The Need

NEOM is the world's largest project in Saudi Arabia, creating the first-of-a-kind futuristic eco-friendly ecosystem. Conditions are like nowhere else as all employees relocate to live and work onsite at the project in relatively remote and somewhat basic conditions with limited facilities.

Ignition supported one of the teams to build a resilient and collaborative team to thrive in a unique and complex environment.

Our Approach

Ignition Coaching co-created a bespoke development program for a NEOM Team as it grew significantly and served as a critical thought partner and trusted advisor.

This team was formed in 2020 during the pandemic, adding to the pressures of building such an important function from scratch. Our Executive Coaches, Kully Jaswal and Suzanne Silver, partnered with the leadership team to create a holistic well-being and leadership development program to support them starting in 2021 as they navigated these unique conditions.

We were ready for the challenge as we created a bespoke and blended learning program combining workshops, AI-based assessments, group and 1:1 coaching, team off-site events, and online learning programs, all with a foundation of well-being at the core.

Leadership Team Coaching and Digital Assessments

Ignition facilitated focused sessions with the senior team to identify what it takes to create a high-performing and cohesive leadership team. We used Valence’s research-based digital toolset for team transformation, which provides personalized measures to build leader and team effectiveness. Each leader completed an intuitive 16-statement diagnostic that surfaces how they feel and what’s most pressing. We established several deep dive sessions to create a safe space to deliver open and honest feedback across the leadership.

In-Person Workshops

The entire workgroup (leadership + staff) participated in quarterly strategic retreats/offsites. Members were encouraged to take ownership of co-creating and driving the desired team culture. Topics included

• Emotional Resilience: creating greater self-awareness and self-management skills to manage stress and uncertainty.

• Relationship Building: building empathy and compassion to develop trusting relationships with stakeholders.

• Leadership and Psychological Safety (PS): using Valence and PS diagnostics to measure and improve PS to create a high-performing team.

Executive Coaching

Ignition created a High-Performance coaching program to support select leaders and high performers with their goals as they navigate the uncertainties and pressure of delivering on this hugely complex project.

Our globally experienced coaches delivered three-month and robust six-month coaching programs to identify and support high performers. The six-month programs included a comprehensive 360 report based on qualitative interviews, detailed coaching plans, access to our online learning, and various tools and resources.

Self-Paced Online Learning and Webinars

The Ignition Academy online learning platform amplified in-person work with digital content and interaction, making it more efficient, impactful, and cost-effective. Because learning happens best when learners collaborate and help one another, cohorts participate in ‘safe space’ discussions within the learning platform.

The Results 

Value Delivered

• Awarded runner up for most innovative training company by the Institute of Internal Auditors (2023)  

• Building trust and psychological safety across the team using a blended learning approach 

• Improved overall psychological safety and emotional resilience levels across the team 

• Overall greater engagement and team satisfaction