Apply to join a private podcast on stepping into management

Apply to take part in a private podcast on stepping into your first manager role

Get in touch

Thinking about becoming a line manager for the first time and not sure what the move really involves?

This private podcast is built from real mentoring-style conversations where we unpack your questions and talk through what progression actually looks like at this stage.

What this is

This is a series of mentoring/Q&A conversations with people who are making the move into management for the first time. We’ll have a practical, honest discussion about your situation and questions - and the recordings will be used to create a paid private podcast for the transition into line management.

You won’t be “taught” like a course. This is much more like a real mentoring conversation focused on clarity, confidence, and understanding the mechanics of progression.

What’s involved

If selected, you’ll be invited to book a time for a conversation. Here’s what to expect:

A 60-minute call (booked via Calendly)
Around 40 minutes recorded (we’ll confirm this at the start)
A mentoring/Q&A-style conversation based on your real questions
Your recording may be edited and used within a paid private podcast (not a public podcast)

Thank you / Incentive

As a thank you for taking part, you’ll receive free access to the entire finished private podcast series

Who should apply?

This is a good fit if you’re:

Currently working in a Professional Services role in Higher Education
Considering your first line manager role
Looking for practical guidance on progression, leadership mechanics, and how to approach the step
Comfortable being recorded in a supportive, professional conversation

Consent

Important: These conversations will be recorded and may be edited for use in a paid private podcast. You’ll be asked to confirm your consent in the application form.

Email me with any other questions

Apply to take part

Complete the application form below. If you're selected for this round of conversations, we'll be in touch with next steps.

Applications are reviewed personally and spaces for this first round are limited.

Name

Current job title

Current grade

University or Institution

Where are you in your move towards a first manager role?

What questions would you like help exploring in the conversation?

What’s been holding you back from applying so far?

Is there anything you'd prefer not to discuss publicly?

I consent to this conversation being recorded and edited for use in a paid private podcast. I understand that recordings may be edited and published and cannot be removed once published.

Your Guide

I’m Fiona Bicket, the creator of the Hidden Curriculum of HE Professional Services Progression and a specialist self-belief coach, facilitator and workplace mediator for Higher Education professionals.

I spent 13 years as a Professional Services manager in UK Higher Education, working across multiple institutions and functions. I understand the complexities and eccentricities of HE and the types of pressures your team will be experiencing.

Even before I became a coach I was usually the person in any team who was responsible to designing and delivering the departmental Away Day or facilitating workshops. Over the last 5 years I've facilitated professionally for all sorts of teams in all sorts of circumstances so if you're not sure what you need, email me and we can make a plan together.

I get the sector because I've been in the sector.

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