Case study: Leadership Development @ Nesta Group
One leadership language. Three different organisations.
350+
leaders developed across a global programme
28%
increase in confidence to identify a leadership style that engages teams
18%
rise in confidence giving feedback to colleagues
The context
Nesta Group houses multiple distinct cultures: a foundation, a consultancy, and a prize business. Leading people across these models was inconsistent, lacking a shared language for delegation and feedback.
To launch a unified performance strategy, the business needed a connected leadership approach that respected diverse commercial and charitable contexts.
The solutions
Research-led models: I curated delegation and feedback frameworks adaptable to both charity and commercial realities.
Modular delivery: We launched a core one-day session, adding 'Deep Dives' timed to hit specific moments in the annual performance cycle.
Hybrid scaling: I adapted the delivery to ensure virtual global sessions matched the impact of in-person UK cohorts.
The outcome
Pre-post surveys in one business unit showed:
Style awareness: A 1.1-point increase (on a 4-point scale) in confidence identifying leadership styles that engage teams.
Feedback confidence: An 18% rise in confidence giving feedback to peers.
Closing gaps: The highest growth occurred in the lowest-scoring areas.
Format parity: Virtual delivery matched in-person impact within 0.3 points.
The learning
A shared leadership language doesn't require a shared culture. With the right frameworks and thoughtful design, you can build something that holds across highly diverse teams and meets people in the reality of their work.