Dominika’s BOLD Story: Creativity, Confidence and Community
A brief reflection on the BOLD Online Social Leadership Programme; and why you should join a 2026 cohort!
Dominika’s BOLD Story: Creativity, Confidence, and Community
A briefer reflection on the BOLD Online Social Leadership Programme — and why you should join a 2026 cohort
Dominika joined the BOLD Online Social Leadership Programme after hearing colleagues describe it as inspiring, wellbeing-boosting, and a real spark for personal growth. Even though she missed the first two sessions due to travel, she quickly felt welcomed into a warm, reflective space where people connect, share ideas, and support one another.
Her first live session centred on authenticity. Catching up via the online learning zone, she created a collage using materials from her trip; and found it an unexpectedly easy, creative way to introduce herself and build connections. With gentle prompts, doodles, and breakout rooms, the group explored how to be more present and genuine. Dominika left feeling “invigorated and motivated” to continue growing.
Dominika’s Collage
In later sessions, creativity and leadership came together in memorable ways. A discussion inspired by The Wisdom of Geese sparked reflections on collaboration, co-production, and how good leadership is often shared and supportive. Hearing other participants’ stories of good (and bad) leadership helped Dominika reflect on her own leadership journey and where she wants to develop next.
One week pushed her outside her comfort zone: a writing exercise. As someone who had always found writing daunting; but she discovered the value of letting go of rigid plans and trusting the creative process. Working with clay, by contrast, felt calming and playful, reinforcing a key BOLD message: perfection isn’t the goal; expression and meaning are.
A powerful idea that stayed with her was wabi-sabi: finding beauty in imperfection. The metaphor of a broken bowl repaired and made more beautiful became a reminder that our “cracks” are part of our story; and that self-compassion is a leadership strength.
In the final week, Dominika combined writing with drawing and found it much more expressive. The group reflected on journaling as self-care (“it takes the pressure away”), watched a short film about an artist living with Alzheimer’s who continues to inspire others, and shared creative responses from a reflective walk. Dominika brought small conker figures to symbolise friendship, inclusion, and mutual support — a fitting close to a programme rooted in community.
Dominika’s Clay Work
Ready to join one of this year’s cohorts?
If you’d like a supportive, creative space to build confidence, strengthen resilience, and explore social leadership week by week, the BOLD Online Social Leadership Programme is for you.
The programme runs live on Zoom (Thursdays, 10:30am–12:30pm) across three cohorts in 2026:
- Programme 1: 5 March – 9 April
- Programme 2: 14 May – 25 June
- Programme 3: 17 Sept – 22 Nov
Register your interest on this link here selecting Programme 1, 2, or 3
FREE places available for those living with dementia or supporting someone with a dementia diagnosis.