Inner Spark

Inner Spark is a three-month leadership development programme for purpose driven young leaders. Powered by Imani Academy & Co.

The Programme

A programme to support purpose driven young leaders to develop their leadership, reflect on their values and character, build confidence, and explore how they want to make a difference. Participants will have the opportunity to build the foundation of a new network of purpose driven young leaders to lean on, learn from, and collaborate with. 

This programme of support will also leverage the passion and drive that already exists amongst young people by holding a space for participants to invite joy and care into their lives. The programme will also provide participants with tools and approaches to tell their stories as leaders for social change, navigating complexity in their work. 


More about Inner Spark:

The programme will run from February - April 2027, supporting 10 young purpose-driven young leaders through a virtual programme of delivery that will enable young people to come together from across the UK. Participants will meet fortnightly online with other inspiring young people who are serving on boards, working within organisations, leading community initiatives, campaigning for change or building something of their own. You will receive coaching, tools, resources and community to support your leadership.

Grow Your Spark

Explore what it means to build trust, communicate with confidence and work collaboratively. Develop your ability to navigate different perspectives, have challenging conversations and create space for others to contribute and thrive.

Decision-Making & Boundaries

Build confidence in making decisions, navigating uncertainty and balancing competing demands. Explore how to establish healthy boundaries, take responsibility for your choices and lead in a way that protects your wellbeing as well as your purpose.

Lead With Purpose

Bring your learning together and reflect on how your leadership has developed. Create a personal leadership action plan, identify your next steps and consider how you will continue to grow, influence others and make a meaningful impact.

Imani Academy & Co - Impact Report

What will the sessions cover?

Find Your Inner Spark

Explore your leadership story, what motivates you and the experiences that have shaped you. Identify your strengths, recognise your potential and begin to define the kind of leader you want to become.

Purpose, Values & Influence

Identify the values that guide your leadership and explore how they show up in your everyday decisions. Understand your influence, recognise the responsibility that comes with leadership, and learn how to lead with authenticity and integrity.

Spark Your Impact

Connect your leadership purpose to the change you want to create. Explore strategic thinking, setting priorities and turning ideas into achievable goals. Learn how to focus your energy on the things that will make the greatest difference.

Is it for me?

Do you have a strong interest in creating a social impact?

Do you want to learn more about systems change?

Are you yearning for a community of other young people who are leading?

Do you want to explore, process and respond to the unique challenges and roadblocks that young changemakers in communities face?

Meet the Team

  • Imani Clough-Brown | Founder & Programme Lead:

    Founder and Director of Imani Academy & Co | Youth Participation Consultant | Coach & Facilitator

    Inner Spark is led by Imani, an experienced youth participation consultant with over 15 years of experience across youth development, education, youth justice and organisational leadership.

    As the founder and former leader of Imani Academy & Co, Imani has spent years supporting organisations to meaningfully engage young people, develop youth-led initiatives and create opportunities for young people to influence decisions and lead change.

    Her work includes leading national youth forums, co-designing future leaders programmes, supporting young people into governance roles, and coaching young people to develop their confidence, voice and leadership potential.

    With a passion for leadership development, character education and intergenerational learning, Imani believes young people should be supported not only to find their voice, but to use their influence, develop their leadership and shape the decisions that affect them.

    Through Inner Spark, she brings together her practical experience, coaching and facilitation skills, and commitment to meaningful youth participation to support the next generation of leaders.

    Inner Spark is powered by Imani Academy & Co.

  • Imani’s unique and tailored approach is invaluable and encourages others to think outside of the box. Her support through 1-2-1 coaching has played a massive role in my personal and professional growth. More recently, I have had the pleasure of co-facilitating with Imani.

    —Olivia Agbe: Former Imani Academy & Youth Associate | Envision, Programme Cooridinator

  • Imani is a gifted, skilled and thoughtful Lead Facilitator, who brings great care and attention to her work with diverse groups of participants. I recently commissioned Imani to lead the co-design and co-delivery of a session for Executive-level public sector leaders, working alongside three Associate Facilitators who are also young leaders.

    Kathryn Perea Senior Consultant at The King's Fund

  • We worked together to plan and deliver a leadership program session for 20 chief executives and leaders. Imani is extremely organised and a great communicator, but what really impressed me was how her leadership style centered the well-being, workstyles, and passions of our team members.

    —Savannah Hanson, Former Imani Academy & Co Youth Associate| ConnectFutures, Youth Engagement & Projects Officer

  • I had the joy of working with Imani on the Future Visions Leadership Programme, with two other co-facilitators. Imani guided us through the facilitation process; providing mentorship, agency and collaboration to co-design a workshop on regenerative leadership.

    —Former Imani Academy & Co Youth Associate | Sustainability Consultant

Let’s talk about Inner Spark ✨

Book a conversation with Imani

Want to find out more about Inner Spark and how the programme could support you or the young leaders in your organisation?

Book a time to talk with Imani, ask questions about the programme, and explore whether it’s the right fit for you or your team.

Whether you’re a young person looking to grow your leadership or an organisation investing in emerging leaders, I’d love to hear from you.

Book a call with me

Invest in your leadership

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Invest in your leadership *

Inner Spark offers two payment options to make leadership development accessible to young people, whether they’re investing in themselves or being supported by their organisation.

  • £180 per person

    For young leaders investing in their own development.

    Six leadership development sessions

    Access to live sessions and recordings

    Welcome pack with card deck

    A 30-minute one-to-one leadership coaching session

    Monthly newsletter and practical resources

  • £360 per person

    For organisations investing in the development of their young and emerging leaders.

    Everything included in the self-funded place

    An opportunity to develop leadership skills that can be applied in the workplace or organisation

    Support to strengthen confidence, decision-making, communication and influence

    The opportunity to connect and learn alongside other emerging leaders

    Invest in the young people already shaping your organisation.

    Inner Spark helps organisations nurture emerging talent while giving young people the tools and confidence to lead with purpose.