2026/02 - Leadership Is a Skill - for Emerging & New Leaders - (Andy Coley)

A practical, games-industry-specific leadership masterclass that helps new and emerging leaders move from “individual contributor” to confident people leaders. Across the two days, participants learn and practise core leadership behaviours using examples from real studio contexts (e.g., sprint pressure, milestone review feedback, cross-discipline hand-offs). Andy Coley from Game Studio Training has delivered leadership, communication and feedback programmes with studios including Wushu, Supermassive Games and Ubisoft EMEA; this class turns proven models into everyday tools leaders can implement back at their studios. Participants leave with a simple 90-day plan to embed the skills back in your studio, whether you work in the Indie or AAA space. February 19th & 20th 2026 in Paris - February 23rd & 24th 2026 in Lyon Day 1 – Foundations & Core Skills I) What great leaders do (and need to stop doing) in game teams II) Emotional Intelligence skills for self-leadership III) The shadow you cast (modelling behaviours in the studio and in comms channels) IV) The 3Es and situational leadership models (when to direct and when to coach) V) The art of delegation: freedom within boundaries VI) Communication model, deep listening & better questions Day 2 – Leading Others & Making It Stick I) Values & “Why” alignment (linking your motivations to the studio / game goals) II) Building your leadership identity (from IC to leader) III) Feedback that lands; Having difficult conversations (reviews, performance meetings, catch ups for teams and individuals) IV) Managing conflict and low-level behaviours (micro-tensions, siloing, mergers) V) Team rituals and operating agreements (clear interfaces across disciplines) VI) Crating a 90-day leadership plan & committing yourself to it!