted to take initiative but, new to the sector from a small charity background, I was overwhelmed by the governance structures and processes which I had to navigate to begin to exact changes and initiatives in my role as Sustainability Officer.
I was unsure of myself, uncertain of how my role was supposed to contribute, and confused about how to best apply my skills and experience in a new environment. It was like being lost in a fog, but with Aurora that fog lifted.
Impact
For me, the content of the programme was a call-to-action to find, and use, my voice. I gained confidence. Aurora shed light on the potential impact I could have at work.
The early sessions helped me to understand the context of working in a higher education institution, grasping an understanding of the impact of politics and learning models by which to leverage internal networks to get things done. I have been able to apply this learning in various contexts in my role, for example the Identity, Impact and Voice workshop gave me the tools I needed to have a difficult but necessary conversation, which resulted in improved communication within my team. Aurora equipped me with the skills and drive to accelerate initiatives, including coordinating a forthcoming e-bike scheme.
Benefits of action learning
Of most benefit to me were the Action Learning Sets. During these two immersive sessions, you work with a group of five or so amazing women from your cohort to unpick complicated and thorny challenges that you are facing in your role.
One person presents their situation, and the others must ask big and open questions to encourage deeper consideration of the issue. They must not offer solutions – only guide you as the presenter to your own solutions through their questions. Then you do the same for them. Not only does this help you to be an active listener and get experience holding space for another person such as you might do with a team member, it helps you drill down on your own challenges opening doors to perspectives you may not have considered before.
Engagement and growth
Aurora also helped me to understand how I could reframe my role to create an environment in which to succeed. I started to view inconvenient challenges as exciting opportunities for engagement and growth.
The hugely motivating in-person session at the Sheraton in Edinburgh helped me to identify the things which excite me about my role, and to decide on the skills I want to grow. I have since stepped towards new projects which will help me grow, such as re-visiting an active travel infrastructure project and joining a working group looking to improve the University’s energy data.
Advice for future Aurorans
My advice to future Aurorans would be to give it all of your attention. Most of the course is online, so close your emails, set your out-of-office and don’t be available to anyone else in the background. The course leaders will suggest it in the first session, but you heard it here first – take note of them.
Set aside the time before and after the course on Aurora days just for you if you can; take time to reflect after the session and complete any pre-work for the next one.
Review the pre-work on the morning. Scribble enthusiastic notes throughout – use the Aurora workbook or set a notebook aside so that after the programme, you can reflect on the information, learnings and mojo that the programme can offer you. This is especially helpful for days when you could use a boost!
Emily Stone is Net Zero Support Officer at Heriot-Watt University, where she coordinates and contributes to a variety of sustainability initiatives across energy, travel and circular economy. Prior to September 2023 Emily held diverse charity roles, focusing on engaging business leaders and the public with climate action at the Edinburgh Science Festival, and growing Scotland's EV charging network at Energy Saving Trust. Emily is also a part-time Mountain Leader, working on the Connect Outdoors project which aims to broaden access to outdoor lifestyles.