Climb’s impact to date.
leaders trained
alumni achieved promotion
national awards won by Climbers
peer-reviewed papers published by alumni
“I no longer feel disillusioned. I feel hope. I feel like we are starting something with Climb that we can use to make things better.”
Dr Mark Knights
Story highlights
We measure our impact based on the success of our community. Here are some of their stories:
Climb Cohort Five Reaches Its Summit: Leadership Beyond Words
On 30 June 2026, the Great Hall at Swansea University hosted the final summit of Climb Cohort Five. The event marked the culmination of a ten-month leadership journey delivered by…
Dragon’s Heart Institute publishes five-year impact report
We are proud to share the publication of our
“Wales has invested in me, so I need to give back to Wales”: Leadership on the frontline of healthcare transformation at Morriston Hospital
The transformation of patient flow at Morriston Hospital in Swansea Bay University Health Board is a story of leadership, resilience, and practical change. At its centre is Callum Allen-Ridge, Head…
“This was the moment that things changed for me…it is like no other leadership programme. This network has become the necessary scaffolding that I needed.”
Anita Pierce, Deputy Medical Director MHLD and Consultant Psychiatrist
Themes of Impact
Personal growth
“For the first time, I saw myself as a leader. Not because of my title, but because of how I show up.”
Climb helps leaders step into their full potential, building confidence, clarity and courage. Delegates leave with a stronger sense of purpose and a renewed belief in their ability to lead change.
Cross-sector collaboration
“I met people tackling the same problems in completely different ways. That changed everything.”
Delegates connect across roles, disciplines and sectors to share insight and support. Climb creates a community where health, care, third sector and public service leaders learn from one another and act together.
Confidence in uncertainty
“I used to wait for absolute clarity before acting. Now I can hold uncertainty and still lead with conviction.”
Climb equips leaders to stay grounded and purposeful in the face of ambiguity. Delegates learn to lead without having all the answers, using story, reflection and connection to chart a path forward.
Culture shift
“Climb taught me how to lead with vulnerability and connect with others in ways I never had before.”
By centring compassion, authenticity and story, Climb is building a new kind of leadership: one rooted in humanity. Delegates bring this shift back into their organisations and teams.
System-wide ripple effects
“Since Climb, I’ve led work that’s now informing strategy at board level. It started with my story and it’s become a movement.”
Climb alumni take their learning back into the systems: shaping policy, improving services and influencing culture across organisations. The effects of the programme ripple far beyond the room.
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