Mary Speakman, Managing Director of Blackpool-based software company Code Galaxy, was one of just 24 business leaders from across the UK selected to take part in an exclusive leadership development programme at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, delivered in partnership with Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses.
The programme brought together a select group of alumni from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses community, which has supported over 2,000 entrepreneurs nationwide, for an immersive week of leadership training at one of the world’s most respected military academies.
Founded in 1947, the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst is world-renowned for developing leaders who embody integrity, courage, and service. The partnership with Goldman Sachs gave participants the chance to experience Sandhurst’s leadership principles first-hand, combining military discipline with business strategy and reflection.
Over the course of the week, Mary and her peers were pushed physically, mentally, and emotionally through a series of field-based challenges, teamwork exercises, and problem-solving tasks designed to test resilience and leadership under pressure. The programme also featured talks from respected leaders including Bill Wright CBE CMgr FCMI, Nick Wight-Boycott, and Everett Spain, whose insights into leadership and human behaviour left a lasting impact.
Reflecting on the experience, Mary Speakman said:
“Being selected to take part in this programme at Sandhurst was an incredible honour. The week challenged me in ways I didn’t expect – it wasn’t just about leadership theory, it was about people, empathy, and self-awareness.
One of my biggest takeaways was that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room… it’s about empathy, trust, and the light you bring to every situation. I’ve come away feeling inspired and re-energised, ready to bring those lessons back into my work with the team at Code Galaxy.”
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses programme is a renowned initiative designed to help entrepreneurs and small business leaders unlock growth, create jobs, and drive innovation across the UK. Alumni of the programme represent a diverse range of industries, all united by a shared commitment to leadership and community impact.
For Code Galaxy, the experience reinforces the company’s ongoing focus on building a culture of empathy, trust, and continuous improvement values that lie at the heart of its success.
For UK businesses looking to apply for the Goldman Sachs 10k small Businesses Programme, click this link to apply
