Common Purpose UK's Midlands Operations Director, Louise Teboul, has been named as a top leader in the West Midlands.

As part of the anniversary of the founder of Sikh faith, the West Midlands Sikh Network is recognizing 550 West Midlands Leaders, with Louise named as one of the first ten leaders. The campaign, which focuses on value-based and inclusive leadership, is in recognition of the 550th anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh faith and the first Guru of the Sikhs, which takes place next year.

The initiative is being run in conjunction with Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick, Centre of Sikh Studies and Punjabi Culture, West Midlands Combined Authority and NatWest and fits into the objectives of many organizations of inclusivity and diversity. It focuses on Guru Nanak’s teachings for inclusivity, equality, fairness and respect for all, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion and disability.

Delivering a range of cross-sector, experiential programmes, Louise is effectively the ‘relationship manager’ for Common Purpose, working with many hundreds of participants and contributors each year, from university students to senior leaders in the city and region. She has also hosted a prestigious Commonwealth Study Conference tour and several Foreign and Commonwealth Office visit to Birmingham, and led the team who designed and delivered a cross-sector collaborative leadership course for 100 participants in the city. Louise has worked on many customized pieces of work for Common Purpose, including programmes for The Met Office, Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health Trust, JCB, Birmingham City University and University of Exeter.

A number of other well-known leaders in the area have also been named, including Mayor for the West Midlands Combined Authority Andy Street, Chair Creative City Partnership Anita Bhalla OBE, and Member of Parliament for Birmingham Edgbaston Preet Gill.

Louise said, “I’m delighted to have been named as one of the 550 leaders in the West Midlands to celebrate the anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The pillars of Sikhism, of inclusivity, equality and fairness for everyone, in every way, are as important today as they were then. It is inspiring to be reminded of the wonderful work of the Sikh community and it reminded me that a little more kindness, empathy and encouragement would not only make world a better place, but also support the much-needed drive for inclusive leadership in the region.”