CASE STUDY

AECOM sought to strengthen its leadership pipeline by focusing on the career advancement of high-potential female employees. Many of these individuals lacked clarity around their aspirations, confidence in navigating their career journey, and access to senior leadership networks. AECOM recognised the need for a targeted, long-term strategy that aligned with its DEI goals and could offer both visibility and support to emerging female leaders.

In partnership with Cultivate Sponsorship, AECOM launched the 2024 Advocate Program, an evidence-based, 14-module initiative delivered via fortnightly self-paced sessions on Cultivate’s Gnowbe platform. The program integrated structured sponsor-sponsee pairings, live workshops, coaching, and reflective exercises designed to foster connection, capability and career clarity. Participants were paired across business lines to maximise visibility and cross-functional learning.

The program helped unlock new leadership opportunities by connecting sponsees with senior leaders, building their confidence, and fostering career clarity. Sponsors stepped into active advocacy roles, opening doors, offering strategic advice, and championing their sponsees’ potential. Together, these relationships created a more inclusive culture, strengthened internal networks, and positioned emerging female talent for long-term success.

The program catalysed both personal and systemic transformation at AECOM. Sponsees reflected publicly on the program’s ability to help define aspirations, build influence, and increase visibility across the business. Sponsors, in turn, developed deeper insight into the next generation of leaders and took meaningful steps toward mentoring and legacy-building. Despite time and geographic challenges, participants reported high engagement, collaborative learning, and a renewed commitment to equity.