CPD: Certifications in Leadership and AI

The last few months have been a particularly rewarding period for my professional development, marked by the completion of two certifications that align closely with my evolving interests in leadership, technology and project-focused roles. On top of these, I have also started studying towards my next two key modules in the last month towards my MSc in Technology Management.

These achievements reflect a continued commitment to building both practical leadership capability and a broader understanding of emerging technologies — especially as I transition further towards project management and strategic career pathways.

TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Team Leading (RQF)

On 15 May 2025, I was awarded the TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Team Leading (RQF) from Training Qualifications UK.

This course provided a structured introduction to the core principles required to effectively lead within a workplace environment. It expanded on concepts I had previously encountered through my academic studies and professional experiences, while offering more practical insight into how teams function in real organisational settings.

Key areas covered included:

• Communicating work-related information effectively
• Managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Health and safety responsibilities within teams
• Diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace
• Employee performance management
• Conflict resolution and presentation skills

I found the units on stakeholder communication and conflict resolution particularly valuable, as these are directly relevant to project environments where collaboration, clarity and interpersonal awareness are essential.

Overall, the qualification has strengthened my foundational leadership knowledge and reinforced the importance of people-focused management in any organisational context.

Getting Started with Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)

I have also been busy with other studies outside of my MSc and this TQUK course. On 20 April 2025, I successfully completed the “Getting Started with Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)” course through ClickStart with The Open University.

This course offered a well-rounded introduction to generative AI, combining practical experimentation with theoretical understanding. It provided hands-on experience using AI tools to create text, images and music, while also exploring how prompting works and how AI is applied in real-world scenarios.

Beyond the technical aspects, the course also examined:

• The history and evolution of artificial intelligence
• Ethical and legal considerations of AI use
• Real-world applications across industries
• Responsible and effective use of generative technologies

Given the rapid growth of AI within the technology sector, this course has been especially valuable in increasing my awareness of both its opportunities and its wider societal implications.

Supporting My Long-Term Direction

Together, these certifications complement my broader academic studies and ongoing shift towards roles that combine technology, leadership and strategic thinking.

The team leadership qualification strengthens my capability in managing people, communication and organisational dynamics, while the generative AI course further enhances my understanding of emerging tools that are increasingly shaping modern workplaces.

Rather than viewing these as isolated achievements, I see them as part of a larger, intentional development pathway. Again, these certifications contribute towards my ambition to become a well-rounded professional equipped for project management, innovation and emerging future roles.

Continuous learning remains a central theme of my journey in 2025, with these milestones representing another meaningful step forward in aligning my skills with my long-term career ambitions.