The programme creates opportunities for voices and leadership that are often underrepresented at board level
Last year, we were thrilled to welcome Raqaia to Bron Afon. From the start, she approached every aspect of the programme with curiosity and a genuine commitment to learning. Working alongside her mentor, Jane Pound, and engaging with colleagues across Bron Afon, Raqaia explored what strategic leadership means in practice. Her reflections highlight the impact of this experience, the importance of inclusive governance, and how confidence grows when people are given meaningful opportunities. We’re grateful for the insight Raqaia has brought and are excited to share her story.
A friend sent me the details for a programme called Pathway to Board whilst pushing me to give it serious consideration. I’ll admit, I had never pictured myself in a boardroom. In my mind, those spaces were for others. But somewhere between a mid‑life rethink and a promise to push myself out of my comfort zone, I decided to give it a try. After all, I’ve always believed that when people come together with purpose, we can create change that genuinely improves lives – and where better to shape that than in a boardroom?
Having secured a place on the programme, I genuinely feel I hit the jackpot with my placement at Bron Afon. I have been fully supported throughout, and the mentorship I received from Jane Pound has been transformative. She helped me shift my thinking from a delivery mindset to a strategic one.
In my day job in project delivery, I naturally focus on the “what” and the “how”, with an occasional nod to the “why”. But sitting alongside experienced board members made me realise that board‑level leadership flips that on its head. Boards start with the “why”, think long term, weigh risk and opportunity, and make decisions that shape the entire organisation, not just a single project.
That shift in perspective has been one of the most valuable parts of the programme, and it has already had a concrete impact – it contributed to me securing a recent promotion at work.
I’ve also been struck by the approach of the Bron Afon board. Their focus on making sound, balanced decisions for the organisation, its customers and its staff showed me the kind of leadership I want to grow into.
A standout moment was a job‑shadowing session with a frontline colleague. Watching her support residents through complex cases – and seeing how much they valued her help – brought to life what good social housing work looks like. It showed me the difference that steady, committed practice makes on the ground and why thoughtful leadership at board level matters.
As a direct result of being on this programme, I also had the confidence to apply for a place on the Climate Change, Environmental Sustainability and Rural Affairs anti‑racist Wales sub‑group – a forum working with Welsh Government policy leads to help shape the path towards an anti‑racist Wales by 2030. I’m looking forward to contributing to co‑produced goals and targeted actions for inclusion.
I can’t believe how quickly the year has passed or how much this programme has contributed to my growth. What I would say to anyone considering applying is simply: if you’re even half‑curious, take the step. You learn as much about yourself as you do about leadership, and it opens doors you didn’t realise were there.
