CASE STUDY

John Holland wanted to empower high-potential women in technical and leadership roles to progress confidently within a male-dominated, project-based industry. Participants were capable but often lacked clarity in their career goals, faced confidence challenges, and struggled with visibility and access to senior leaders. The business recognised that sponsorship could provide both strategic support and meaningful advocacy.

The company partnered with Cultivate to deliver the Advocate Program to a small cohort of four sponsor-sponsee pairs. Through a 14-module journey, participants engaged in structured conversations, reflective learning, peer workshops, and guided leadership development. Sponsors were supported to step into active advocacy roles, while sponsees were encouraged to reflect, share goals, and connect across the business.

The program provided the structure and tools for both personal and cultural transformation. Sponsees developed clearer career pathways and reported stronger confidence, visibility, and belief in the company’s equity efforts. Sponsors deepened their understanding of the leadership legacy they could leave and took tangible steps to uplift the next generation of women in the business

Participants spoke of real growth in confidence, career vision, and connection. Sponsees described feeling seen, heard, and supported. Many highlighting a shift in their mindset from “doing the work” to “owning their path.” Sponsors reflected on legacy, values-driven leadership, and their role in influencing inclusive change across the organisation.