A Flagship Programme. A Proud Partnership. A Lasting Impact.
- Client: Global Top 10 University
- Programme: Strategic & Advancing Leadership Programme (7 Modules)
- Cohorts: Senior leaders across functions and faculties
- Format: In-person, virtual, coaching, self-paced resources
- Average NPS: 8.65
- Timeframe: 9-month leadership journey
- Reach: 760 leaders
The Challenge
Leadership across the university was evolving. Senior figures were being asked to step beyond their departments, collaborate across boundaries, and navigate increasingly complex institutional demands. However, like many high-performing organisations, the university had leaders carrying significant responsibility without structured support or development. The brief was clear:
- Build strategic confidence and capability
- Create a space for reflection, learning, and practical leadership tools
- Spark cultural alignment across disciplines
The Opportunity
This was no ordinary programme. This was a chance to work hand-in-hand with an institution known for academic brilliance and global impact. Our brief? Create a learning experience that would:
- Equip senior leaders to operate strategically across functions and faculties
- Strengthen their capacity to influence, collaborate, and lead through change
- Reflect the university’s ambition, values, and dynamic challenges
We knew this would require more than content delivery. It needed true partnership, exceptional design, deep facilitation expertise, and a structure that honoured busy schedules without compromising on quality or depth.
We approached this project with an open mind and a genuine interest in understanding the unique challenges of leading in higher education. We were grateful for the exceptional work done by the university’s OD team to ascertain the needs of the programme. Instead of starting with a predefined presentation, we engaged in meaningful conversations, asked insightful questions, and brainstormed extensively. Over many weeks—and lots of cups of coffee, brainstorming sessions, tweaks, and testing—we collaboratively developed a seven-module programme that was tailored, impactful and thoughtfully designed.
“The modules were just right in content, pace, and having the opportunity to engage with the other wonderful members of the group… I look forward to continuing to build on and apply the insights gained from the programme.” – Programme Participant This was not about a one-off event.
The Design
We designed the Strategic Leadership Programme in deep partnership with the university’s OD, L&D, and Leadership Development teams. Together, we shaped a journey that combined depth, flexibility and relevance.
We built every element of the programme with care, from the design of the resource hub, to the tone of pre-module emails, and how we scaffolded reflection and connection.
Each cohort brought together a rich mix of leaders from academia, research, finance, technology, estates, HR, and beyond. Their shared learning created a space where silos dissolved, ideas sparked, and a true cross-functional leadership community emerged.
What made it different:
- Seamless blend of in-person workshops and virtual modules
- One-to-one coaching or feedback sessions for every participant
- Curated asynchronous resources
- Peer learning structures including accountability partners
- Focus on real challenges facing HE leaders: change, strategy, systems
The Impact
By the end of the programme, something had shifted. They felt seen, stretched and supported. They felt invested in. They were applying tools, reframing challenges and engaging with their teams in new ways.
They told us:
“I can’t say enough how much I’m enjoying this programme! Thought-provoking and empowering.”
“Great session! Really hands-on and useful. This should be mandatory for all leaders at our organisation.”
“The content was informative and highly relevant to the challenges facing leaders in Higher Education and many other business environments… I’ve gained practical tools and strategies to assist me with my role and future roles going forward.”
By the Numbers
- Multi-cohort programme, serving leaders from across the university
- 7 modules of blended learning
- Team of 6 from our side—including design, facilitation, coaching, and project coordination
- 8.65 / 10 average NPS for 2023–2024
According to research across executive education, an NPS of 70–100 is considered excellent, with scores above 80 being world-class and above 70 being exceptional.
NPS scores above 8.5 for multi-module leadership programmes comprising multidisciplinary cohort members are reflect deep participant satisfaction, high relevance and strong likelihood to recommend. Achieving such scores usually requires outstanding content, faculty networking opportunities, instructional design and flawless execution.
For example, Harvard’s Custom Organisation Programmes achieved an NPS of 8.5 in 2023, highlighting the exceptional quality and impact of their offerings. Our score of 8.65 places us in the same league, showcasing our commitment to best-in-class learning experiences.
What Leaders Gained
- Clarity on their leadership strengths and areas for growth
- New energy around influencing beyond their department
- Confidence in applying strategic thinking, coaching, and decision-making
- Increased awareness and action around inclusion, wellbeing, and team climate
- A network of peers to sustain the journey
Why It Matters
We’re proud to have delivered an experience that didn’t just inform leaders, but transformed them. We’re even prouder of the trust placed in us to do it. But programmes like this don’t happen by accident. They require:
- True collaboration with internal OD and L&D partners
- Tailored content rooted in lived leadership realities
- Consistent excellence in every touchpoint—from module 1 to module 7
- A delivery team that cares, deeply
Our Reach
So far, we have worked with over 1,000 participants from this university. Of these, 760 have engaged in our leadership programmes, while others have benefited from team development coaching, leadership coaching, keynotes, and events.
Ready to Build a Leadership Programme that Actually Lands?
If you’re seeking a development journey that leaders rave about not just in feedback forms, but in how they lead the next day, contact us. We create transformational experiences for organisations who want more than tick-box training.
