CASE STUDY

Transport for NSW was focused on improving gender equity within its senior leadership ranks and accelerating the readiness of women leaders for complex, high-impact roles. Many participants reported low confidence in navigating executive-level dynamics, uncertainty around their influence, and limited access to senior leaders. There was a need for a strategic intervention that would combine personal growth with structural advocacy.

TfNSW launched the Cultivate Advocate Program across two large cohorts, involving 46 women leaders and 46 executive sponsors. The 14-module digital journey focused on self-reflection, real-time career planning, and meaningful sponsor-sponsee engagement. Live webinars, practical tools, and peer learning reinforced accountability and cohesion. Sponsor-sponsee pairs were carefully matched to foster cross-functional relationships and increase internal mobility.

The program helped embed a sponsorship culture within TfNSW, encouraging senior leaders to step into active advocacy roles. Women leaders gained renewed career clarity, strategic visibility, and language to express their leadership value with confidence. The initiative created a ripple effect across teams—building momentum for structural change and reinforcing TfNSW’s broader diversity and inclusion strategy.

Sponsees described the experience as transformative, particularly in building confidence, reframing self-doubt, and creating visibility across the executive landscape. Sponsors deepened their awareness of unconscious bias and recognised the power of intentional support. Many participants took action on stretch opportunities, sought promotion, or redefined their leadership vision with courage.