Welcoming our new cohort of Future Leaders
We believe developing the leaders of tomorrow means building more than technical skill. It’s about cultivating curiosity, adaptability, and purpose. It means trusting early talent to contribute from day one – giving them the tools, exposure, and support to thrive.
Our flagship graduate programme is a three year programme designed to do exactly that: 3 years, 3 rotations, and a select group of graduates.
Recently, we welcomed our first cohort of future leaders with a three-day event at our Birmingham Headquarters.
Their journey began with a look at life at IMI, framed through our story, our sectors, and culture.
They then stepped into the role of business innovators to explore the meaning of market-led innovation.
Working in teams, they investigated real-world issues people face with smartphones, tested their assumptions with evidence and customer insights, and pitched their findings in a creative three-slide presentation. Along the way, they sharpened their problem-solving skills, learned how to challenge assumptions, and experienced first-hand the importance of curiosity and evidence-based thinking in shaping future opportunities.
On the morning of day two, our future leaders tackled the Strategic Investment Challenge, stepping into the role of a senior leadership team making tough choices in a competitive market. After hearing first-hand insights from our Executive Team, they worked in groups to decide how to balance short-term returns with long-term growth, while staying aligned to our values and strategy.
A fast-paced Q&A “treasure hunt” with the Executive Team tested their ability to ask focused, strategic questions, before preparing and pitching proposals that weighed risks, trade-offs, and measures of success. The session gave them a taste of the complexity and collaboration involved in real-world strategic decision-making.
“The event was full of energising conversations! It was brilliant to meet other recently joined grads who share the same fresh perspective, and equally inspiring to engage with people who've been part of IMI for years. That direct exchange of experience truly makes you feel like a welcomed part of IMI’s culture.” – Covadonga Aragon-Menendez, Graduate, Future Leaders programme.
They then put their strategic thinking to the test in a business simulator, applying their learnings in a dynamic scenario that brought the challenge to life.
On the final day, the cohort travelled to Silverstone where they joined local graduate alumni for the Pit-Stop Challenge. Against the backdrop of the iconic racing circuit, they saw how collaboration, trust, and preparation drive performance. The challenge pushed them to think dynamically when faced with the unexpected and recognise how individual contributions shape overall team performance.
“I’m excited to explore different areas of the business, grow my skills, and make a meaningful impact over the next three years.” – Ibraheem Mohammed, Graduate, Future Leaders programme.
The Big Welcome was just the beginning. Over the next three years, these graduates will rotate across our businesses, deepening their skills, and growing into the leaders of tomorrow.
