The Power of Purpose: Perspectives from the Housing LIN Future Leaders Programme

What? How? Why? Questions on purpose have been fundamental to the human condition for millennia. From Ancient Miletus to modern times, the pursuit of purpose has driven endeavours that have defined our world, from pioneering endeavours through to everyday interactions. Purpose sits at the heart of leadership, and the Housing LIN Future Leaders Programme has been a catalyst to explore its power in shaping society.

At the heart of the Programme has been our cohort. A network of talented individuals, united through our shared vision for the best housing, health, and care. We came together united in this purpose. Yet the importance of this was not just what we shared, but our diversity of thought. Being a multidisciplinary group, our discussions encompassed a multitude of perspectives, allowing us to learn from one another.

Across each session of the programme, our cohort were treated to hearing from industry leaders who gave up their time to talk about their life and leadership journeys. I know that I can say that each interaction resonated with us all. One such guest was Laura Wood, Director and Founder of Invisible Creations. On a visit to Appleby Blue Almshouse in Southwark, Laura took us through her inspiring story into why accessibility mattered, through the eyes of her grandmother, Sheila. Anyone who knows me well knows that I use the word “inspiring” sparingly – but it was for me. It spoke to the heart of my purpose, and how my career was shaped by my experience as a young carer.

One thing that each of our speakers taught us was that purpose is more than just a dream. It is a call to action. Leaders can turn that message into a roadmap and take people and organisations on a changemaking journey. The end of our year on the Future Leaders Programme is the start of the next chapter as the leaders of today and tomorrow.

It has been a real pleasure to be a part of the 4th cohort. The Future Leaders Programme has set the scene for many exciting years ahead. I look forward to bringing these learnings, reflections, and connections, to my work in social housing for months and years to come. My thanks to Housing LIN and Inspired Villages for investing in us, and to the National Housing Federation for giving me the time and support to participate.

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Adam'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.