Bridging the Gap: My Journey with the Housing LIN Future Leaders Programme

Being part of the Housing LIN Future Leaders Programme has been a transformative experience in my professional growth over the past year. Working as a researcher in housing can sometimes feel disconnected from the broader community of housing professionals. However, this programme bridged that gap, immersing me in a vibrant community of housing practitioners and changemakers.

Throughout the programme, we were privileged to hear compelling stories of leadership and innovation. The housing sector has faced significant shifts, often driven by visionary individuals and executed by well-connected teams. Listening to leaders share their journeys, including their struggles with imposter syndrome, was incredibly inspiring for our group of aspiring housing leaders. These insights were not only motivational but also provided valuable lessons on resilience and leadership.

Beyond the insights from industry leaders, I gained just as much from my fellow programme members. Each member brought a unique perspective, working in diverse areas within the housing sector. This diversity showcased the vast range of opportunities and pathways available, illustrating how change can be driven through multiple avenues. It was both educational and empowering to see the collective effort in addressing housing challenges from various angles. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Jeremy and the entire Housing LIN team for their unwavering dedication and support. Their commitment to nurturing our development and the future of the housing community was evident in every aspect of the programme. The team's efforts went above and beyond, fostering an environment where we could thrive and look ahead with confidence.

I am excited to continue my journey with the Housing LIN and remain an active member of the Future Leaders in the housing community. The connections and insights gained through this programme have been invaluable, and I look forward to contributing to the ongoing evolution of the housing sector.

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Faye's blog is one of many by members of the 4th cohort of the Housing LIN’s Future Leaders Programme that we are excited to publish in the lead up to our 'sell-out' London conference – A Festival of Ideas: Age-Friendly Homes and Connected Community, taking place on Wednesday, 26 March 2025. We'll be joined by several of the Future Leaders who will be joining sponsor, Inspired Villages Group, that afternoon to share their sector leadership journeys.

If you found this of interest, you can read a previous blog by Faye on her research into the connections between housing quality, DNA methylation and mental health here. She also presented at the Housing LIN HAPPI Hour to coincide with last year’s Mental Health Awareness Week. You can watch the recording of this webinar here.