How we got to a new model of development that equips leaders to live and thrive at the future’s edge.
The Need
The Executive Development Team of a global tech enterprise had a hunch that current development models and methods weren’t sufficient in preparing leaders to manage the chaos and complexity of a new age. As the most influential tech company, the responsibilities of their leaders are weighty; what they do has far-reaching implications for society.
The Work
A question this broad, yet with such specific needs, must be matched by research that also starts wide before it narrows. (Note: a best practices approach, trend reports, or comparative studies of the industry leave you chasing your tail. Real, original insight requires real, original research.) Through interviews, expert panels, and foresight studies we presented a set of World Megatrends and Work Megatrends that gave us a picture of conditions leaders are likely to meet in 10 years. Filtered through organizational purpose, culture and values, we arrived at a new model and philosophy of leadership development that aligns the growth of leaders with the projected change they must navigate, with recommendations implementation.
The Outcome
The nature of leadership is changing, and leadership development is working hard to keep pace. More than best practices, leaders need to become more self-aware and "change literate" themselves. It begins with a new way of thinking and seeing. This philosophy and model launched a new school for leader development, a program that designs custom development journeys for the orgs most senior leaders, and a commitment to bringing this model of training and development to the public. We partnered with them every step of the way.
“Cecily is one of the very few strategists who can go end-to-end. She has a unique and skillful way of conceiving new solutions and approaches to business challenges, catching important issues that others fail to see. She sees around the bend, while simultaneously being aware of the important first step. Where most vendors can’t move as quickly as we need them to, Cecily has stayed with us — and often ahead of us.”
Ciela Hartanov
Head of Research & Leader Development, Google
Global keynote speaker, business futurist, and strategic advisor guiding executive teams in their most consequential work. One of Forbes’ Top 50 Female Futurists.
© 2026 Wherefore Co.