The History of Elephant Leadership Camps 

The brand name “Elephant” might be relatively new to Leadership coaching, but the philosophy and design of our Camps are anything but. Our model of gamified, self-discovery has been tried, tested and continually refined over 20 years, covering over 1,000 delegates to date. 
 
The original Leadership Camps, that inspired the Elephant team, were pioneering – reimagining how leadership development dovetails into a deep personal growth journey. And we have continually refined the Camp material since then, so it delivers even higher impact. 
 
Our greatest advocates are past delegates and alumni who have had great careers either launched off the back of a Camp experience, or they have been re-energised by a Camp, going on to even higher success sometimes after they thought their careers had peaked. 
 
Click below and scroll down to read reflections and comments from some of the most recent delegates we've had at Elephant Leadership Camps, but also, for completeness, we include some thoughts of the oldest and earliest graduates from the Camp's archives. Their stories are inspiring, the success of our alumni is why we do this …. 
FEEDBACK

Feedback from our Alumni 

Here is some feedback and quotes from successful alumni who attended  
Elephant Leadership Camps (or its predecessors). 
From one of our earliest Camps ..."Attending the Leadership Camp in 2006 was a pivotal moment in my career. I was eager to grow and "The Leadership Camp" provided a transformative experience that pushed potential leaders of the future. 
 
The skills and confidence I gained from the Leadership Camp set the foundation for my progression. Promoted to Business Manager, then to Talent Acquisition Manager for EMEA, and most recently, I have taken on the role of Global Talent Manager for a leading machine manufacturing company with a workforce of 12,000. 
 
Reflecting on my journey, I attribute much of my success to the insights and self-belief I developed at the Leadership Camp. It was here that I discovered my potential and I frequently share this experience. 
If you have the chance to attend the newly named "Elephant Camp," I wholeheartedly encourage you to seize the opportunity. Embrace every moment of self-learning and growth—it could be the experience that shapes your future." 
 
If you have the chance to attend the newly named "Elephant Camp," I wholeheartedly encourage you to seize the opportunity. Embrace every moment of self-learning and growth—it could be the experience that shapes your future." 
Shirley Willis | Global Talent Manager | JBT Marel 
From one of our earliest Camps ..."I first went on (what is now called) the Elephant Leadership Camp in 2009. This opportunity was hugely beneficial to me, teaching me new skills in leadership and management but in a manner which allowed me to translate that learning into action. Roll on 8 years and I became the CEO of Tyneside and Northumberland Mind, the North East’s leading mental health charity. I’m now responsible for 42 staff and I’m exceptionally proud that my leadership has enabled the organisation to flourish and grow.  
I always think back to the opportunities the Leadership Camp gave me, which not only opened up the possibilities for my career but also the possibilities within myself." 
 
I always think back to the opportunities the Leadership Camp gave me, which not only opened up the possibilities for my career but also the possibilities within myself." 
Alex Wilson | CEO | Tyneside & Northumberland Mind 
From one of our earliest Camps ..."I was already a manager when I was exposed to the Leadership lessons of a Select (now Elephant) Leadership Camp. Self-confidence, especially in leadership, was never my strongest point. I was good at my job, but I was perhaps a little out of my depth in Leadership and needed some help. The Leadership Camp changed the way I saw myself and my potential. I never knew I had such leadership skills and they were unleashed with incredible impact ! Within 4 years of attending a Camp I was made Chief Financial Officer of a corporation in Australia and also covered as the Chief Executive Officer! That was back a few years ago, now I’m back home in England and I still take great personal confidence from my time on the Leadership Camp. 
It helped me so much in my life and career and I now have my absolute dream job combining the two great loves in my life, business leadership and fast cars! Thank you Leadership Camp! " 
 
It helped me so much in my life and career and I now have my absolute dream job combining the two great loves in my life, business leadership and fast cars! Thank you Leadership Camp! " 
Kim Richardson | Financial Controller | Lola Cars 
From our November 2025 Camp: “The Leadership Camp was an eye-opening experience that helped me rediscover strengths in my skillset that I had forgotten I possessed. It also reinforced the importance of continuous self-improvement. The clear and concise feedback I received encouraged meaningful introspection as well as valuable external insight. The thought-provoking exercises throughout the course challenged my perspective in a positive way and deepened my understanding of effective leadership. Overall, it was a highly engaging experience that helped me refocus on the areas needed to establish my leadership brand. 
I liked the time with the team and the openness and vulnerability it allowed me to show. Tasks were thought provoking and feedback was insightful and clear” 
 
"Overall, it was a highly engaging experience that helped me refocus on the areas needed to establish my leadership brand. 
I liked the time with the team and the openness and vulnerability it allowed me to show." 
Arun Bhardwaj | Contact Centre Manager | Oxygen Activeplay 
From our November 2025 Camp: “This was the best course I’ve attended in my entire career, and also the one that has had the most significant impact on me. I’m genuinely grateful for the opportunity 
The choice of venue was excellent — the food, service, and accommodation at Center Parcs Woburn were superb. All of the coaches were incredibly knowledgeable and skilled across a variety of areas. I loved the way each coach presented their sessions — the content was intense but consistently engaging and relevant. 
I felt a genuine sense that the coaches wanted to share their experiences and pass on their knowledge to us, which I found inspiring and generous, and such a fantastic team. Everyone brought different backgrounds and perspectives, I learned something from each of them. 
And some of the best coaches I’ve ever worked with. Genuinely kind and insightful people, an honour to learn from them. We were encouraged to raise the bar on our strengths, stretch ourselves, support one another, and build trust and accountability. I’ll definitely be keeping my coach on speed dial!” 
 
This was the best course I’ve attended in my entire career, and also the one that has had the most significant impact on me." 
Victoria Martin | Organisational Learning Lead | The Open University 
From our March 2026 Camp: “The camp was a unique experience that I know I will be reflecting on for a long time and refer back to it, in my personal leadership exploration journey. 
The effort that went into organising the camp was evident. There was a clear distinction from [normal] management training, with the whole set up from co-living with our team to collaborating in the tasks. 
This was not a training course, but a Leadership Camp where different events took us through a deep dive of emotional reflection and self discovery. I don't feel like I got all the answers, but that I got the mental resources to think and rethink about my leadership identity and the impact I have on people.I might sign up for another camp as an alumni. " 
 
"This was not a training course, but a Leadership Camp where different events took us through a deep dive of emotional reflection and self discovery. I don't feel like I got all the answers, but that I got the mental resources to think and rethink about my leadership identity and the impact I have on people." 
Ecaterina Rotaru | PhD Researcher | Northumbria University 
From our March 2026 Camp: “My coach had real gravitas and a voice that made me sit up and listen and a great sense of humour too. An amazing energy/exuberance that was infectious and a precise gift of making me feel like I really matter. Although “teachers, colleagues and peers” have tried [in the past], he’s the most convincing person to tell me I have all the tools I need to achieve what I want to achieve, and I totally believe him. 
I can’t imagine what my camp experience would have been like without his guidance, insight , and genuine passion for the project, a true gentleman, a traditionalist. I have learned much from his wealth of knowledge - he provided a masterclass. 
I arrived at Camp expecting to have a blast, and it was way more fun than that. The opinion I had of myself was blown out of the water. At camp I discovered I already possessed the tools I need to realise my dreams.” 
 
It helped me so much in my life and career and I now have my absolute dream job combining the two great loves in my life, business leadership and fast cars! Thank you Leadership Camp! " 
Roxana | Retiree 
Now let’s get this thing sorted. 
 
"Where potential becomes power." Andy Moss  
 
See you soon at Camp. 
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