Mike Coupe Inspires Leaders

We were honoured to welcome Mike Coupe, former CEO of Sainsbury’s, to The Skipton Academy for an insightful and motivational talk with our students. His visit was a key highlight of our leadership and careers enrichment programme, offering learners a rare opportunity to hear directly from someone who has led one of the UK’s largest companies.

Mike shared candid stories from his career journey in the retail sector, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs that shaped his leadership style. He spoke honestly about the setbacks he encountered and how resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning were essential in overcoming them. His down-to-earth approach and real-world advice resonated deeply with students.

The talk also covered his role in the UK’s Test and Trace programme during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mike’s insights into the scale and complexity of managing such a crucial public health initiative highlighted the importance of strong leadership, communication, and logistics in times of national crisis.

Mike concluded with inspiring words about staying true to one's values, embracing opportunities, and being bold in the pursuit of meaningful work. Students left the session energised and more informed about what leadership can look like in the real world. We thank him for his generosity in sharing both time and wisdom with our school community.