KPME How a Leading Biopharmaceutical Company is Empowering Women in Leadership
Executive Summary
This case study highlights how Kaplan Professional ME collaborated with a leading biopharmaceutical company to design and deliver a Women in Leadership Program. The program aimed to increase women’s representation in leadership roles, encourage a more inclusive organizational culture, and promote diversity. Over the course of two cohorts, the program successfully enhanced participants’ leadership capabilities, increased the number of female applicants for mid-level management positions and empowered participants to take on larger responsibilities within the organization.
Background
Our client, a globally renowned biopharmaceutical company, is dedicated to the research, discovery, development, and manufacturing of medicines and vaccines. Operating in Saudi Arabia for several decades, it has contributed significantly to healthcare advancements.
As Saudi Arabia undergoes significant social and economic change, the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are increasingly crucial. Vision 2030 aims to diversify the economy and improve quality of life, with a strong focus on increasing women’s participation in the workforce. This aligns with efforts to create more inclusive environments across various sectors, promoting gender equality and representation.
Challenge
Although the company had demonstrated a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, a thorough gap analysis conducted by Kaplan highlighted the disparity in the number of women in leadership positions compared to men. This analysis revealed that women were predominantly in entry-level or junior roles, with few women applying for mid-level or senior management positions. With the organization’s dedication to inclusion, they wanted to encourage women to explore leadership opportunities by improving their confidence and unlocking their untapped leadership potential.
The company recognized the need for a structured program that would not only equip women with leadership skills but also encourage them to take the necessary steps to advance their careers. This set the stage for the development of the Women in Leadership Program, aimed at breaking down these barriers and creating a pipeline for women to move into more prominent roles.
Solution
In response to the challenges identified, Kaplan designed the Women in Leadership Program tailored specifically to the needs of the organization’s female talent. The program was structured to address the main barriers to women advancing into leadership roles: building confidence, developing leadership skills, and providing career development opportunities.
The Women in Leadership Program combined a variety of learning methods to maximize engagement and effectiveness. We offered hands-on training sessions, personalized coaching, and workshops on essential skills such as conflict resolution, relationship management, and leadership communication. In addition, we organized networking events to help participants strengthen their self-awareness and build meaningful professional connections. These activities equipped participants with both the mindset and practical tools necessary for career advancement and effective leadership.
To ensure the program’s impact was measurable, we established clear key performance indicators (KPIs), which included:
- An increase in the number of female applicants for mid-level management roles.
- A higher proportion of projects led by women within the organization.
Through these targeted efforts, the program aimed to create a sustainable pipeline of female leaders ready to contribute at higher levels within the organization.
Impact
The Women in Leadership Program achieved significant results across both cohorts, marking a significant step forward in the company’s efforts to promote gender diversity and inclusion. 78% of participants reported gaining access to new career growth opportunities within the organization. Within just 6-8 months of completing the program, 27% of participants had transitioned into new, higher levels.
The program was met with strong engagement from participants, who actively contributed to discussions and training sessions. This helped foster a sense of collaboration, allowing participants to learn from each other’s experiences and challenges. As the company continues to build on this success, the Women in Leadership Program will remain a vital tool in shaping the future of their leadership teams, ensuring more women are empowered to step into senior roles and contribute to the organization’s ongoing success.
Partner with us to drive real change in your organisation. Get in touch with us today at 04-554-6184 or email us at info@kaplanme.com to develop a program tailored to your organisation’s needs.