British Chamber launches BritCham Accelerate, a leadership programme for 21 high-potential early career professionals from member companies

SINGAPORE, 16 September 2025 – The British Chamber of Commerce Singapore (BritCham) successfully launched its inaugural BritCham Accelerate programme at the Barclays office in Singapore. 21 high-potential early-career professionals from across 13 BritCham member companies have been selected for this transformative 8-week leadership development journey. Accelerate is developed by the Chamber’s Leadership, Talent and Development (LTD) committee.

The kick-off session was officially opened by BritCham’s Executive Director, David Kelly, and Board member and Co-Chair of the LTD committee, Michael Yap, setting the tone for this comprehensive and impactful programme that’s designed specifically for professionals with 5 to 12 years of experience.

"We live in uncertain times. Geopolitical headwinds and technology leaps with AI are reshaping the market and the design of our jobs. However, this uncertainty also brings opportunity," said David Kelly, Executive Director of BritCham. "BritCham Accelerate represents our commitment to address this shift and support the next generation of young talent in Singapore."

The kick-off evening was led by LTD committee members Don Rapley (Co-Founder & Director of Transform Your Conversations) and Karin Stenstam (Regional Director, Singapore at Hult Ashridge Executive Education). The session comprised an introduction to the programme and insights from the LTD committee.

The participants were also treated to an engaging leadership panel discussion featuring three distinguished speakers from BritCham member companies:

• Hannah Lennon, Lead - Employee Listening and Experience at Standard Chartered
• Lauren D'Arcy, Managing Director, FIG, APAC & ME and Head of Financial Institutions APAC & Middle East at Barclays
• Mohit Sharma, Head of Operations, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa at Lloyd’s

The panel explored key leadership challenges and opportunities facing early-career professionals in today's dynamic business environment. The panellists also shared their own stories and challenges in their careers, and how they dealt with imposter syndrome, mindset changes and working with others as they moved up into positions of leadership. Participants got to ask our panellists questions and reflect on their own leadership journey and those of their peers.

BritCham Accelerate bridges the critical gap between technical expertise and leadership excellence through a carefully designed curriculum that combines personal strengths profiling, skill-building workshops, and peer-to-peer learning. The programme utilises the deep experience of senior leaders and practitioners, strengths assessment tools, and communication frameworks to help participants develop self-awareness, executive presence, and meaningful professional relationships.

"This programme combines proven methodologies with practical application and peer learning opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom," Kelly added. "Participants will work with seasoned facilitators who have successfully navigated the leadership journey themselves, gaining insights that can only come from experience."

The select cohort of 21 participants represents diverse industries and backgrounds, all recommended by senior representatives from their respective BritCham member organisations. Over the next eight weeks, they will participate in four additional modules covering self-awareness and strengths assessment, presence and impact, and accelerated growth strategies, culminating in their graduation ceremony on 18 November.

The programme addresses the growing importance of soft skills such as collaboration and adaptability in the age of AI, as highlighted by recent Harvard Business Review research covering 70 million job transitions. BritCham Accelerate's comprehensive approach ensures participants develop both the technical leadership competencies and the authentic relationships needed to succeed in senior roles.

BritCham Accelerate is exclusive to members of the British Chamber of Commerce Singapore at a subsidised rate, ensuring companies of all sizes are included. This high-quality programme is led by senior experts from the LTD committee, with contributions from senior leaders across the BritCham network. The programme will be hosted at the offices of venue sponsors Barclays, BT and Lloyd’s.

The inaugural kick-off session concluded with a speed networking session to support participants in building their professional relationships and community that will extend far beyond the programme's completion.

About BritCham Accelerate

BritCham Accelerate is a practical, high-impact leadership development programme designed for early-career professionals stepping into their first people management roles or preparing for the next stage of their careers. The programme combines strengths assessment tools, executive presence development, networking strategies, and career planning to create sustainable leadership growth.

About the British Chamber of Commerce Singapore

The British Chamber of Commerce Singapore (BritCham) is the leading business network connecting British and international companies in Singapore. Through advocacy, networking, and professional development programmes, BritCham supports its members' success while strengthening UK-Singapore business ties.