24th July 2025
A Powerful Start to Ignite
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IGNITE
Supporting Southampton’s Emerging Movers and Shakers
September 2025 – March 2026
Applications now open until 17th August
Ignite is a brand-new leadership journey for Southampton.
It’s not about suits and job titles — it’s about unlocking potential, building confidence, and helping emerging community leaders grow into the changemakers this city needs.
Whether you’re already making things happen in your neighbourhood or just starting to build connections, Ignite offers the space, support and inspiration to help you level up.
Who it’s for
People who live or work in Southampton and are:
- Already making a difference in their local communities
- At the early stages of their leadership journey (regardless of age)
- Keen to grow their skills, confidence, and impact
- Committed to creating positive change
We’re looking for a diverse group of 14–20 individuals from all walks of life — voluntary sector, local groups, grassroots organisations, or simply passionate locals with ideas and drive.
What to Expect
Over six months, the Ignite cohort will:
- Connect through in-person reflection days and peer learning
- Get tailored training in public speaking, influence, and fundraising
- Shadow city leaders and hear real leadership journeys
- Shape and deliver a personal leadership challenge
- Build a strong support network to last beyond the programme
Why now?
Southampton is full of people with big hearts and bold ideas. But real change needs space to grow.
Meet our Facilitator
Amanda Smethurst
Amanda is an independent facilitator, coach and consultant with a focus on reflective practice and peer learning within the cultural and community sectors, and a love of supporting people to understand what makes their heart sing.
Communities, culture and place has been a passion throughout her career. She has developed and contributed to leadership programmes, and championed ways for people to shape the culture and places around them and to create change where they live.
Amanda is a Clore Fellow, and is the chair of Middle Child Theatre, Hull. She’s also a mum, a potter, a gardener and a keen swimmer, which all make her heart sing.
Workshop Leaders
Sarina Mann
Sarina Mann is an award-winning speaker and founder of the Speakers’ Community. She specialises in helping leaders and teams build confidence, improve communication, and build connection. Having overcome stage fright and chronic illness, Sarina’s practical strategies deliver real results-boosting engagement, enhancing leadership, and strengthening relationships. Her methods, tailored for both virtual and in-person settings, help organisations create a culture of clarity and connection for long-term success.
Lucy Taylor
Lucy Taylor is a facilitator, systemic coach and founder of Make Work Play. She designs immersive, playful learning experiences to help teams connect, collaborate and thrive. Lucy has worked with organisations like Greenpeace and eatbigfish, and taught on MSc programmes at Ashridge and Metanoia. She’s trained in systemic coaching, improvisation and puppetry – and recently spoke on The power of play to transform the way you work at TEDxWinchester in June 2025.
Lucy Marder
Lucy Marder is a consultant, coach and facilitator who supports purpose-driven organisations and leaders with a social or environmental mission. She specialises in helping individuals and teams find focus, embrace change and thrive in a competitive landscape. With decades of cross-sector experience and a deep commitment to sustainability, Lucy offers expert coaching and organisational development. She holds multiple leadership, coaching and consulting qualifications, including Chartered Management Consultant and an MBA.
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Founding City Partners
