Case study
CEO Accelerator Program at Vodafone
The client
Vodafone, a leading force in global telecommunications, faced a common challenge among their chief executives: a sense of disunity and disconnection from their global colleagues.
To bridge this gap and leverage the collective expertise of the dispersed community, Vodafone contracted with ig to launch the CEO Accelerator Program.
This initiative aimed not only to create a robust global network, and provide vital peer-to-peer support; but also to accelerate performance and prepare executives for succession in key markets.
The brief
The CEO Accelerator Program was designed to address the challenges of the diffuse team through a combination of strategic interventions and immersive experiences.
The objectives of the CEO Accelerator Program were twofold:
Foster a global community: Beyond individual performance, the programme aimed to forge strong connections among executives from diverse cultural backgrounds, providing a platform for peer-to-peer support and collaboration.
Accelerate performance and realise potential: Vodafone sought to equip its Chief Executives with the necessary skills and mindset to excel in the “big four” markets, driving growth and innovation.1
What we did
Community building
To cultivate a sense of belonging and camaraderie among participants, the program incorporated various community-building exercises. These activities, conducted both face-to-face and remotely, encouraged open dialogue, collaboration, and mutual support.
One of the highlights of the program was an intensive in-person workshop in Egypt, finishing with a trip to the pyramids. This not only provided a change of scenery, but also served as a catalyst for cross-cultural exchange and relationship-building.
Peer-to-peer coaching
Recognising the value of shared experiences and insights, the program facilitated peer-to-peer coaching sessions. Through structured interactions, executives leveraged each other’s expertise to address challenges, share best practices, and offer constructive feedback.
Structured ‘stretch’ learning
To address specific learning needs and foster continuous growth, the program provided structured training and development. Topics ranged from strategic thinking to financial modelling, ensuring executives were equipped with the skills to navigate complex business environments – and to be ready to move into the ‘big four’ markets.
Action Learning
At the core of the program were action learning sets: immersive workshops where executives presented real-world challenges and collaborated towards solutions. This format, characterised by its practicality and immediacy, empowered individuals to take ownership of their development and drive tangible results. Facilitators guided discussions, leveraging probing questions and active listening to foster deep reflection and collective problem-solving.
The results
Enhanced leadership capabilities
The CEO Accelerator Program yielded significant outcomes for both participants and Vodafone as an organisation. Executives emerged with enhanced leadership capabilities, equipped to tackle the demands of Vodafone’s key markets with confidence and agility.
Culture of collaboration
The establishment of a global community fostered a culture of collaboration and knowledge-sharing, amplifying the collective impact of Vodafone’s leadership cohort.
What our client had to say
“I was a participant in the CEO Development Program, which included both small group development work and a three day leadership development event in Egypt. I found the experience rich and impactful; ig’s style was open and efficient, and provoked deep insights.”
Khalil Al Americani
CEO
Vodacom DRC
