Reflecting on the Executive Public Leaders Programme 

How you found your time on the Executive Public Leaders Programme:

The Executive Public Leaders Programme was an important and useful experience for me. I believe it is essential for improving leadership knowledge and skills, increasing your understanding of leadership dynamics in the public sector, and enhancing your decision-making abilities in these challenging times. It was interesting to see that, despite participants coming from different countries, the leadership dynamics, dilemmas, and challenges faced were very similar. This is another reason why the programme was beneficial to all of us. It provided valuable insights on how to address these challenges, solve dilemmas, negotiate in difficult circumstances, maintain high ethical standards, and become better leaders.

The reason for applying for the programme and what expectations you had from it prior to starting:

Studying at Oxford is a dream for many young people, and it has been my dream as well. Although I did not have this opportunity when I was younger, I am thankful that I got to study at Oxford, even if it was just for a 12-day programme. Previously, I have taught at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tirana, served as the executive director of the Gender Alliance for Development Center, and spent 12 years as a Minister and member of the Albanian Parliament. Since March 2022, I have been the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Albania to the OSCE, the UN, and other international organisations in Vienna.

These experiences have made me eager to learn new knowledge and skills, practice them in my work, and reflect on areas that need improvement or further development. They have also made me more open-minded and willing to share lessons learned, achievements, and areas for improvement. Being in leadership positions often leaves little time to reflect and learn new skills, which is another reason why I consider this programme important and useful. It creates a safe space to learn, grow, share opinions, and gain new perspectives.

Your most memorable aspects of the programme:

The whole programme provided various aspects of leadership, making the experience interesting and useful. I appreciated the opportunity to reflect and share my personal experiences in leadership positions in civil society and politics in Albania, receiving feedback, suggestions, and different perspectives. The case studies presented were extremely useful as they allowed us to discuss inspirational leaders and their successful approaches to various issues. The module on integrity in public life gave us a space to deeply reflect on ethical decisions and the everyday dilemmas we face in our work.

The diversity of thought/experience of your cohort:

The remarkable diversity within my cohort was certainly an added value of this programme. All participants were carefully selected, bringing diverse experiences, knowledge, skills, and regional backgrounds that enriched our discussions and perspectives. Executive leaders from various backgrounds, skilled and experienced civil servants, and officials from international organizations shared knowledge, skills, experiences, dilemmas, and learned from each other's questions, suggestions, encouragement, and appreciation. We found a place to share our thoughts and reflections honestly and felt understood, supported, respected, and appreciated. Sometimes our thoughts and assumptions were challenged through discussions, and the takeaways we received within the group were of great help in our future endeavors.

Advice for future applicants:

I recommend this programme to anyone looking to increase their leadership skills, grow personally and professionally, and find a space to reflect, feel supported, and be challenged. When you become part of the programme, allow yourself to be part of a group that will sharpen your leadership skills, share expertise and experiences, and provide different perspectives. Engage in sharing experiences without fear of judgment. Having an open mind and willingness to learn will make this experience rewarding. Be ready to enjoy the whole experience of learning, growing, and further developing your leadership.

Staying in Oxford:

Living and studying in Oxford for the duration of the programme was an incredible experience. The city's historical architecture and friendly atmosphere, along with programme participants from different countries, made the stay unforgettable. Although the programme was intense and left little time for exploring the city, we had the opportunity to visit some special places. We dined at renowned colleges like Wadham College and Balliol College and visited a historic house where we spent a whole day of the programme. Each part of the programme was well-balanced, combining studying, discussing, and exposure to different aspects of Oxford's history and culture. The whole experience of studying in Oxford, beyond learning and growing, was also charming.

Having the chance to study at Oxford, even for a 12-day programme, is a great opportunity. The professors were well-prepared to teach and engage with leaders. The materials, articles, and presentations were tailored for the group, and the methodology and methods used were thoughtfully designed to address the needs and interests of the participants. Their academic knowledge, expertise, and experience were exceptional. The articles and case studies discussed challenged us and helped us learn from them and each other. Working in smaller groups, discussing dilemmas, acting as real leaders in negotiations, and sharing excellent case studies of leadership from different countries were extremely helpful and enlightening. Mentoring and coaching experiences were incredibly beneficial.

Our understanding of effective and efficient governance and leadership deepened due to their teaching and interaction with us. Special appreciation goes to the Programme Directors, Professor Chris Stone and Associate Professor Emily Jones, who guided and supported us throughout the programme, creating a positive environment for learning and growth, and inspiring us with their models of leading and teaching, commitment, compassion, and empathy.

I believe that my co-participants and I will appreciate everything we learned from them and will use it in our future careers. Besides the Programme Directors and teaching team, I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to the supporting team that was with us before, during, and after the programme. Their commitment, hard work, compassion, care, and support were amazing.

I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this prestigious programme. Everything I learned and shared, the networking, and the experiences gained will undoubtedly continue to shape my professional life.

We are now accepting applications for the Executive Public Leaders Programme on 22 June – 3 July 2025.