Who we are
The Diverse Directors Programme is all about creating a game-changing initiative for underrepresented leaders. It’s designed to equip people with the skills, confidence, and networks they need to excel as NEDs and executives. We take a holistic approach, focusing on authentic leadership, fostering meaningful connections, and celebrating each individual’s unique strengths. Through this, we aim to transform boardrooms, challenge outdated norms, and make leadership truly representative of the communities and sectors it serves.
The People & Passion Behind the Programme
Emma Plowman and Emma Thorp’s journey with the Diverse Directors Programme (DDP) began through a mutual connection and a shared frustration with the lack of diversity in board roles. Their initial conversations, held online, revolved around their desire to be part of the change they wanted to see. This led to an in-person meeting in London, where they decided to put their thoughts into action by creating a programme to help diverse individuals secure board roles.
In the basement of a WeWork in central London, they mapped out the structure and flow of the DDP. They announced their intentions on LinkedIn and quickly worked to bring the programme to life. The first cohort launched as a pilot in 2023, with a group of critical friends and participants who helped shape the programme. Building on this success, the second cohort in 2024 saw further refinements. Now, they are developing the future cohorts with a vision of establishing DDP as a regular fixture, fostering growth and diversity in boardrooms. Emma and Emma are passionate about making this vision a reality and are excited about the next steps in this journey.
Their collaboration was both a professional and personal evolution for both Emma’s. As they navigated the challenges of developing DDP, they found themselves changing directions in their own careers, adding a layer of complexity but also providing invaluable insights into establishing a business together.
Their differing perspectives and complementary strengths became a cornerstone of the programme, modelling the very principles of diverse collaboration they were teaching. This journey of growth and adaptation has not only strengthened their partnership but also enriched DDP, making it a reflection of their shared commitment to diversity and inclusive leadership. They’ve embraced the challenge with a sense of fun and passion, proving that friendship and differences can indeed create something truly impactful.
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Co-Founder
I’ve held senior leadership roles at global organisations like Arm and AstraZeneca, and more recently, I’ve focused on supporting early-stage companies that are striving to make a difference—work I take real pride in.
As Co-Founder of DDP, I’m dedicated to breaking down barriers in leadership and creating real opportunities for those who have traditionally been overlooked. I come from a working-class background, was the first in my family to go to university, and I know firsthand what it takes to navigate spaces that weren’t built with everyone in mind. My focus is on empowering leaders with the skills, confidence, and networks to thrive at board level.
Alongside DDP, I run my own consulting business, helping businesses grow while ensuring my work allows space for the most important role in my life—being a mum. As part of a neurodiverse family, I’m committed to challenging biases and showing the value that different ways of thinking bring to leadership and decision-making.
Through DDP and all my work, I’m focused on creating opportunities, driving inclusion, and ensuring leadership truly reflects the diverse world we live in.
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Co-Founder
Hi—I’m Emma, an executive coach, facilitator, and board-level advisor committed to getting more diverse voices into leadership. As a former founder, Chief Commercial Officer, and Board Member, I know the realities of high-stakes decision-making and the challenges of building and leading businesses and boards.
As Co-Founder of DDP, I take a strengths-based, neurodiversity-inclusive approach to leadership development, helping future directors step into board roles with confidence and impact. I have a spicy brain (ADHD and dyslexia), so I understand firsthand what it’s like to navigate leadership and boardrooms with a different way of thinking. My focus is on equipping leaders with the skills, networks, and self-awareness to thrive—without forcing them into a mold.
Alongside DDP, I run Thorp Coaching, supporting senior leaders, founders, and executives through transitions, leadership challenges, and high performance—without burnout. As a Henley-trained Executive Coach and EMCC Senior Practitioner, I combine real-world leadership experience with evidence-based coaching. I also integrate coaching in nature, giving leaders space to slow down, think differently, and reconnect with what really matters.
Through DDP and my broader work, I’m focused on breaking down barriers in leadership and ensuring diverse voices have a seat at the table.
Programme Overview
The Director Development Programme (DDP) is a structured learning experience designed to equip participants with the critical skills, knowledge, and mindset required to excel in senior leadership and board-level roles. It is a dynamic programme that blends theoretical insights with practical application, ensuring that participants develop the confidence and competence to navigate complex leadership challenges.
A core focus of DDP is self-awareness and leadership presence, helping participants understand their strengths and areas for development. The programme incorporates assessments and reflective exercises that deepen self-insight, enhancing emotional intelligence, decision-making, and strategic influence. Additionally, the programme covers financial acumen and board governance, ensuring that participants gain a firm grasp of financial decision-making and their fiduciary responsibilities. By exploring financial literacy in the context of board leadership, participants build the confidence to engage effectively in high-level financial discussions.
A key element of DDP is preparing leaders for board roles, offering exposure to real-world boardroom dynamics, governance principles, and strategic oversight. Sessions focus on the practical realities of board participation, distinguishing between operational and strategic priorities. The programme also explores change management and crisis leadership, equipping participants with the tools to lead effectively through uncertainty, transformation, and organisational challenges.
In addition to technical leadership skills, the programme places a strong emphasis on building an executive presence and personal brand. Participants learn how to communicate with authority, leverage platforms like LinkedIn for professional visibility, and use AI-driven tools to enhance their strategic influence. The programme also highlights the role of senior leaders in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B), fostering an inclusive leadership approach that is essential for modern boardrooms.
By the end of the programme, participants will have gained a well-rounded leadership toolkit, enhanced their strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities, and developed the confidence to step into board roles or other senior leadership positions. DDP is not just about knowledge acquisition—it is about shaping leaders who can drive meaningful impact within their organisations and industries.
Who’s it for?
The Diverse Directors Programme (DDP) is for future board leaders who are ready to step up, challenge the status quo, and bring diverse perspectives into decision-making spaces.
The programme is open to senior leaders, founders, and subject matter experts from life sciences and technology who are serious about preparing for Non-Executive Director (NED), C-Suite, or senior leadership roles. If you're committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and want to make an impact at the board level, this programme is for you.
Is this the right programme for you?
You don’t need prior board experience to apply, but to make the most out of the programme you will:
Have held a leadership role in life sciences or technology business:
In early-stage companies, this likely means C-Suite experience.
In larger organisations, it means having strategic influence over corporate scientific or technical direction.
If your expertise is highly specialised but relevant, we still encourage you to apply.
Be serious about board roles.
You’re actively exploring or preparing for a NED, C-Suite, or senior leadership position.
You want to develop governance skills and influence decision-making at the highest level.
Be committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
You have lived experience of diversity or a track record of advocating for inclusion and social change.
You bring fresh perspectives and want to challenge traditional boardroom culture.
Be open to growth, feedback, and collaboration.
You’re ready to learn, share experiences, and contribute to your cohort and the wider DDP community.
You’re comfortable with self-reflection, vulnerability, and stepping outside your comfort zone.
Be able to commit.
You can fully engage with the programme, attend all required sessions, and contribute to discussions.
You’re open to networking, peer support, and mentoring opportunities.
Next Programme Dates
Our next programme commences September 2025
How to Apply
If you’re ready to step into a board role and believe you are a fit for this programme, we’d love to hear from you. To apply, simply email hello@diversedirectorsprogramme.co.uk with the following:
Your Application Submission
We keep the process simple. Please answer the following two questions in either a written document (Word or PDF) or a video submission (MP4 or a link to an online video):
Question 1: Share a document or video outlining your work and life experience (max 1,000 words or 7 minutes speaking time).
Question 2: Tell us why you would like to join this programme (max 500 words or 3 minutes speaking time).
What to Expect Next
You will receive an automatic email confirmation with a reminder of the application requirements.
If your application meets the criteria, we’ll be in touch to arrange next steps.
If you have any questions before applying, feel free to reach out. We look forward to hearing from you!
What our Cohort Say…
Donna Hackett - Head of BD
“I found this course inspiring and thought provoking in equal measure. There is an excellent opportunity for self-analysis, team fit and how a NED should work with a company including roles and responsibilities. This goes hand in hand with soft skills which are beneficial to achieve success as a NED. The two Emmas are amazing and so knowledgeable and the mock Board day was fantastic. I cannot recommend this highly enough.”
Helen Kuhlman - CBO
“Emma and Emma provided a safe space in which we could expose our vulnerabilities and grow from the experience.”
Anonymous Cohort 2 Member
“It was fantastic and so supportive - you two are wonderful”
Anonymous Cohort 2 Member
Loved every second of it and similar learning journey to my MBA ...can't quite articulate how special it was .... the programme was a life line for me for where I was in life, and career. You both selected an amazing group to be on the programme and I am eternally grateful to have been part of cohort 2. I said very early on that I felt like you were all my DDP family because of the strong bonds we had and still do have. I've never felt such a sense of belonging and definitely feel like I found my tribe....thank you for helping me on this journey. Amazing opportunity when you have the right individuals in the cohort and that's all down to the skill you both have in identifying who the programme with work for!
FAQs
What does the programme cost?
The programme fee is £3,500, which includes all training sessions, expert-led workshops, networking opportunities, and ongoing support from the DDP community.
Where does the programme take place?
Our next programme will be held in London, with three in-person sessions. Some elements of the programme may also be delivered online.
Do I need previous board experience?
No. While some exposure to board governance or advisory roles is helpful, it is not a requirement. DDP is designed to prepare leaders for their first board role.
How much time do I need to commit?
The programme runs over an eight-week period. During this time, participants are expected to:
Attend three in-person sessions in London (two full days and one afternoon/evening).
Participate in online discussions and networking (approximately two to four hours per week).
To get the most from the programme, we ask all participants to fully engage in both the in-person and online elements.
What happens after I complete the programme?
You’ll join the DDP alumni network, gaining access to ongoing support, board opportunities, and peer connections. Many past participants have successfully secured NED roles and board positions after completing the programme.
How big is each cohort?
Each cohort will have a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 20 participants to ensure a high-quality, interactive learning experience.
If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out
Contact us
Interested in applying for our next cohort? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!