How Horses Inspired Courage and Connection through Change
ForgeRock were undergoing an IPO process when their Chief People Officer approached us to facilitate an experience for their global leaders that would bring them together for the first time. Her goal was to inspire shared courage and connection at a time of disruption and change.
Company Overview
ForgeRock is a Global Tech Scale-Up (3,000 Employees). As a high-growth public company, it attracts some of the best talent in the industry. It was acquired by Thoma Bravo for approximately $2.3 billion, with the acquisition completed on August 23, 2023.
Programme Overview
We worked with our equine partners in California to deliver a high-impact day of learning for the CEO and his 60+ Global SVPs and VPs. While working with the horses, everyone in the group had opportunities to see their leadership style in action and understand their wider team or ‘herd’ in operation.
Unencumbered by common human psychological frailties, the horses responded to their ‘clients’ without judgment and provided instant, honest feedback on their behaviour and impact, allowing the team to adjust, test, and learn from their experience in the moment.
Expertly facilitated, extremely safe and highly transformative, the experience left the team with something that can often leave a deep, long-lasting impact.
Outcomes
This was a high-impact day of learning and connection during which leaders examined their potential to lead as a collective and as individuals. With the intention of kickstarting the culture they wanted to create, the day enabled them to acknowledge and integrate diverse styles and perspectives in alignment with the company's prescribed leadership skills and principles.
Testimonial
“It was that safety that enabled me to let my guard down, to let me see what I needed to see, be brave about the beliefs I hold about myself which are limiting and be present in its meaning.”
Vice President, Executive Leadership Team Sponsor.
More case studies
Equine Guided Development, Raison d'Etre
How a Senior Leadership Team Strengthened and United Through Equine Guided Learning
Growing Together Through Change, Cisco
Supporting leaders through a period of major organisational change
Rise up! Women's Development Programme, Cisco
Time for Women Leaders to Rise Up!