Balancing a career in medicine, coaching, and competing with a UCI continental cycling team, Zoe Langham was keen to develop her skills.

Zoe’s recent experience with the ILM Level 7 leadership course has been transformative, giving her tools, self-awareness, and insights into the art of being an effective leader. In this interview, Zoe shares her course experience, including the challenges and the most valuable things that she learned…

Could you give us a little summary about yourself? How would you describe what you do and your approach to work and leadership?

I am currently a doctor at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB). I also do a bit of cycling coaching and ride for the UCI continental team Finish Line RT. I work across lots of different teams—whether it’s my road cycling team, esports team, ward team, or even my family. Each team has its characters, pressures, and goals, but they all rely on good communication.

I’ve played leadership roles in all these teams. I can step into that role when needed, though I admit it’s a tough one to play. You see many poor examples of leadership in life but far fewer good ones. Hopefully, this course can help tip the balance in favour of the latter. Ultimately, my career goal is simple: to enjoy and be passionate about whatever I’m doing. I think that’s something everyone deserves.

What inspired you to enrol in the ILM Level 7 course?

I’ve seen so many examples of poor leadership in my day-to-day work and the ripple effects it can have. Leadership has the power to make or break a team, transform lives, or destroy them overnight. It’s a powerful role, and with that comes both responsibility and privilege.

The solution, I think, is to be the best leader you can be. That’s what inspired me to take this course—to refine my skills and use them to benefit others, creating a positive ripple effect for every team I work with.

The course delivered on all fronts…I wanted tools and techniques I could use right away, along with a supportive environment to practice them. On a deeper level, I was looking for self-awareness and personal development. 

What specific skills or knowledge were you hoping to gain from the course?

To be honest, I was curious about the “dark arts” of leadership. Watching Sally [course tutor] work her wizardry, I wasn’t disappointed! But the relief is that this magic can be learned and practised by anyone.

On a more practical level, I wanted tools and techniques I could use right away, along with a supportive environment to practice them. On a deeper level, I was looking for self-awareness and personal development. The course delivered on all fronts.

How do you see yourself applying what you’ve learned to your career and leadership approach?

I’d like to take the next chapter of my career into coaching within healthcare. There’s a real need for leadership support in the NHS to reignite motivation and drive. On an individual level, I want to help people rediscover their potential and start “flying” in their own ways.

Life can be hard and busy, but as children, we all dreamed big and believed in those dreams. Somewhere along the way, we lose that. I want to help people reconnect with that spark.

What were your key takeaways from the course?

It’s hard to summarise six packed days of learning, but I walked away with a bank of tools and techniques that I’ve already started practising and refining. I gained a deeper understanding of myself and discovered things I never knew about myself.

For example, I thought I was a good listener, but I learned about the levels of listening and realized I had room for improvement. Now I practice deeper listening every day, and the results have been amazing. Most importantly, I enjoyed every minute of the course.

It’s hard to summarise six packed days of learning, but I walked away with a bank of tools and techniques that I’ve already started practising and refining. I gained a deeper understanding of myself and discovered things I never knew about myself.

How do you think the course will benefit you personally and professionally?

The benefits are multi-dimensional. The skills I learned aren’t confined to work—they’ve influenced my personal relationships and day-to-day life as well. For example, when I face a difficult decision or conflict, I find myself rehearsing perceptual positions, a technique I learned during the course.

It also helps with self-confidence by challenging self-limiting beliefs. And now, I have a network of fellow attendees who I consider friends. As a doctor, the ability to foster self-belief and accountability is vital, not just for others but for protecting myself from burnout.

Did you find any part of the course particularly challenging?

Honestly? The hardest part was the commute—driving on the M6 to get to the Stafford conference centre! Haha. But seriously, the written coursework will require real time and effort, though I know Pro-Noctis is working on offering verbal completion options, so stay tuned…

Would you recommend this course to others? And, if so, who would benefit most?

Absolutely. I think everyone can benefit from this course, especially those in leadership or mentoring positions. Even if you don’t see yourself in that role, the self-development skills alone are game-changing and can be applied to everyday life.

Sally and Phil [course tutors] are incredible. They’re approachable, empathetic, and non-judgmental qualities that every good leader should embody. Ongoing support is just a call or email away, and asking for help is actively encouraged.

What advice would you give to someone considering enrolling in the ILM Level 7 course?

Be curious, open-minded, and prepared for deep self-reflection. Growth can be surprising and even a little uncomfortable at times, but that’s part of the process.

The perspective and skills you gain from this course are priceless. Come into it with an open mind, and you’ll come away richer in ways money can’t measure.

Most importantly, I would say just do it. You won’t regret it!

Find the full details of our upcoming ILM-7 courses right here.

Learn more about all of our ILM courses on offer here, including our in-house programmes and workshops.

Get in touch today to discuss the best training opportunities for your organisation.