At CTS, we believe in empowering our people to grow both personally and professionally. For Lee Morris, taking on the challenge of further education has been a key part of his development journey. Over the past 11 months, Lee has not only contributed to CTS’s success but also pursued a CMI Level 7 Senior Leadership and Management qualification with Fuel Learning.
“I wanted to formalise my managerial experience and strengthen my understanding of leadership and strategies,” Lee explains.
Balancing Study and Career
Combining a demanding leadership role with postgraduate-level study is no small feat, but CTS has supported Lee in integrating his learning into his day-to-day work.
“CTS has supported me by integrating some of my current and new projects into my coursework,” he says. “This has enabled me to develop my skills at work while also providing evidence of learning for the course.”
Developing a Strategic Mindset
Lee describes how the course has transformed his perspective on leadership and decision-making.
“I’ve developed a stronger strategic mindset. I now have a clearer understanding of why certain business decisions are made and the opportunity to contribute my own structured ideas from a strategic perspective.”
This shift has also strengthened his confidence and ability to communicate his experience effectively.
“I feel more confident that I could take the next step in my career. Experience is important, but the course has taught me how to rationalise and communicate that experience more effectively.”
Overcoming Challenges
Like many professionals who balance study and full-time work, Lee faced challenges early on particularly managing deadlines alongside his role and personal commitments.
“Initially, I struggled to manage deadlines alongside my workload,” he admits. “To overcome this, I developed a structured weekly plan, prioritising tasks and setting aside specific times for study. This experience improved my self-discipline, which I now apply in my professional life as well.”
Career Growth at CTS
The course has given Lee a deeper understanding of strategic leadership, decision-making, and organisational structure, all of which have contributed to his growth within CTS.
“It’s helped me see my role within CTS from a broader, business-wide perspective,” he says. “This has strengthened my confidence in contributing to discussions about strategy and performance, and it’s positioned me to take on greater responsibility and prepare for future leadership opportunities.”
CTS’s commitment to learning and development has been instrumental in supporting Lee’s ambitions.
“CTS has continuously supported my personal and professional development, providing opportunities to expand my knowledge and take on new challenges,” he shares. “They’ve given me the support I’ve needed to make the most of the course and encouraged me to take full advantage of every learning opportunity.”
Looking Ahead
For Lee, growth is about more than promotions, it’s about continuously developing and adding value.
“Growth means taking on as many manageable opportunities as possible to develop my personal skillset while adding value to my role within CTS.”
Looking to the future, Lee hopes to progress into a multi-business management position, using his learning to make strategic, long-term, and sustainable decisions that support business growth.
Reflecting on his journey so far, Lee is proud of how much his confidence has evolved.
“There isn’t one specific moment, but I’m proud of how much my confidence has grown. Previously, I often second-guessed my ideas. Now I confidently present and defend my recommendations with evidence and structure, which feels like a major step in my personal development.”
At CTS, we’re proud to support individuals like Lee who take initiative, embrace learning, and continue to grow both in their roles and beyond.