Behind every thriving team is a leader who understands how to guide, support, motivate, and bring out the best in people.
When you’re part of a team, outstanding leadership can transform your perspective of work—from simply getting a job done to inspiring you to show up with purpose and achieve your potential.
If you’re a leader, having the support and opportunity to develop your leadership skills can broaden your impact and open new doors in your career.
One purpose-driven, Australian company, IGO, shares this mindset. Understanding that great leadership can elevate individuals and transform teams, the company has developed tailored Leadership Programs.
These programs aim to invest in values-led leadership at every business level, from on-site crew leaders to executives guiding strategic decisions.
Since launching these programs in June, the company has seen strong participation, enthusiasm and engagement from its first cohorts.
We sat down with IGO to learn more about their unique programs and how they’re having an impact.
Inside IGO’s Leadership Programs
IGO‘s Leadership Programs are built on the company’s leadership framework, core values, and key priorities—health, safety, well-being, and strategic thinking.
They’re part of the company’s long-term commitment to supporting team members with the mindset, skills, and confidence to lead in a fast-moving, constantly evolving industry.
IGO’s CEO, Ivan Vella, describes it as a process of “building a leadership factory”, creating real opportunities for people to step up and lead.
The Developmental Leader Program is tailored for senior leaders. It focuses on leadership style, strategic effectiveness, and team development through immersive residential sessions and group coaching.
The Leader’s Edge Program is designed for operational leaders. It offers hands-on learning to participants, helping them build their confidence, capabilities, and connections across the business.
But how are they structured and what’s involved? One participant, Jennifer Orr, Principal Sustainability, explains.
“During the program, we receive access to expert speakers and regular coaching sessions. There’s a strong emphasis on wellbeing and stress management, which has made it a truly enriching experience.
Matt Spagnolo, GM Enterprise Projects, has particularly enjoyed the program’s small development groups.
“In these groups, we reflect on our experiences and support one another’s growth. Our coaching sessions with the Tomorrow Architects team have also been incredibly impactful, as they offer personalised guidance on your leadership approach.”
Kate Mosel, Manager Talent and Capability, has also enjoyed building connections with others.
“What stood out to me most was the chance to connect with other leaders from across the business, people from different teams, backgrounds, and genders, who bring unique perspectives and shared challenges. These connections have been just as valuable as the content itself.”
The programs reflect IGO‘s deep commitment to investing in people and growing an authentic, inclusive, and future-focused leadership culture.
Find out more about leadership and career development opportunities at IGO.
What challenges are the programs designed to solve?
As an industry-leading company, IGO understands great leadership doesn’t happen by chance. It takes intention, support, and the right opportunities.
Their leadership programs are helping them tackle key challenges as a growing, values-driven business. This includes:
- Bridging capability gaps – supporting leaders at all levels, from site supervisors to senior managers, with consistent, meaningful development.
- Creating alignment – by embedding their Leadership Framework and shared learning experiences, so leaders across every level can speak the same language and pull in the same direction.
- Building resilience and strategic thinking – particularly important capabilities in a constantly evolving sector, so leaders are ready to adapt, innovate, and lead confidently.
- Living company values – by developing leaders who lead with integrity, care and purpose, and inspire others to do the same.
IGO‘s leadership programs are building a strong pipeline of capable, confident leaders who can drive performance and create a positive culture across the business.
What sets these programs apart?
What’s particularly unique about IGO‘s Leadership Programs is their focus on authentic leadership, inclusive practices, and supporting diverse talent pipelines, including targeted development for women in leadership.
They’re tailored to individuals’ strengths and aspirations, with coaching that helps leaders understand their intrinsic drivers and how these drivers can help them make a difference.
By embedding leadership development into real business challenges and fostering cross-functional collaboration, the programs deliver practical, strategic, and future-focused learning, preparing leaders to navigate complexity and drive meaningful change.
A powerful start for a long-term vision
So far, feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with team members reporting that the content is practical, relevant, and empowering.
IGO has already started to notice shifts in how leaders show up – having more strategic conversations, developing stronger team dynamics, and improving collaboration across sites.
As the business continues to roll out the programs, it will track key outcomes, such as leadership effectiveness, safety performance, and employee engagement.
The momentum so far points to a clear shift. IGO‘s leadership is becoming more consistent, connected, and values-aligned.
“Participating in the program has been an incredible opportunity to deepen my understanding of leadership and build meaningful connections with my cohort,” says Jennifer. “It’s truly inspiring to see a company so committed to investing in growth and development for its people.”
“These programs aren’t your typical leadership programs,” says Matt, “they’re focused on challenging you to think differently, hopefully leading to sustained changes in your approach to leadership. What I really like is that the program extends well beyond the two-day sessions with an emphasis on practical application of what you learn.”
Thinking about a leadership initiative for your organisation? Start here
For organisations interested in implementing a similar leadership development initiative, IGO recommends ensuring it’s aligned with company values and strategic goals, while also being tailored to individual needs.
Embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly support for women in leadership, is essential for building a truly representative leadership pipeline.
Practical application, coaching, and executive sponsorship are great ways to drive impact and ensure your program goes beyond theory to shape truly confident, capable, and inclusive leaders.
“Being part of the IGO Leadership Program has been a genuinely rewarding experience. It’s given me the chance to grow my leadership skills in a way that’s practical and reflective,” says Kate.
Whether you’re an aspiring, new, or experienced leader, the chance to grow your leadership skills is always worth pursuing. Wherever you are in your career, the opportunity to lead and grow starts with the right support
If you want to grow as a leader, find an organisation that can provide you with the tools, support and opportunities to help you lead with purpose.
