UKI Annual & Emerging Leaders Conference 2025

 

 

DFK UK & Ireland conference 2025 – Emerging Leaders session

Day 1 – Creating Presence and a Personal Brand

Learning objectives

To understand the difference between presence and brand and the connections between them and definitions of each.

Understand what created a strong presence – identify the factors both generally and personally to create an action plan to create a consistently strong presence.

Understand the elements that make a personal brand and the factors that make that brand a strong one (use examples of personal brands both positive and negative.

Develop awareness of the key elements of their own personal brand, identify areas they would like to strengthen to create an action plan,

Morning session - presence

• Introductions, check-in and agreed ways of working
• Discussion on definitions of presence and personal brand

• Presence = impact x visibility – the effect you have when you enter a room (physically and digitally) and how you make people feel.
• Personal brand = your consistent, authentic identity – what others think about you

• Developing presence through impact – using real life examples of people they work with who have strong personal presence to identify key factors (eg listening, focus, body language, emotional awareness). Discuss each element in turn.
• Reflection on their own authentic best presence impact– when have they been at their best, what would others have said in terms of the impact they made. What were the enabling factors.
• Discuss the concept of visibility – both online and face to face and develop strategies to increase their visibility, having consideration for the people they want to be visible to.
• Define personal action plans based on the outcomes of all the discussions.

Afternoon session – personal brand

• Reflect on the morning session and check in.
• Discussion on what is a personal brand, using prominent individuals in politics and media to discuss.
• Reflection on the components of a personal brand (e.g. values and purpose, abilities and experience, personal style). Discuss the importance of authenticity and consistency.  Personal reflections on the components of their own brand.
• Developing awareness of how others might see them as opposed to how they see themselves. May include providing feedback within the group.
• Focussing on each of the components – which would they like to strengthen and in what situations.
• Development of an action plan.
• Challenge for the evening based on presence and impact.

Day 2 (morning only) – Strategic thinking and decision making

Learning objectives

• Understanding what strategic thinking is and why it’s important
• Developing approaches to enhance individual capabilities
• Creating the ability to make decisions in ambiguity

Morning session

• Check in, review of day 1 and evening challenge
• Definition of strategic thinking (versus tactical thinking)
• Group discussion on why strategic thinking is so important, particular in a VUCA world
• Identify traits and behaviours that drive strategic thinking in their situations, and begin to create action plans to enhance their ability
• Discuss the importance of the ability to make decisions in ambiguous situations and introduce the Cynefin model (looking at the 5 domains Clear, Complicated, Complex, Chaotic, Confused). Get groups to work on real life scenarios to bring to life, including how to approach in each domain.
• Share insights and define clear actions.

This interactive and intensive training will once again be led by Sue Mitchell.

Sue is a highly experienced executive coach and facilitator with extensive experience and knowledge of the Professional Services sector. She supports leaders and teams across organisations to drive forward personal, team and organisational change, with a deep understanding of the leadership needs and strategic challenges that they face.

Sue brings an empathetic approach together with an ability to provide challenge, create clarity and enable tangible action.

Sue began her professional career as an auditor and corporate tax advisor within the Big 4 before moving into people development and becoming an accredited executive coach. As well as being a senior coach and Head of Coaching within KPMG, she has also worked with the ICAEW for over 10 years, supporting a wide range of coaching, leadership and development programs, including the ICAEW’s Delivering Leadership in Practice. Sue also has a keen interest in supporting firms in achieving their ESG and sustainability goals.

Get ready for an unforgettable experience in the heart of South Yorkshire! This year’s conference blends professional insight with signature DFK flair, all set against the vibrant backdrop of Sheffield.

Annual Golf Tournament  * additional charge 

Kick off the conference with a swing! Whether you're a seasoned pro or just in it for the laughs, our annual golf tournament is the perfect way to connect, compete, and enjoy the great outdoors.

This years tournament will take place at Lindrick Golf Course 

Early Arrivals Dinner – Tapas & Togetherness * additional charge

Arriving early? Join us for a relaxed and flavour-packed evening of tapas and conversation. This is your chance to unwind, catch up with familiar faces, and meet new ones in a warm, welcoming setting.

Unique Welcome Reception

Expect the unexpected! Our welcome reception is more than just drinks and canapés – it’s a celebration of creativity, connection, and the spirit of DFK. Come curious, leave inspired.

Farewell Gala – A Night to Remember

Dress to impress and dance the night away at our spectacular Farewell Gala. With fine dining, live entertainment, and plenty of surprises, this is the grand finale you won’t want to miss.

Additionally, we have a wide variety of options for your Thursday afternoon social;

Places are limited on all options.

Annual Conference Delegates and Emerging Leaders may choose from the following:

Blend Cookery School 

The day begins with ’nice coffee & snack’, you will then travel down to the foodbank where the reality of food poverty hits as you are taken on a short tour around and hear about the role the food bank plays within the local and wider community - staggering figures! 

You will then travel back and get to work!

Teams will be provided with recipes and ingredients to cook, essentially ‘ready meals’ that will be back down to the foodbank for distribution.

The teams will do all the prep, cooking, portioning, labelling & clean up. At DFK we realise it is important to give back to our communities and this small gesture will go a long way to help those in difficulty.

 

Craft Beer Tasting & Quiz Night 

Looking for a relaxed, sociable, and engaging group activity? This two-hour experience blends craft beer tasting with a friendly pub-style quiz—ideal for team socials, networking evenings, or private celebrations.

What’s Included:

• Arrival Drink – Kick things off with your choice of a half pint of house beer or cider, a small house wine, or a soft/no‑alcohol option.
• Guided Beer Tasting (30 mins) – Sample three expertly selected beers (served in thirds) as we explore different styles, flavours, and stories behind each brew.
• Fun Quiz (40 mins) – A light-hearted, general knowledge quiz to spark some competition—perfectly paced and hosted with good humour.
• Free Time to Socialise – Time before, during, and after to mingle, chat, and enjoy the atmosphere.

Whether you're a beer enthusiast or just in it for the laughs, this is a great way to unwind, connect, and enjoy a casual but curated evening together.

 

Wine & Chocolate Pairing Experience 

Indulge in a truly decadent experience with our exclusive Wine & Chocolate Pairing event—a perfect afternoon of flavour exploration, connection, and discovery.

What’s Included:

• 3 Handcrafted Chocolate Bars – Selected from our award-winning range of artisanal, small-batch chocolate
• 3 Premium Wines – Expertly paired from boutique producers across the globe, each chosen to complement and elevate the chocolate experience
• Guided Pairing Session – Led by our in-house experts, explore flavour profiles, origins, and tasting techniques in a relaxed, interactive format
• Free Time to Mingle & Enjoy – Take your time between tastings to chat, unwind, and enjoy the setting

Whether you’re a connoisseur or just curious, this experience offers a rich, sensory journey into the world of fine wine and craft chocolate.

 

AR Darts Experience 

Step up to the oche for an action-packed darts experience like no other! This is not your classic pub darts—it's modern, fast-paced, and full of energy, combining tech-driven gameplay with good old competitive spirit.

Perfect for team-building, client socials, or just a fun afternoon with friends or colleagues.