At Churchill Group, we believe in investing in our people, helping them unlock their full potential, and providing them with the tools to take their careers to the next level. One of the ways we do this is through our development training programme, Own Your Future. The programme is designed to build confidence, enhance leadership skills, and empower our colleagues to take ownership of their career progression.
For Abdikarin Mohamud, Own Your Future was a game-changer.
Overcoming self-doubt and unlocking potential
Before joining the programme, Abdikarin had been a Duty Manager for three and a half years. Despite his experience, he often felt overlooked and lacked the confidence to put himself forward for new opportunities.
“I was in my own shell, so to speak,” Abdikarin recalls. “I wasn’t confident enough to go and get what I wanted. But once I joined the cohort, it gave me the confidence to push myself and step outside my comfort zone.”
This newfound confidence was transformative. Not only did he gain valuable skills, but he also took a bold step, applying for an Operations Manager role, and he got it.
“I could not stress enough how much I recommend this programme to others. It changed my perspective, gave me the tools to grow, and helped me secure the role I truly wanted.”
Learning to communicate and lead effectively
One of the biggest takeaways for Abdikarin was the power of effective communication. Before Own Your Future, he approached emails and conversations the same way, regardless of the audience. Through the programme, he learned to adapt his communication style based on who he was speaking to, whether it was a director who preferred concise messages or a team member who needed more detail.
“It was an eye-opener,” he says. “I now understand people’s preferences and how to tailor my approach. I can engage more effectively and ensure my message lands the right way.”
The programme also helped him develop strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, particularly when managing challenging situations. As someone responsible for engaging with union representatives, Abdikarin often found himself in difficult conversations. Before, he felt like a “punching bag,” but Own Your Future gave him the confidence and strategies to navigate these discussions more effectively.
The power of in-person learning
While much of Churchill’s training is online, Abdikarin found immense value in the classroom-based sessions.
“When you’re in a room with other managers, you’re fully engaged, you can’t just zone out. The trainers kept us involved, challenged us, and encouraged us to step outside our comfort zones. It made a huge difference.”
One standout moment was when the cohort had to give presentations. Initially hesitant, Abdikarin volunteered to go first, something he never would have done before the programme.
“I had a moment of self-doubt, but I pushed through it. That experience alone gave me the confidence to take on bigger challenges.”
Paying it forward
Abdikarin’s transformation has been so profound that he’s now encouraging his own team to take part.
“I’ve got three people in mind for the next cohort. I know the benefits, and I want them to experience the same growth. Ideally, every frontline manager should go through this, it would make such a difference to the company as a whole.”
Final thoughts
Reflecting on his journey, Abdikarin has just one regret: that he didn’t do it sooner.
“I wish I had taken part in January instead of waiting until September. The sooner you do it, the sooner you start reaping the benefits.”
For anyone hesitant about joining, his advice is simple: “Don’t be negative. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. The skills, the confidence, the mindset shift – it’s all invaluable. This programme changed my career, and it can do the same for you.”