20 Oct Leadership Development Program: Forbes “Best Places to Work” Fintech Builds Its Next Generation of Leaders

Posted at 22:52h in Client Story by

Client: Nasdaq-listed fintech   Engagement:  Leadership Development Program

The Challenge

A Nasdaq-listed fintech with more than 45 years of experience supports roughly 7,500 community and regional banks and credit unions. Recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Employers, the company’s strategy depends on co-creating solutions with clients and working openly with fintech partners. Its executive team wanted a year-long program to prepare high-potential leaders for that future. The internal talent team already delivered specific trainings, but the company needed customized training and advisory support for its top performers, with a focus on communication, influence, and strategic decision-making.

The Approach

Spark EQ began by meeting with the program’s sponsor and lead to define the skills participants needed, how to measure engaged learning, and how to track feedback throughout the program. Spark EQ then designed and delivered:

  • A three-day launch for 25 high-potential leaders and 5 internal mentors. Spark EQ delivered key leadership topics, including design thinking, executive presence, influence, high-performing teams, personal brand, healthy vs. toxic communication, courageous conversations, resilience, networking, and opportunity and risk discovery.
  • Leadership modules included supporting information, including slides, scripts, handouts, exercises and active engagement amongst participants.
  • Mid-program group coaching session on “Communicating to Executives.” Participants shared lessons learned and received feedback in preparation for their project pitches to the C-suite.
“It was one of the best training experiences I’ve had at the company. You’ve inspired me to step out of my comfort zone more, and I can’t wait to share what I learned with my leadership team!”
Senior Manager (Leadership Development Program Participant)

The Outcome

  • 100% of participant initiatives approved. Participants identified process-improvement ideas during the leadership development program and pitched them to executives. Every initiative was approved for further exploration.
  • Learning spread across their teams. Program participants share what they learned with their own teams across the organization.
  • Full engagement. All 25 leaders reported an improvement in confidence of skills and rated the program highly.
  • Recognized across the organization. Spark EQ was invited to present the Communications Module (Influence Strategies, Cultivating Confidence, and Raising Resilience) to the entire HR team during their annual HR Week conference.
"Jennifer delivered a well-researched, thoughtful content to a group of rising stars. She kept the audience engaged and was effective at helping them learn through interactions with one another."
Talent Development Senior Manager

Why It Matters for Your Organization

When your organization is growing, your next chapter depends on the people you are preparing to lead it. This engagement shows what becomes possible when emerging leaders are developed with intention:

  • Your rising leaders become a source of ideas. When high-potential employees learn to communicate and influence with confidence, they bring forward improvements that leadership is ready to act on.
  • Development fits your culture and complements your internal team. Customized, interactive programs build on the training you already offer and give your top performers what they need next.
  • Skills multiply. Leaders who share what they learn extend the investment to every team they touch.
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