CASE STUDY

As part of its long-term commitment to diversity and inclusion, Laing O’Rourke sought to accelerate the development of high-performing women in engineering roles. Despite their capability and performance, many emerging female leaders lacked visibility, structured support, and access to influential networks. The business needed a targeted approach to unlock this talent and embed sustainable pathways to leadership.

Laing O’Rourke partnered with Cultivate to deliver the sponsorship program to a select group of five sponsor-sponsee pairs. Over 14 self-paced modules, the program guided participants through intentional conversations, live group sessions, reflection tools, and cross-hierarchy engagement. Sponsors were equipped to champion, coach, and connect their sponsees to the broader business landscape.

The program surfaced real-time opportunities for impact. Sponsees built confidence, navigated transitions, and secured visible roles aligned with their goals. Sponsors took intentional action-advocating, mentoring, and removing barriers. The experience deepened organisational capability and strengthened the leadership pipeline for women in technical and project-based roles .

Sponsees described the program as empowering and transformative—helping them shift from “doing the work” to leading with intent. For some, this led directly to promotions, project transitions, or greater internal influence. Sponsors gained a renewed sense of purpose and recognised their role in shaping the careers of others.