Accelerator programmes 1

The Client

A global financial services institution

Coaching mission

As part of a wider internal initiative to accelerate the progression of senior women in the company, Alexander was asked to create a cohort programme targeted at high potential women with sessions taking place in the US, Europe and Asia.

Objectives

  1. To increase the exposure and impact of these of these talented women with senior stakeholders at board level and within the wider organisation.
  2. To cultivate a diverse talent pipeline.
  3. To enable the participants to develop cross-cultural relationships within the company and to leverage from their own experiences and knowledge.
  4. To increase their self-awareness, providing the cohort with the skills, tools and also a platform for mutual support. These assets would  ultimately enable the participants to become more confident and perform at their best.

Cohort Sizes

8 -12 people

Alexander Programme Structure: a combination of

  • Cohort group sessions where individuals make new connections, share tools, discuss work challenges, leverage strengths and encourage each other.
  • One-on-one coaching sessions in which:
    • Skills, strengths and assets are explored and career direction is reinforced.
    • Specific concerns or blockages are addressed.
  • Mentoring: participants are paired with senior internal sponsors.

Outcomes of the wider programme

  • The profiles of the women and their achievements were raised.
  • The participants felt empowered, valued and motivated to excel.
  • A record number of women were promoted to Managing Director level.
  • The participants forged valuable professional relationships across geographies.
  • Powerful role models for diversity and inclusion were developed.
  • The organisation gained a global perspective on the issues facing their high potential female employees and how best to aid their development.

Conclusion

The cohort programme was deemed a great success and the company are considering a repeat.