Repeat! How to be the best leader for your community

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Beacon: for rare diseases  |  Charity registration number: 1149646  |  Company registration number: 8174973

66 Devonshire Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom, CB1 2BL

We are thrilled to announce the return of our leadership masterclass for its fourth year!
This masterclass is tailored for rare disease patient group leaders aiming to enhance their leadership skills. It will give participants the opportunity to work one-on-one with an expert coach who will help them increase their confidence and fulfil their potential.
The masterclass aims to equip participants with resilience and confidence, enabling them to navigate the unique challenges that face them as rare leaders.

What to expect from the masterclass

Participants have the opportunity to work one-on-one with the coach for four, one-hour virtual sessions.

There will be a welcome session on 22nd October 2026 and a closing session in March (date TBC). Both of these sessions will be hosted online via Zoom.

Welcome session, 22nd October 2026, 13:00-14:00 BST

This session will introduce the masterclass, explore what coaching is and set expectations for the series. It will also provide an opportunity to meet expert coach Flóra Raffai and the other patient group leaders in the masterclass!

One-to-one sessions, October 2026 - March 2027

Each participant will have four one-hour coaching sessions with expert Flóra Raffai. The purpose of the sessions is to equip participants with the skills and resilience they need to be the best possible leaders and advocates.

Participants have between October and March to complete their four sessions, the time and date of these will be set between the individual and coach at their convenience.

Closing session, March (date TBC)

This session will mark the end of the leadership masterclass. It will provide an opportunity for participants to reflect on the series and share learning with the coach and their fellow patient group leaders.

Hear from a previous participant:

Quotation mark
Flóra’s professional approach felt really flexible, empathic and it just made me feel truly listened to. I felt I had tangible outcomes of each session. The wisdom shared by her was really valuable and easy to apply. Indeed Flóra makes the coachee shine.
Quotation mark

How to apply

Due to the in-depth nature of this masterclass, we only have a limited number of spaces available.

If you are interested in taking part please complete this short application form. We will determine from the applications who we feel will get the most benefit from the series and they will continue with the masterclass.

Before applying please make sure you can fully commit to the series in its entirety.

Applications must be completed by the 29th September! 

Please note: we may close the applications window early, depending on interest in the masterclass.

Apply for masterclass here!

Is this masterclass for me?

If you have never had coaching before you might be wondering what it involves. The following questions should help you decide whether this masterclass is right for you.

What is coaching?

Coaching is a form of development, where a coach supports you (a coachee) to create learning, self-development and improved performance in a way that benefits you. Through a series of one-on-one conversations, a coach will create an environment where you can do your best thinking. Coaching is based on the following equation: performance = potential – interference. A coach’s role is to help you identify your own interferences, address them, unlock your full potential, and achieve your goals.

Is coaching for me?

If you would like to have a safe, supportive, non-judgmental space to reflect on your challenges, experiences, and aspirations – then coaching is for you. If you are looking for structured training or advice on a project – then coaching may not be appropriate.

What topics might be covered in a coaching session?

There are no set topics for sessions, what’s discussed will vary from person to person as the content is determined by the needs of the coachees. Here are some things that a coach could help with:

  • Dealing with imposter syndrome
  • Finding balance and setting boundaries
  • Feeling empowered in your role as a leader, even without previous leadership experience
  • Improving self-confidence to help you be the best possible advocate for your rare condition
  • Opportunity to discuss and share fears and challenges in a safe, confidential space that is independent of your rare community

These are suggestions of topics to give you an idea of what could be covered in a session. This is by no means an exhaustive list of what a coach could help with.

Meet the coach

Former CEO of Beacon (Findacure) Flóra Raffai will be the expert coach in this masterclass! Since leaving Beacon, Flora has been the CEO of several other small organisations and is able to channel her extensive experience into her role as a coach.

She is a member of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC), holds a Diploma in Transformational Coaching from Catalyst 14 and a Masters in Social Innovation from the University of Cambridge Judge Business School.

With her extensive experience in the rare community and leading small organisations, alongside her professional coaching qualifications – she is the perfect person for this masterclass!

Photo of Flora
Apply for the masterclass here!

Deposit system

Submitting an application for the masterclass is free. However, if you are selected, you will be required to pay a refundable deposit of £50 within two weeks of selection to secure your place. Upon receipt, your deposit will be confirmed and held securely by Beacon throughout your participation in the masterclass.

We understand that circumstances can change, especially in the rare disease community. Should you register for the masterclass and realise you can no longer participate, please let us know as soon as possible. We will endeavour to refund your deposit in full provided reasonable notice is given. Reasonable notice for this event is no later than 5 working days before the introductory session.

Find out more about our deposit scheme here. If you have any questions, please contact projects@rarebeacon.org.

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