The Women in Water Program Combined Coaching, Workshops and Experiential Learning to Build Leadership Capability Across the Victorian Water Sector
The Brief
Future Leadership was selected as the partner to deliver the “Insight for Women in Water” program for female leaders in the Victorian water sector.
The program ran for three years and Future Leadership were engaged to design and deliver the Insight Women in Water program, an intensive, year-long leadership development experience for high-potential female executives across Victoria’s water sector. The program ran for three cohorts and it’s mission is to increase the visibility and readiness of women to lead at enterprise and sector levels, contributing to a more sustainable and high-performing water industry.
Each year, 14–16 female executives (CEOs, MDs, GMs, and senior managers) are nominated by their organisations to participate. The overarching goal is to create a critical mass of engaged, informed leaders, who are committed to elevating the sector’s performance and sustainability.
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
The program experience was multi-faceted and included several key components to develop women in leadership roles:
- Welcome Workshop: An introductory session to align participants with the program’s goals and expectations.
- Insight Diagnostics: In-depth diagnostics into individual leadership styles and values, including a customised 360-degree feedback tool, a personality profile, and the Leader Mindset Indicator.
- Virtual 1:1 Coaching Sessions: Tailored coaching sessions, tool debriefs, and wellbeing check-ins.
- Immersive Residentials: Four 2-day immersive residentials featuring guest speakers, thought leaders, and content focused on four domains of leadership—Leading Self, Leading Others, Leading the Organisation, and Leading the Community.
- Experiential Learning: Hands-on experiences such as Equine Leadership, simulated Organisation Workshops, and an Assessment-for-Development Centre with ‘real play’ actors.
- Coaching Circles: Peer coaching and support through structured Coaching Circles.
- Personal and Work Challenges: Action learning projects reflecting personal breakthroughs, leading to sector change recommendations.
- Graduation and Alumni Experience: A formal graduation event with presentations to the Leadership Committee and broader sector, followed by a structured Alumni Experience.
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
From three Insight Women in Water cohorts, two current Managing Director-level placements have been made, promoting Alumni participants into these visible leadership roles. Additionally, multiple promotions have occurred with participants stepping into Executive-Team roles following their completion of the program.
Participants experienced significant increases in self-awareness, motivation, confidence, and role clarity and 90% of participants said the program influenced their leadership aspirations.
Participants also reported meaningful growth in skills related to adaptive leadership, systems thinking, enterprise leadership, strategic storytelling, and visibility.
Many took tangible post-program actions, including role changes, cultural initiatives, and applying systems thinking to complex organisational challenges.
Go behind the scenes of our Women in Water program
Marcele, your caring nature and openness to collaboration and feedback as to how to make this the best experience for all has been awesome. Your entire team have led one of the best programs I have been on by far. Your strength and determination in this work shines through."
It has been an absolute pleasure working with you. Your poise and calm combined with your real sense of how to hold the space and when and how to interpret has been a Masterclass for me. Thank you for all your hard work, you have really held the threads together and I am in awe of your work ethic, pace, and the sheer amount you do. You are a leadership role model."
