Over the past decade Change Catalyst by Raise the Bar has transformed from a bold experiment into an indispensable leadership laboratory. From its launch in London’s post-Olympic innovation hub, the programme has delivered human-centred learning experiences that match the speed of change in modern business. A community of senior leaders have gathered around provocative ideas and real-time experimentation. Each year we tap the most in-demand global experts to challenge assumptions, question best practice and spark fresh solutions.
Jonathan Stanger captures the heart of Change Catalyst when he explains that “Change is ever constant and the programme allows individuals identified as top talent to take a step off the treadmill and pick up little nuggets of wisdom that can help improve either their own, their team or their organisations performance.” From the very first session on the ‘Chimp’ model for resilience through to recent deep dives on AI futureproofing, the content shifts with emerging priorities. He notes that the Chimp session “has been a mainstay of the programme through evolving to help leaders understand how to create a resilient culture in times of unprecedented change.”
When the world shut down in 2020, we refused to pause. Instead, we accelerated. Moving online enabled global participation and deepened cross-organisation dialogue. What might have been a setback became a catalyst for reimagining our delivery. Live interactive modules and peer-to-peer breakout rooms combined to nurture learning at scale. The result is a hybrid model that delivers equal power and presence whether in a London boardroom or across time zones on a screen.
Shaun Lanceley reflects on how Change Catalyst has stayed ahead of turbulence: “Since its launch we have experienced a global pandemic, rising inflation and recessions, changes in global leadership, Brexit, greater concerns for the environment, and the rapid emergence of AI technology. All these things have changed business and the way we need to lead; Change Catalyst has adapted too, and the sessions are still as relevant today as they were when launched.” His standout insight comes from Professor Damian Hughes’ “tripwires” concept, helping leaders pause, recalibrate thought patterns and behave differently for better results and impact.
In 2022, we ventured into the metaverse, becoming the first leadership programme to offer immersive, avatar-driven sessions. Participants gather in virtual spaces that mirror real-world boardrooms and breakouts, experimenting with collaborative tools that serve as prototypes for tomorrow’s workplaces. This leap into virtual reality reflects our conviction that leadership learning must stay at the frontier of technology without losing human connection.
“As the name indicates, Change Catalyst is truly an inspiring leadership catalyst. I was an international participant on Change Catalyst as I was spending time between India and the UK and it was phenomenally helpful to be part of a diverse group and exchange thoughts and ideas.”
– Amrita Insititute of Medical Sciences
Steve Smith recalls one of the programme’s earliest and most powerful sessions on disruption. Led by Laila Pawlak of Singularity University, it drew on Salim Ismail’s Exponential Organisations to reveal how exponential technologies emerge quietly before reshaping our world. “For me it was about seeing beyond the obvious. It wasn’t just the content, but the mindset it provoked” he says. That experience embodies Change Catalyst’s mission: provoke new thinking, push boundaries and open leaders to possibilities they never imagined.
Across all ten years a constant is authenticity. Damian Hughes’ evolution has echoed the programme’s growth—maturing in substance and style yet never losing his down-to-earth practicality and authority. Steve sums it up: “Every encounter with Damian leaves you with something tangible, useful and thought-provoking.” His sessions remind leaders why human intelligence and emotional agility remain at the core of effective change management.
“I left each session full of ideas, thoughts on new ways or working and inspired to learn and do more. And most importantly I’ve utilised more ideas, frameworks and thinking from Change Catalyst than any other training programme I’ve attended in my entire career. I would recommend the programme to any leader or aspiring leader who is looking to challenge their own thinking and improve their leadership skills. World class!”
– Strategic North
Equality, diversity and inclusion have moved from standalone themes into essential leadership practices. Digital leadership emerged as a critical skill. Our session topics have tracked the rise of ESG priorities, the urgency of climate risk and the promise, and perils of artificial intelligence. At each step we have tested new modalities to ensure leaders don’t simply consume information but apply it immediately in their own contexts.
“What attracted me to Change Catalyst is the idea of being able to connect with people from different industries, exchange ideas and to hear from specialists in the area. I really like the speakers, I’ve heard about the majority of them and I was excited to also attend lectures from speakers I’ve never heard of before, so when I saw Change Catalyst and the opportunity came and landed on my desk I didn’t even think about it.”
– Santander
After ten years, Change Catalyst stands as living proof that learning must be radical, relevant and relentlessly refreshed. We have seen clients return year after year, each time enrolling new leaders with new challenges and fresh opportunities. The programme has nurtured networks of change-makers whose impact ripples out to teams, divisions and entire organisations.
If you are a leader who wants to outpace disruption rather than be overtaken by it, Change Catalyst has earned its reputation as a must-attend. Its blend of world-class experts, immersive formats and real-world application has provided thousands of leaders with the confidence, insight and resilience to drive performance. As Jonathan says, “I might be biased but I think it’s an absolute must for anyone who is time poor but wants to drive their business performance.”
“I love people and missing the physical connection I didn’t think I would get as much from a virtual programme – but I couldn’t be more wrong! I really appreciated mixing with different folk in the rooms rather than people just on the tables, the smaller numbers in the breakout rooms brought much more focused in depth discussions. The polls were useful and something we may not have done in person. I felt really connected all the way through.”
– Fanatics UK
As we look ahead to the next ten years, one thing is certain: change will continue at breakneck speed. What hasn’t changed is our commitment to developing leaders who are ready for tomorrow’s challenges today. Change Catalyst will stay on the frontier, provoking new thinking, advancing practice and turning learning into lasting impact. If you want to anticipate change before it arrives, this programme is your gateway to transformation.