The Better Futures Programme brings mid and later career leaders into the heart of Cambridge to explore new directions, deepen expertise, and turn experience into meaningful impact. Three current participants; Phil Eayres, Sandy Cold, and Heather McLeod Grant share how access to Cambridge’s ecosystem, worldclass academics and an inspiring cohort is reshaping what the next chapter of their lives could look like.
Unparalleled Access to Cambridge
For Sandy, the draw was immediate: rare access combined with intellectual range.
“I was looking for a programme where I could learn a great deal more,” says Sandy Cold, who’s studying British prehistory. “I could focus on my subject in the best place in the world for it and also engage deeply with big societal issues alongside an amazing cohort.”
Phil Eayres, after 30 years in strategy and transformation, was equally motivated by stepping into a new environment.
“Being somewhere different with different people broadens your perspective,” he says. “And this isn’t just any environment, it’s Cambridge. You’re surrounded by people who are the best in the world at what they do.”
Learning Across Disciplines (and Decades of Experience)
The programme integrates specialist study with exposure to crosscutting themes: sustainability and climate, health, wellbeing and longevity, and a fair and equitable society and connects participants with academics, innovators and practitioners across the University.
“We have 22 people from different countries, ages 40 to nearly 80, with hugely varied experiences,” says Sandy. “Conversations at lectures, lunch or the pub range from homelessness and political polarisation to sustainability. It’s a well organised, integrated opportunity you don’t find elsewhere.”
For Heather McLeod Grant, a philanthropy leader from Silicon Valley, the interdisciplinary mix is part of the magic.
“At dinner you might sit next to a chaplain, an astrophysicist, a mathematician, or a sociologist studying AI,” she notes. “That cross sector, intergenerational mix is where innovation happens and it’s unlike anything I experienced elsewhere.”
Turning Expertise into Impact
Many participants join at a pivot point, looking to translate a lifetime of experience into broader social value.
“I wanted to reset and commit the rest of my working life to something genuinely meaningful,” says Phil. “Here I’ve been able to underpin my work with insights from social psychology, studying how people actually behave and what enables human wellbeing.”
Heather arrived with a plan to research women and philanthropy and found space to consider even bigger possibilities.
“Cambridge is the perfect place to step back and explore,” she says. “I’m researching, interviewing and writing and also exploring how the University could convene donors to build a stronger culture of philanthropy across Europe.”
Integrated into the University with Personal Academic Support
Through the programme, participants gain exceptional access to Cambridge’s world leading facilities, expertise, and networks. Each member becomes part of a founding partner College community at Downing, Homerton, Jesus, or St Edmund’s, while also joining an academic department aligned to their area of study. Their bespoke learning journey is designed to help them build a personalised 10 year vision of change, supported by the knowledge, skills and connections needed to realise it.
“My academic host suggested classes, pointed me to conferences, and introduced me to people who will shape my work for years,” says Sandy. “That kind of personalised support, and the openness of the Cambridge community, has been transformative.”
A Community that Gives Back
The ethos is as much about contribution as it is about growth. Cohort members teach, mentor and collaborate with departments and local organisations.
“The people selected for this programme aren’t just receivers,” says Sandy. “We constantly ask: what can we do to help? What experiences can we share so others benefit from our networks and perspective?”
Phil underscores the programme’s shared sense of agency:
“Everyone here genuinely believes they can make a difference. That energy is enormously motivating.”
Who Should Apply?
The programme is intensive and that’s part of its value.
“We meet for at least 10 hours a week in lectures, plus reading, tutorials and events,” says Heather. “I cleared my calendar to get the most out of it. If you’re going to do this, lean in.”
Phil’s advice is direct:
“Don’t come if you just want a nice time in Cambridge. Do come if you’re at a pivot point and want a year among an inspiring community to turbocharge the next chapter of your career.”
Ready to Shape What Comes Next?
From Stonehenge era collaboration to modern climate innovation, from social psychology to philanthropy, Better Futures Leaders are using the University of Cambridge to connect ideas with action.
“The opportunities, the conversations, the access; it’s far more than I expected,” says Heather. “It’s helping me shape how I can have the greatest impact.”
Join the next cohort and take the next step toward shaping a better future. Applications close 11 May