CASE STUDY

GHD aimed to deepen its commitment to gender equality by supporting high-potential female employees to gain leadership confidence, visibility, and access to decision-makers. Many participants identified feelings of isolation, low visibility across business lines, and unclear career pathways. GHD needed a structured, organisation-wide intervention to embed inclusive leadership behaviours and sponsor-led career acceleration.

GHD partnered with Cultivate Sponsorship to implement a 14-module, self-paced program delivered via Gnowbe. Structured around reflective learning, real-time workshops, and monthly sponsor-sponsee sessions, the initiative was designed to bridge silos, elevate talent across regions, and promote stronger inter-business line connections. Each pair was carefully matched to maximise cross-functional exposure and opportunity.

The program created meaningful visibility, unlocked new career conversations, and inspired a shift in how participants; especially sponsors-approach legacy and influence. Sponsors actively championed their sponsees’ progression, while sponsees reported a renewed sense of purpose, stronger clarity on aspirations, and a growing sense of belonging within the organisation. The structure enabled flexibility, depth, and long-term impact.

GHD participants shared powerful insights about their growth. Sponsees highlighted the value of stepping outside their day-to-day roles to reflect on their ambitions, while sponsors described a shift from guidance to true advocacy. The program facilitated connections across regions and business lines, fostering a broader understanding of the organisation and encouraging collaborative leadership.