“What do we need to learn from the CPO role of tomorrow?”

STEP OUT OF DELIVERY MODE AND THINK HONESTLY ABOUT THE QUESTIONS AND CHALLENGES YOU’RE ACTUALLY FACING

The workplace has never been a tougher place than it is today. And you’re the one carrying the weight of it on your shoulders without anyone to turn to. This community is here to change that. Welcome to The Honest CPO.

9.30AM-11.30AM | WEDNESDAY 7TH OCTOBER 2026 | MANCHESTER

Why We're Doing This
You've got a lot to deal with right now… and not much space to make sense of it

Especially when it comes to AI, workforce change, and how organisations are evolving. The Honest CPO is space to talk through decisions, explore uncertainty, and test judgement on the things People Leaders like you are facing right now.

No one is expected to have it all figured out. That's the point. The thinking happens together, in the room.

 
 

WHAT is the honest cpo?

This isn't a conference or panel where you sit and listen politely before heading back to your role with nothing to implement. 

It's a thinking environment. Small by design, honest by default, and structured to create real depth without feeling like another workshop. Just a carefully chosen room of peers who will challenge your thinking in the way that most rooms won't.

Bring yourself and the issues you’re dealing with, and leave with sharper thinking on the challenges that actually matter, a small network of peers you can genuinely use, and the kind of clarity that's hard to find when you're deep in delivery mode.

IT'S A SPACE TO WANDER AROUND A TOPIC. TO ASK THE OBVIOUS QUESTION FROM A DIFFERENT ANGLE, OR THE BRAVE ONE YOU'RE NOT SURE YOU'RE ALLOWED TO ASK.
Gemma Longfellow
CPO, Open Partners

What Actually Happens In The Room

The challenges you’re facing are changing all the time. The thing that keeps you awake this month might be completely different six months from now.

That’s why this isn’t a set-programme where every session follows the same script. The conversations evolve around what matters most to the group.

In the first meeting will will dig into '‘“What do we need to learn from the CPO role of tomorrow?”

This is all about understanding the challenges, opportunities and themes that are most relevant to you right now. From there, each session will be focused on what’s most important to you, bringing together the right questions, perspectives and experiences to help you challenge your thinking and explore new possibilities.


THE FLOW

ARRIVE &
SETTLE IN

Grab a coffee, say hello, and get comfortable.

No awkward networking or forced introductions, just good chat and a few snacks whilst we’re at it.

UNDERSTAND WHAT MATTERS

We’ll explore the themes, challenges and opportunities that are most relevant to the group right now. No panel or presentations. Just honest conversations about what’s really happening.

EXPAND YOUR
THINKING

This is where we dig into the important stuff.

Together we'll explore different viewpoints, test assumptions and uncover ideas you can take back into your organisation.

LEAVE WITH
CLARITY

You'll leave with sharper thinking, practical next steps, and a trusted group of peers you'll want to stay connected with.


The Important Stuff
Everything You Need To Know
When
Wednesday 7 October 2026, 9:30–11:30am
Where
Open Partners Office, Manchester
What To Bring
Just yourself, an open mind, and the willingness to get uncomfortable
Join The Honest CPO

WHO’S IN THE ROOM

MEET THE TEAM

SAM HARVEY
Founder & Director of Braver Leaders

Former competitive sprinter, team and mindset performance coach, and the Founder of Braver Leaders. Prior to coaching I’ve led teams of up to 150 around the globe in manufacturing, tech, tourism and media.

I have completed post-graduate study in Coaching for Behavioural Change at Henley Business School and a postgraduate diploma in Organisational Leadership at The University of Oxford. I am currently reading for an MSc in Performance Psychology at the University of Edinburgh.

BAZZ DEANS
Co-Founder of Braver Leaders

As a team coach and leadership performance specialist, we’ll partner together to discover, or re-discover, the joy of being in a truly great team.

Initially, through my passion and expertise in connecting people through play, the outdoors and shared experiences, I enable your leadership team culture to become anchored in vulnerability, psychological safety and candour. From here we can get to work focusing your team on clarifying outcomes, living their purpose, creating alignment and impact. 

fed up of figuring out everything on your own?