Comments from former ACLP Participants

‘I realize that leadership is not about a personality but about someone who shares their values with others and works at all levels. It's a concept to treasure.’

‘I've changed the way I lead. I'm m ore aware of others' strengths, rather than focusing on their weaknesses. I know better how to motivate people.’

‘The impact of ACLP has been invigorating, confidence-instilling, motivating, life-changing.’

‘I'm clearer about how to empower people even if they have a different work style.’

‘The ACLP, a self-reflecting and inspiring experience which helped me discover the true meaning of being a cultural leader.’

‘Through the case studies, you can see how the ACLP speakers demonstrate their artistic leadership and how they brand their visions in a bigger context, for e.g. community. They share their big troubles with you. I am truly inspired by their actions and their influences.’

‘The ACLP speakers are the true leaders who do not make people into followers, but into other leaders.’

‘We come from very different backgrounds. Everyone is so open and can discuss freely about our career and lives.’

‘I could feel the strong bonding within the group - and we are definitely working towards the collaborative leaderships, as well as our own authentic style.’

‘The ACLP speakers are world-class. Most importantly, they are very open to all kinds of questions. They are true to each other.’

‘As cultural leaders, we have a responsibility to be the guardian of our values.’

‘I can now balance specific with strategic thinking and find ways to connect with and empower others. I can see now that I can make a difference.’

Endorsements from ACLP Speakers

‘Working with future cultural leaders is engrossing, demanding and incredibly rewarding. They test us as much as we try to stretch them. The exchanges are open, free, democratic and without hierarchy. We never quite know what will emerge from any particular session because we are all there to help the activity of learning. Oh yes, the fun, the laughter - that is part of learning about leadership too. It's all there at ACLP!’

‘The ACLP allows us to reflect on and question what we know and don't know about ourselves so we can reduce, increase and transform both our professional and personal leadership skills and qualities. In life we do our living forwards and our understanding backwards yet this uniquely constructed programme is that rare opportunity to do our understanding backwards so our living forwards is so much richer, complete and life changing.’

‘The ACLP is a truly excellent programme, combining international and local perspectives on leadership in a specifically cultural context. Participants learn from each other, as well as from the range of speakers who bring a wealth of practical experience and knowledge to the gatherings. ACLP is an enriching and stimulating course for anyone who is, or aspires to be, a cultural leader.’

‘It's vital that cultural leaders have specialist training that recognizes and addresses the unique challenge that they will face throughout their careers - that of running organisations which are artistically and intellectually innovative whilst also being commercially viable. The ACLP brilliantly supplies this training, combining key organizational theory with case studies and personal experiences, delivered in intense sessions that really take participants' thinking to the next level.’

‘Having had the privilege to be part of the ACLP from the outset, I can see how the programme provides an unparalleled opportunity for participants to reflect on their own potential as cultural leaders and to build a network of support and learning with fellow participants. This time for guided reflection is precious in HK's busy lifestyle, as is the time to get to know professional colleagues. The apparent luxury of time that the ACLP offers is, in fact, a necessity in helping to create a sustainable, innovative and flourishing cultural sector. I am full of admiration for what the ACLP has already achieved and trust that its benefits will continue to be apparent for many years to come.’

‘The calibre of the participants each year has been very high and the mix of local and international speakers has been balanced very well. It has been refreshing and inspiring to see such commitment to the cultural sector in Hong Kong and the region and it bodes well for the future that there is now a growing network of leaders who are more confident in their abilities and levels of influence and can call on the support and guidance (when needed) of others in the wider group. I hope this work can continue for many years to come.’

‘The group of participants were from a wide range of organisations and experience but all had a terrific energy, both to learn and to contribute. One felt that the future of the cultural life of the region was in extremely good hands. Daniel and Candy, as ever, ran the course with their usual efficiency, charm and authority.’

‘I think the ACLP programme is an inspiration to both participants and speakers. It is perhaps unique amongst training programmes in that it addresses the whole person. There is no doubt that you come away at the end of the programme knowing far more about yourself and the motivations of others than you ever could imagine. Leadership is complex, hard work, inspiring and rewarding - and this course is all about that!’

‘Every year, the high quality and deep commitment of participants on the ACLP programme suggests a bright future for the arts in Hong Kong and in the region as a whole. That vision is reinforced by the knowledge that the alumni from ACLP's first four years are already making an impact - one that will only grow stronger in the years to come.’