The Leaders’ Collective
Action Learning Sets for Entrepreneurs & Leaders
Stop going it alone. Join an exclusive circle of entrepreneurs who want clarity, resilience, and real results.
Over six months, you’ll work on your business challenges in a trusted group, guided by experienced facilitators. Through Action Learning Sets – a powerful blend of peer learning, innovation tools, and leadership coaching – you’ll leave each session with clarity, confidence, and actionable next steps.
Why Join?
This isn’t another networking group or one-off workshop. It’s structured, focused, and built for impact.
- Solve your pressing challenges – bring real issues, leave with fresh insight and practical solutions.
- Grow as a leader – strengthen resilience, expand your mindset, and increase confidence in your decisions.
- Innovate your business model – test assumptions, adapt strategy, and unlock opportunities for growth.
- Build a trusted peer network – a small, committed circle of entrepreneurs who support and challenge you.
- Leave with a roadmap – clarity on your next steps for both your business and your leadership.
How It Works
• 4-5 leaders meet for 3.5 hours (in-person and online) every 4 weeks
• Every person presents a live challenge they are facing
• The group explores it through structured questions and coaching – no advice!
• The issue-holder commits to action
• Everyone reflects on leadership learning
Format: 6 Sessions every 4 weeks (Feb–Jul 2026)
Group size: Intimate, up to 5 participants
Meet the Facilitators
Dr Karla Zimpel-Leal is a coach and academic whose work is rooted in innovation and enterprise. She specialises in helping leaders adapt business models, test growth assumptions, and apply practical innovation tools to real challenges. Earlier in her career, she founded and ran small businesses, giving her first-hand experience of the opportunities and pressures entrepreneurs face. Now, as part of her role at Oxford Brookes Business School, she combines her coaching practice, research, and enterprise expertise to help leaders and entrepreneurs build clarity, resilience, and sustainable growth.
Dr Karen Blakeley is a leadership coach who specialises in building resilience, increasing self-awareness and confidence and helping leaders influence people at all levels in their organisations. She has worked extensively with executives, entrepreneurs, and teams. She focuses on creating psychological safety, building high performing cultures based on trust, navigating power and politics in organisations, developing self-awareness and becoming a fully conscious, responsible leader who enjoys their work. Previously Head of the Centre for Responsible Management at Winchester University Business School, she has also published widely on ethical and responsible leadership. Karen brings a depth of insight into team dynamics, values-driven leadership and personal growth, creating the conditions for leaders to thrive both personally and professionally.
Who It’s For
This programme is designed for:
- SME owners, managers or directors
- Scale-up entrepreneurs
- Solo founders seeking accountability and leadership growth
- Social enterprises and charity leaders
Join the Pilot
The first cohort launches Feb 2026 with limited places available.
Apply for the Pilot Waitlist! For further information and to apply for the programme, please contact me. Email Karen@karenblakeley.com. Mobile: 07977 857064
