Case Study
Vodafone #ConnectedSheCan: Coaching for leadership development
The client
Vodafone Group is a global leader in telecommunications, known for setting high standards in diversity and inclusivity across its worldwide operations. In line with its commitment to fostering a diverse workforce, Vodafone announced an ambitious goal: to achieve 40% female representation in senior leadership roles.
The brief
Vodafone’s #ConnectedSheCan program was designed to address the need for greater female representation in leadership. The objectives of the program were to:
1. Build a supportive ecosystem: Create a business environment where female leaders are valued, supported, and retained.
2. Develop leadership capability: Focus on enhancing the leadership skills of Vodafone’s most promising female leaders.
3. Prepare for senior leadership roles: Equip participants with the necessary skills and confidence to transition into senior leadership team (SLT) roles.
What we did
Developing self insight
We began with intensive one-to-one coaching sessions aimed at developing deep self-insight and awareness. This process included psychometric profiling, extensive 360-degree feedback, and a biographical interview.
Building community
We facilitated the creation of a strong community of leaders by incorporating modular content with guest speakers, allowing participants to learn from others’ experiences and ground their work in the organisational context.
Group coaching
Both face-to-face and remote group coaching sessions were conducted, enabling participants to share experiences, reflect on their learning in real-time, and support each other throughout the program.
Our approach was to blend individual coaching with group dynamics, ensuring that each participant could develop their leadership style while also contributing to and benefiting from a supportive network of peers.
Daniel Vacassin
Founding Director
ig
The results
Enhanced leadership readiness
The one-to-one coaching was highly impactful, with participants reporting increased readiness for SLT roles. The tailored approach allowed each participant to focus on their unique challenges and objectives.
Improved self insight
Participants experienced significant improvements in self-insight, which enabled them to better understand their strengths and areas for development. This, in turn, increased their agility in navigating complex leadership roles.
Proactive career management
The program encouraged greater proactivity in career management, with participants taking more control over their career paths and actively shaping their future within Vodafone.
Strong leadership community
A close-knit community of female leaders was established, providing ongoing support and collaboration as participants worked towards their goals and contributed to Vodafone’s broader organisational objectives.
Diversity and inclusion feedback
The program generated valuable insights for Vodafone on how to further strengthen its diversity and inclusion agenda, ensuring that female leaders are recognised, supported, and empowered.
What our client had to say
In summary
The #ConnectedSheCan program has been a pivotal initiative for Vodafone in its quest to increase female representation in senior leadership roles. Through a tailored approach combining individual coaching, community building, and organisational feedback, ig successfully equipped female leaders with the skills and confidence needed to take on SLT roles. The program not only benefited the participants but also contributed to fostering a more inclusive and supportive culture within Vodafone. As Vodafone continues its journey towards greater diversity, the insights and outcomes from this program will serve as a strong foundation for future initiatives.
