At Elevate, we believe that leadership is more than a skillset; it’s a journey.
Our bespoke leadership programmes are designed to empower individuals to unlock their potential, connect with their authentic leadership style, and drive real change for themselves and within their organisations. This journey is rooted in the Theory of Change model we co-develop with clients, a guiding framework that allows us to craft programmes that resonate with the individual needs and aspirations of each organisation or business we work with.

Since 2021 as Elevate-CLE, and since 2011 as part of our pracademic work, we’ve created impact-driven leadership development programmes for over 900 senior managers and leaders across the world. One of the most recent examples is our collaboration with UNICEF’s Office of Emergency Programmes (EMOPS), as part of a targeted initiative to develop the leadership of senior managers and leaders who operate in humanitarian contexts. The Humanitarian Leadership Workshop (HLW) has empowered over 200 leaders to excel in high-stakes, complex and high-threat environments, addressing the unique challenges they face since 2022. As Elevate-CLE we’ve been extremely humbled to have contributed to those ten HLW cohorts and witnessed the impact the nine-month programme has had on those leaders, their teams and the organisation.

A Foundation Built on Theory of Change and Client Partnership

Every Elevate-CLE leadership programme starts with a collaborative process. By working closely with clients to develop a tailored Theory of Change model, we clarify key goals and create a leadership and coaching programme roadmap aligned with their strategic objectives. This model enables us to design a customised experience that truly resonates with participants and gives ownership to the client, as evidenced by the positive responses we receive.

A recent client shared in the impact evaluation: “I didn’t expect the level of strategic focus on leadership during this programme. Elevate-CLE understands that leadership isn’t just about technical skills; it’s about shaping a mindset and behaviour that thrive in uncertain environments”.

Engagement from Day One: Blended Learning for Diverse Contexts

Our blended learning approach combines online, in-person, and hybrid sessions to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Through this flexible format, we provide continuous learning opportunities across different settings. A 2024 impact evaluation showed that 70% of participants found this blended approach essential for translating skills from theory to practice. This agile format allows leaders to directly apply new skills and receive immediate feedback, fostering experiential learning that becomes second nature.

Kirkpatrick Model: Measuring Impact with Precision

The success of our leadership development programmes is underscored by rigorous impact evaluations. Using the Kirkpatrick Model, we evaluate our programmes at four levels—Reaction, Learning, Behaviour, and Results. Linked with the Theory of Change, this model not only measures immediate feedback but captures long-term, sustainable outcomes that drive personal and organisational transformation.

Kirkpatrick is central to our evaluation strategy, allowing us to measure impact across four levels:

Level 1 – Reaction: Feedback at this stage ensures our programmes align with participants’ expectations. For example, 100% of UNICEF’s HLW participants in a recent cohort felt that the programme met or exceeded their expectations.
Level 2 – Learning: We assess knowledge acquisition through evaluations and reflections. Over 70% of HLW participants in one cohort reported a marked increase in knowledge on frameworks essential to their roles.
Level 3 – Behaviour: This stage measures behavioural change. One alumnus noted, “Coaching helped me recognise my own strengths and areas for growth, transforming how I interact with my team”.
Level 4 – Results: Usually considered the hardest to measure, we evaluate the programme’s overall impact. In one cohort, 90% of participants reported increased team trust, alignment with organisational goals, and stronger morale, leading to better and more effective outcomes.

This structured evaluation approach provides critical insights that allow us to refine our leadership development programmes for lasting success.

Embedded Coaching: Sustaining Change Beyond the Programme

Our leadership coaching sessions provide leaders with a safe space to reflect, set goals, and enhance their self-awareness while deepening understanding of their impact on others. Through a supportive yet challenging process, leaders are encouraged to explore and embrace fresh perspectives, question assumptions, and adopt a mindset focused on growth and influence.

“Coaching allowed me to internalise what I learned and apply it in a way that resonates with my leadership style.”

At Elevate, we believe in fostering purpose-driven leadership—where personal values align seamlessly with organisational goals, creating a powerful foundation for meaningful change. Our approach helps leaders build the confidence to lead with authenticity, inspire those around them, and become agents of positive change within their teams and organisations. By equipping leaders with the tools to think strategically and act with intention, we walk with them on a path to create lasting impact that resonates well beyond the walls of their organisations.

“Elevate-CLE provided a highly professional and excellently organized training, complemented by targeted post-workshop support. Their involvement in the Humanitarian Leadership Workshop (HLW) was pivotal in creating a meaningful and impactful learning experience and building leadership skills within the humanitarian space.”

In Part 2, we will explore the deeper impact of our coaching-based leadership approach. Stay tuned for insights on how our programmes foster authentic transformation, building resilience, confidence, and curiosity among clients and their teams.

If you missed our previous blogs, you can read more on self-awareness as the foundation of leadership in Self-Awareness in Leadership: A Key to Authenticity and Growth. In this blog we explore self-awareness and how Elevate consistently incorporates self-awareness and authentic leadership as core principles, helping leaders gain insights into their values, strengths, and areas for development.

Our upcoming **Women’s Resilience and Leadership Retreat** takes this approach further, offering women leaders a focused environment to cultivate resilience, set goals, and reconnect with their unique leadership vision. By supporting women through this immersive experience, we provide the ideal setting to expand their leadership potential and navigate their paths with renewed purpose.

Learn More About Our Women’s Resilience and Leadership Retreat

At Elevate, we have seen firsthand the transformational power of stepping back from daily routines to focus on inner growth. It's not about withdrawing from the world but finding the clarity, self-awareness, and renewed energy to re-enter it with purpose and strength. If you haven’t read our previous blog on Self-Awareness in Leadership: A Key to Authenticity and Growth, we encourage you to do so, as it provides important context for the journey we continue today.

References

Capaldi, C.A., Passmore, H.A., Nisbet, E.K., Zelenski, J.M. & Dopko, R.L. 2021, 'Flourishing in nature: A review of the benefits of connecting with nature for well-being', Journal of Environmental Psychology, vol. 73, 101-108.

Neff, K.D. 2020, Self-compassion: The proven power of being kind to yourself, HarperCollins, New York.