Igniting Enterprise Leadership: Local Council’s Journey from Search to Strategy
The Brief
Following a period of significant transformation and restructure, our Client sought a strategic partner to support its leadership renewal and capability uplift across the organisation. The brief was twofold:
- Leadership Development: Design and deliver a dynamic, multi-year leadership development program to build capability, cohesion, and confidence across the C-suite, Director and Manager levels and beyond.
- Executive Search: Appoint a visionary Chief Executive Officer to lead the Council through its next phase of strategic planning, financial sustainability, and community engagement.
The Council’s ambition was to embed a culture of empowered, values-based leadership aligned with its community vision: a thriving and empowered community working together for an inclusive and sustainable future.
Improvement in Performance
Studies show that executives who receive coaching report a 70% improvement in work performance, according to the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
Lower Turnover Rate
Organisations with effective leadership development programs have a 30% lower turnover rate among employees, as leadership development fosters employee engagement and loyalty.
Reference: Harvard Business Review, "The Impact of Leadership Development on Employee Engagement" (2017)
Companies report Enhanced Leadership Skills
85% of companies report an improvement in leadership capabilities as a direct result of implementing leadership development programs, leading to better decision-making and team management.
Reference: Deloitte, "Global Human Capital Trends" (2019)
Higher Return on Investment (ROI)
Leadership development programs yield an average return on investment (ROI) of 6 times the cost of the program, reflecting the significant value they add to the organization.
Reference: Korn Ferry, "The Real ROI of Leadership Development" (2018)
The Process
Executive Search
Future Leadership, led by David Baber and Kate Wheeler, conducted a comprehensive national search for our client’s next CEO. Following detailed briefings with the Mayor and Councillors, the team identified leadership qualities aligned with the Council’s values and strategic direction. After two rounds of panel interviews, they appointed the new CEO, bringing over 20 years of senior executive experience across public, education, and private sectors.
Leadership Development Program
Delivered by Future Leadership, led by Dr Marcele De Sactis, the GLOW program was designed around four key themes: Leading Self, Leading Others, Leading the Organisation, and Leading in the Community. The program included:
- 12 interactive workshops
- Small group Coaching Circles
- Leader-led development aligned to the Council’s revised vision
- Guest speakers, immersive simulations, and thought leadership sessions
Key topics included:
- Psychological Safety and Safety-First Leadership
- Building Resilience and Thinking Through Uncertainty
- Influencing and Building a Values-Based Culture
Cohort 1 focused on the Senior Leadership Group – this cohort achieved strong engagement and measurable impact. Pulse check data showed:
- 77% of participants applied learning immediately
- 95% rated the learning as “highly impactful” or “game changing”
- Facilitator effectiveness: 4.64/5
- Relevance of learning: 4.41/5
Cohort 2 builds on the success of the first, expanding the program’s reach and embedding leadership capability deeper into the organisation at Team Leader and Coordinator levels. Additionally, the new CEO, and other new hires, will participate in this cohort.
The Advisory Team's Impact Across Clients Through Survey Feedback
32% Increase in Self Awareness
Individuals’ awareness of motives, values, strengths and development needs
21% Increase in Motivation
Individuals’ motivation to apply learning, insight and further develop
27% Increase in Confidence
Individuals’ confidence in their abilities and impact as a leader
30% Increase in Role Clarity
Individuals’ clarity around success factors associated with their role
The Outcome
- Strategic Leadership: The appointment of the CEO brought financial acumen, governance expertise, and stakeholder engagement to the forefront.
- Cultural Transformation: The Leadership Development program catalysed a shift toward a more connected, resilient, and accountable leadership culture. Participants reported increased confidence, motivation, and clarity in their leadership roles.
- Sustainable Capability: With one cohort completed and cohort two underway, our client has embedded a scalable leadership development framework that supports long-term organisational sustainability and service excellence.
