FAQs
Unlock your leadership potential through a community built on connection, confidence, and growth.
Welcome to the Sheffield Women’s Leadership Circle — a supportive, inclusive space for people who want to grow as leaders, whatever that means for them.
What is a Women’s Leadership Circle?
It is a group for women and nonbinary people in Sheffield to come together to gain new skills, get peer support, and grow their confidence to become more effective leaders – whether at work or in their communities.
If you’re looking for a space that encourages reflection, development, and ambition, the Circle offers a chance to:
- gain new perspectives
- build meaningful relationships, and
- take actionable steps toward achieving your leadership goals.
How does it work?
We meet monthly and work through structured training courses provided by the Lean In organisation.
Alongside this, there are facilitated group discussions where members can explore real challenges, questions, and dilemmas they’re facing.
Members are also encouraged to share learning from outside the group — whether that’s from books, podcasts, TED Talks, or articles — so we can learn from one another.
Who is the Circle for?
The Circle is for anyone who is interested in growing as a leader in their career or community.
It’s a space for people who are looking for a supportive, reflective environment and who value learning alongside others on similar journeys.
Whether you are:
- early in your career,
- transitioning to a new role, or
- a seasoned leader looking to develop new skills,
the Circle is designed to support you in building confidence and unlocking your potential.
How is this different from just asking my family and friends for advice?
Circle sessions offer a more structured and focused environment, led by a trained facilitator, where everyone is committed to supporting one another’s leadership development.
It is also a confidential, psychologically safe space — where you can talk openly about things you may not feel comfortable sharing with people who already know you in other roles than “work you” or “campaigner you.”
So, is this like therapy?
Not really.
The Circle is centred on leadership, confidence, and growth. While discussions can be reflective, they are always connected to learning, development, and practical action.
What does “Lean In” mean?
Lean In is a global organisation founded by Sheryl Sandberg, former Chief Operating Officer of Meta. It takes its name from her 2013 book.
Side note: You absolutely do not need to have liked, or even read, the book to join the Circle.
Lean In’s mission is to empower women and girls to achieve their ambitions. Through research-backed training, toolkits, and Circle guides, they have supported millions of people worldwide.
This Circle uses some of those free resources as a framework — but everything is adapted to reflect our Sheffield community, priorities, and experiences.
Will you try to sell me anything?
No.
And neither will anyone else.
This is a sales-free, self-promotion-free space, focused entirely on learning, connection, and growth.
The Circle is not about networking for business leads — it is about supporting one another as people and leaders.
How much does it cost?
Nothing.
There is no fee to join, and all monthly sessions are free to attend.
We invite members to make an optional “pay what you feel” contribution towards room hire, which is not covered by Lean In.
If you are not able to contribute, you are still very welcome.
What’s the commitment?
Joining the Circle is flexible. You can attend sessions when you are able.
However, if you sign up for one of the structured training series, we ask that you commit to attending all sessions, as each one builds on the last and supports the group’s shared progress.
Everyone’s presence matters, and consistency helps the Circle thrive.
How do I join?
You can join the circle by filling out the form at our sign up page here:
Or you can register to attend an upcoming event by visiting our Eventbrite page here: