Developing Sustainable Leaders session develops "Confident Communicators"

The SCHEMA Postdoctoral Research Associate network recently came together for one of our Developing Sustainable Leaders sessions themed "Confident Communicators: Pitching Yourself and Your Science for Impact" facilitated by Dr Emma Williams.

In a highly interactive session designed to build the confidence, clarity and connection skills, SCHEMA postdocs worked to reframe self-promotion as 'amplifying impact' and discuss the shift from "talking about myself to sharing value". Through short practical exercises and peer discussion, participants learned to pitch themselves and their research with authenticity, map their key stakeholders, and explore how to use the DNA of Engagement to communicate messages that resonate — helping them act as ambassadors for SCHEMA and for sustainable science more broadly. Hub Operations & EDI Manager Dr Steph Montanaro, who conceptualised our Developing Sustainable Leaders programme, says of the session:

It reinforced that effective communication isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about finding authentic approaches that resonate with different audiences. As our PDRAs engage with a diverse network of partners, the confidence to communicate their research clearly will be critical to driving progress and collaboration on SCHEMA’s Grand Challenges.