Diary of an Apprentice: Final Reflections on my Level 7 Senior Leadership Journey
I’m incredibly proud to share that I’ve now completed my Level 7 Senior Leadership apprenticeship at The University of Manchester: Alliance Manchester Business School – graduating with a distinction!
Looking back through my previous ‘Diary of an Apprentice’ entries, I can see the transformation not just in my career, but in who I’ve since become as a leader. In my final entry of the series, I wanted to share the lessons I’ve learned along the way – including how vulnerability and authenticity can make you a truly powerful leader.
Finding strength in my story
When I began the apprenticeship in November 2023, I was a Team Leader in NCFE’s EPA team. Over the course of the programme, I transitioned to Product Manager in the Commercial team, and I now serve as NCFE’s Innovation Manager. Each role has brought fresh opportunities and challenges that have directly enriched my learning.
These transitions weren’t just career moves; they were immersive learning experiences. As a Team Leader, I honed my operational and people management skills. Moving into Product Management demanded strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, and commercial awareness, all of which aligned perfectly with the academic frameworks I was studying. Today, as Innovation Manager, I’m applying leadership theory to drive change and foster creativity across the organisation.
Was it hard to change roles while studying for a Level 7 qualification? Absolutely. Balancing new responsibilities with academic demands stretched me in ways I hadn’t anticipated. But it also accelerated my growth. Each role gave me a new lens through which to apply my learning, making the apprenticeship feel dynamic and deeply relevant.
I also came to all of the roles with a unique perspective, shaped by my experiences with dyslexia and ADHD. As a 48-year-old British Asian woman, mother of four, and grandmother of two, I wasn’t diagnosed until my thirties. These conditions, once seen as barriers, became the foundation of my strength and leadership philosophy.
But throughout my apprenticeship, I’ve embraced my story and have learned to turn my challenges into growth opportunities. Tools like voice-to-text software and task management apps became essential allies, while my experiences taught me that vulnerability and authenticity are strengths, not weaknesses.
Pinpointing the moments that changed me
Halfway through my apprenticeship, I had already experienced profound shifts in understanding – and looking back, I’m able to pinpoint some key milestones in my journey that made a lasting impact.
For example, learning about intersectionality wasn’t just academic – it was personal. As Co-Chair of NCFE’s EDI Committee, I finally had language for my own experiences of overlapping identities and the determination to create truly inclusive spaces.
Then, a workshop on group dynamics hit me like a revelation – the negative qualities I saw in others were often reflections of my own insecurities. This lesson in self-awareness has since transformed how I lead and interact with my team.
My knowledge of studying frameworks like VUCA and Five Force models came alive as I applied them during the creation of NCFE’s Strategy to 2030. Theory meeting practice is where real learning happens – especially for someone like me who thrives on hands-on experiences.
Reflexive writing also became my sanctuary – a space to process thoughts without judgement, uncovering patterns I’d never noticed and helping me to lead with greater clarity and intention.
I also went on to set up my own business last year, Health Fitness Academy, which has proven that I can tackle my dreams head on to make them a reality.
Success isn’t possible without support
Another key takeaway of mine is that none of this would have been achievable without support. Throughout the highs and lows of my apprenticeship, I was fortunate to be supported by an incredible network of mentors, colleagues, and family members, who each played a vital role in my growth.
Emma Barrett-Peel (Chief Operating Officer, Learning Curve Group) helped me stay grounded during high-pressure moments, reminding me to pause before responding to gain clarity. My coach, Laurance Davies (Leadership Coach – Power of perspective) guided me in building confidence through reflection and helped me find my authentic leadership voice. Gavin Baxter (Commercial Director – IEG) served as a role model, demonstrating how trust and humility are the cornerstones of purposeful leadership.
I’ve also received plenty of internal support here at NCFE. Dean Blewitt (Senior Innovation Manager) encouraged me to embrace my neurodiversity, reinforcing that my creativity is a strength rather than a flaw, while Rebecca Conway (Director Research and Innovation) sharpened my critical thinking and taught me to always link ideas to value for greater impact.
Gray Mytton (Innovation Manager) inspired me to lead with both structure and empathy, and Michael Lemin (Head of Policy) helped me connect strategy to purpose, reminding me that leadership is ultimately about service.
Suzanne Slater (Commercial Director) gave me the opportunity to pursue the Level 7 apprenticeship, and through her example, I learned that genuine leadership is rooted in building trust and empowering others to grow.
And my family – my ultimate source of strength – stood by me every step of the way, offering unwavering emotional support and reminding me, simply and powerfully, that I could do this.
The lessons I’ve learnt about leadership
Studying for this apprenticeship has taught me that leadership isn’t about being perfect – it’s about being authentic, vulnerable, and committed to growing others alongside yourself.
I’ve also learned that my ADHD and dyslexia aren’t things I’ve had to overcome; they’re integral to who I am as a leader. They give me:
- creativity that challenges conventional thinking
- empathy born from my own struggles
- resilience forged through perseverance
- the ability to create spaces where others feel safe to be themselves.
Looking back, my grades improved with each unit – but more importantly, so did my confidence and my impact. Ultimately, this – along with the support I received – helped me to succeed.
What’s next for me?
Achieving this distinction whilst juggling my full-time role, family, and personal challenges is one of my proudest accomplishments. And I’m not stopping here – I’ll be continuing with an MSc top-up at The University of Manchester, building on everything I’ve already learnt.
If you’re reading this and you’re facing your own barriers – whether it’s dyslexia, ADHD, or any challenge that makes you feel ‘different’ – please know this: your struggles can be your greatest strength.
My advice to you is to embrace your unique perspective. Seek support. Use every tool available, including AI technologies that can support your learning style. Prioritise self-care and time management. And remember – vulnerability and authenticity aren’t weaknesses; they’re what make you a truly powerful leader.
By Sakina Khan, heading innovation and commercial partnership services at NCFE
Diary Entries:
First Entry 7th Feb 2024 : Diary of an Apprentice: My Journey into Leadership
Diary of an Apprentice: 6 things I’ve learned six months into my apprenticeship journey
Diary of an Apprentice: leadership reflections from my summer pilgrimage
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