WHY THIS, WHY NOW, WHY LEIDEN
"I've spent most of my career in and around leadership development, and most of it has pushed in one direction: be better, stronger, more effective. That drive is everywhere in our organisations. It's also, I've come to think, part of the problem.
This workshop with Steve is about something we tend to avoid — fragility. Ours, and our organisations'. The parts we'd rather not look at, that we work hard to cover up, and that end up quietly running us anyway.
I'm at a turning point myself, and a lot of what we'll explore is live for me too. What I've learned is that facing this stuff honestly — rather than performing our way past it, or trying to — is where the real development happens.
So the invitation is simple: a safe space to look at what's actually driving you, and to see what opens up when you stop avoiding it."
Eric Streets
Host and moderator
Who is this for?
Practioners and leaders who want to connect their shadow (their fragility) with their influence and impact.
The quiet tension
For those involved in leadership and change, it’s as much about who you are (perhaps more so) than what you do. You probably already know there’s more to influence than tools and techniques, but you’ve never quite named what that ‘more’ is.
The core realisation
Is it time to face the ‘thing’ that’s been powerful all along but never sees the light of day?
Your facilitator
Steve Hearsum supports and challenges clients to find their edge and stretch when what they need is more than simply 'better sameness'. He has been described as “the right kind of fly in your ointment”. Much of his work is with senior leadership teams wrestling with change, and change practitioners developing consulting and Organisation Development skills.
He is the author of No Silver Bullet, which explores the functional collusion that creates dependency on a myth—namely that there can ever be a quick fix or certain solution for complex problems.
What are these workshops really about?
They’re about helping leaders and practitioners see how their fragility, shame and the need for control shape their impact and what becomes possible when they stop hiding from it.
"Thought provoking and validating."
Simon Payne, Founder of Be More Punk
"An excellent session that has left me with lots to think about, both in terms of the inquiries you led us through, and how we were enabled to talk with each other gradually throughout the day"
David Jones, OD Consultant & Exec Coach
"...a wonderful opportunity to explore some of the unconscious challenges of leading and supporting change with a community of thoughtful, experienced and inspiring fellow travellers.
I found it stretching and a breath of fresh air."
Hannah Fromageau, Senior Consultant
"Steve creates an environment where useful and meaningful exploration and learning can flourish... The workshop helped me to recognise where most of the self-imposed limiting factors in my practice are coming from and play out. "
Darryl Warden, OD & HR Consultant
Full Day Workshop
Nov. 3, 2026
Fragility, Shame & Relational Practice
The parts of you that quietly run the show and the courage it takes to bring them into the light.
What you’ll experience
A safe but stretching space where Steve guides you to the edges you normally avoid, without tipping you into overwhelm.
It is not a drive-by workshop
You will be invited to explore your shadow, not just talk about it or prod it with a stick from a safe distance.
The shift you’ll leave with
A deeper connection with yourself in territory you’ve never explored before and a clearer sense of how that shapes your influence.
WORKSHOP TIME 09:00 — 17:00
Half Day Workshop
Nov. 4, 2026
The Illusion of Control
The grip leaders keep on certainty, control, and ‘getting it right’.
What you’ll experience
A provocative session that unsettles assumptions and invites honest reflection.
The shift you’ll leave with
A clearer view of the patterns you cling to and what becomes possible when you loosen the hold.
What you'll get
Provocation, discomfort, the odd knowing laugh, occasional furry mammals, and some alternatives to the addiction.
What you won't get
Silver bullets. They don't exist.
WORKSHOP TIME 09:00 — 13:00
Photos by Eric Alagra
Venue + other logistics
The venue is the Scheltema Leiden, which is close to Leiden Centraal; paid car parking a few minutes walk from location.
Refreshments will be provided on both days, and include lunch on Day 1.
Maximum number of attendees is 24 on both days.
How to book + costs
To book contact contact Eric Streets.
3rd Nov - FULL DAY - E350 + 21% BTW
4th Nov - HALF DAY - E200 + 21% BTW
BOTH DAYS - E500 + 21% BTW
Early Bird Booking
10% discount for bookings made before the end of August! Select an option to book your place.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing. The fee charged is a percentage of the total registration fee, based on the date we receive your cancellation notice; any remaining balance will be refunded to your original payment method.
Cancellation received within the dates below incur following fee:
Aug 2 – Sept 1:15%
Sept 2 – Oct 1: 35%
Oct 2 – Oct 15: 60%
Oct 16 – Oct 22: 85%
After October 22 (including no-shows):100% – no refund
Note: If you need to send an alternate guest, instead of cancelling, that is fine.