I find it really satisfying to create a program from the ground up.
Over the past months, I’ve been partnering with a corporate client to design a strengths-based Self-Leadership Program for one of their leadership cohorts.
It didn’t begin with a slide deck or pre-conceived ideas about tools or models. It didn’t even have a name or title for the first few months. It began with conversations.
What are these experienced leaders finding challenging? What feedback are they receiving from their leaders, direct reports and stakeholders? Where are the opportunities to build greater confidence, influence and impact?
These are already high-performing, capable people. The purpose of the program isn’t to “fix” them. It’s to help them better understand themselves, build on what they already do well, and equip them with practical tools to become even more effective leaders.
The program has evolved through countless conversations, iterations and feedback loops. There were times when we wondered whether we’d ever get it across the line, but that’s often what happens when you’re genuinely co-designing rather than simply delivering an off-the-shelf solution.
Next week I deliver the final session of the pilot. Even before we’ve finished, my client has an inbox full of expressions of interest for the next cohort, and leaders are already noticing participants putting their strengths into practice, communicating more intentionally and influencing differently.
That’s the kind of impact we were hoping for. And this is work I love most: partnering with clients to create evidence-based, practical programs that are tailored to their people and designed to create lasting change.
And finally, a huge thank you to the incredibly talented Cecilia Timm for bringing the workbook to life. Beautiful design matters. It helps communicate that the learning inside is worth investing in.