A lovely surprise on Monday

Susan Charlesworth

21 Nov 2025 — 2 min read

You know when something unexpected lands in your inbox (or LinkedIn feed) and it gives you that little lift you didn’t realise you needed? That was my Monday this week.

One of my LaunchPad members, Rebecca, posted the most thoughtful, heartfelt message about her experience on the programme, completely unprompted. I had absolutely no idea she was planning to write it.

She said:

"A few months after returning from maternity leave, I started looking for some training opportunities. I wanted to learn more about leading people, in particular where I can make a difference as a leader.

Then I found LaunchPad, run by the brilliant Susan Charlesworth.

I can fit the time needed into my regular working week.

It’s aimed at people like me navigating the mid-career transition.

I get to learn from the other fantastic people on the programme and have lots of time to ask questions.

There are associated in-person training events, which are a great opportunity to take a step back from my busy schedule and actually focus on the training.

Really looking forward to the next event on the 2nd December, particularly as the Christmas rush starts to build!

It honestly meant so much to me. Not just because it was such a kind thing to do, but because it captured exactly what I care about most in my work: creating development opportunities that fit real lives, especially for women trying to navigate that messy, overloaded mid-career chapter.

I’ve been in deep-focus mode this week putting the final touches on our in-person, Courageous Leadership Workshop for 2nd December. Hours of shaping exercises, case studies, stories, learning, and really crafting a day that feels meaningful, practical, and uplifting, especially as we slide into the Christmas rush.

And as of this morning… there is one place left for that workshop.

So if you’ve been thinking about joining us, and you want a day to reset, learn, and genuinely connect with other brilliant people, now is the moment.

Reply to this email for the final space.

Whether you join us or not, I hope the next few weeks give you the chance to slow down, think deeply, and lead with courage in all the small everyday moments that matter.

Have a lovely weekend,

Susan

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