Emerging leader development for a future-fit IFI
Our relationship with this international financial institution (IFI) began with the commission to design and deliver a leadership development programme that would build a future-fit leadership culture. Throughout our rich and evolving relationship, we have had over 300 participants come through the programme – and that number continues to grow.
Why has this programme lasted so long? There are a number of different reasons, from the focus on individual and organisation transformation to the ongoing commitment of Directors and VPs. The network of alumni also makes a huge difference, acting as agents of change and advocates of the programme.
Focus
The programme has three clear objectives:
- To transform the individual participants’ ability to lead and bring about organisational change, regardless of the role they occupy and their position in the hierarchy.
- To enable the organisation’s strategy of client focus and growth.
- To build the future leadership pipeline of the organisation.
The organisation set these leaders the brief to challenge; to take a strategic, forward-looking, whole organisation view; to act as integrators and work through others; and to show leadership and influence without authority or positional power. They are encouraged to take the right decisions for the organisation rather than pursuing the interests of their function.
Action
The integrated programme design has a number of core components:
A strength of the programme is that it was designed to bring about both individual and organisational transformation. Committed and active involvement of Directors and VPs as sponsors is crucial, alongside the engagement of the participants’ managers in elements of the programme.
Impact
Since its introduction...
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Over 300 leaders activated through the six-month programme, each cohort demonstrating—in real-time and in the field—what it takes to build the relationships, shared understanding, and strategic alignment needed to deliver on global ambitions.
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Strategic skill-building: Participants learn and apply how to connect, influence, and mobilize others around the organisation’s most critical priorities.
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Top-rated consistently: The programme receives the highest scores in all evaluations for both quality and impact.
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Endorsed by leadership: Managers and Directors view it as a vital lever for unlocking leadership potential and accelerating performance.
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Transformational for participants: Alumni describe the experience as seminal in their evolution into confident, influential leaders.
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Enduring ripple effects: A vibrant alumni network continues to act as agents of change and advocates for the programme.
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Adaptive and future-focused: The programme evolves continuously to sharpen decision-making, enhance judgement, and align with shifting strategic priorities in a dynamic environment.
Find out more about the impactful work we do with IFIs, including further insights and case studies.
