Guest blog – The Invincible Leader!

The Invincible Leader: Lessons from Maura Jackson, friend of Boo!

Our very talented friend, Maura Jackson, has an update on what she is up to and how you can get involved…

In 2021, I received a parcel containing a beautiful trophy that left me stunned—Investors in People (Global) Leader of the Year. Due to the pandemic, the event was online, so the award arrived by post. As I stared at it, I couldn’t help but think, How did I, a woman from Bolton running a charity, end up with a global award?

This moment sparked three crucial questions:

How did I earn this recognition?
What have I learned on this journey?
How can I share these lessons to empower others?

If I could achieve this, surely anyone can.

I’ve delivered training in the past and attended countless sessions myself. Often, these experiences left me feeling underwhelmed, thinking of the many other things I could have done with my time. However, the training that truly made a difference for me was the CMI Level 7 in Coaching and Mentoring with Boo and the ILM Level 7 in Leadership and Management at Salford University. This realization made me reconsider how training should be delivered.

I started by listing my biggest challenges as a leader and asking others about theirs. The results were strikingly similar:

Staying consistent
Showing up even when I want to hide
Keeping a game face
Managing isolation
Seeking support without feeling weak
Navigating menopause
Overcoming nerves
Balancing guilt as a mum, nan, carer, or partner
Battling imposter syndrome
Focusing on the business instead of getting lost in it
Handling emotions when facing betrayal, exploitation, or criticism

Over the past two years, I’ve accessed top-tier coaching that has sharpened my strategic thinking, vision, and communication skills. This experience helped me realize that I am, in fact, an invincible leader—and so can you be.

With these insights, I decided to create a workshop that addresses the real challenges leaders face, offering tangible strategies across industries. Drawing from my ILM Level 7 in Leadership and Management, a Diploma in Leadership and Management, and 24 years of managerial experience (including 15 as a CEO), I launched the Invincible Leader Masterclass in June 2024.

This was not your typical workshop:

Participant-Centered Design: The content was tailored to the specific needs of those in the room.
Interactive and Solution-Focused: Instead of abstract case studies, we tackled real-life scenarios, ensuring participants left with actionable strategies.
Authentic Leadership: I brought my experience as an award-winning leader, charity CEO, menopausal nan, and stand-up comedian to the table.

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive:

“I could have worked on this all day. I feel like I’ve only just started.”
“Maura’s approach is raw, real, and refreshing—unlike anything found in leadership books. It’s transformative.” —Senior Manager in a statutory service.
“After the session, I handled a meeting professionally and focused, where I’d usually be over-emotional. Thanks for the brilliant session.” —MD and Business Owner.
“Maura’s Masterclass was the best training I’ve ever received. It was an experience I’ll never forget.” —Participant

Based on this feedback, I made a few adjustments:

Longer Sessions: More time for thinking and processing, but still not a full day.
Enhanced Interaction: Additional opportunities for feedback, conversation, and reflection among participants.
Small Group Dynamics: Limiting to eight participants to foster meaningful discussions.
Premium Experience: A great venue with fancy refreshments, making leaders feel valued and supported.
Continued Passion: I loved every minute and am eager to keep helping leaders rediscover their passion.

What’s Next?

For Aspiring or Existing Leaders: If you need a boost, this Masterclass is for you.
For Business Owners or Managers: If you want your team to become invincible leaders, look no further.
For Those Seeking Real Impact: This isn’t death by PowerPoint. It’s practical, no-nonsense leadership training focused on you—the resilient, ready-for-anything leader.

My goal isn’t to sell you something; it’s to share the lessons I’ve learned—the successes and the mistakes—so you can feel confident, invigorated, and prepared.

As The Feather Fixer, I’ll help you:

Build your leadership toolkit
Access your metaphorical bulletproof vest
Identify and develop your unique skillset
Find and fix your feathers (I’ll explain on the day!)

This isn’t spin. It’s grounded, practical wisdom that complements any leadership, management, or coaching training you’ve had. The Invincible Leader Masterclass will ensure you’re ready for anything.

Contact Me
Email: maura@thefeatherfixer.co.uk

Upcoming Dates:
25th September 2024 and 16th January 2025 in Bolton.

Join me, and let’s make leadership an exhilarating, empowering journey.

Maura x

Guest blog – The Invincible Leader!