Snapshot
Project duration
3 months
Delivery methods
Face-to-face
Objective
To shift MLC’s individual achievers into effective team leaders through sustainable behaviour change.
Tools
Microsoft Office
Learning strategies
Case study analysis
Storytelling through case study videos
Safe-to-fail experiments (for embedding)
Self-assessment against inspiring leader qualities
Shared learning
Self-reflection activities
Learning partner accountability
Visual mapping exercises
Framework-based problem solving
Deliverables
Facilitator guide
PowerPoint slides
Transition guide
Learning canvases
Concept cards
‘Survival kit’
Pre-work
Guided embedding activities
Evaluation tools (leader observation, mentor/coaching, peer feedback and self-reflection)
About the organisation
MLC Life Insurance, part of the Nippon Life Insurance Group, delivers innovative and flexible insurance solutions for Australians. With a focus on adaptable products that change with customers’ needs, they combine industry expertise with a commitment to sustainability. Their award-winning services ensure quality insurance options are accessible to all Australians.
The need
MLC asked us to help their first-time and new leaders navigate the transition from doing great work to leading great work. They needed their leaders to shift both mindset and skillset – from individual achievement to guiding team success while building an achievement culture founded on four pillars: Align, Engage, Enable and Build Capability. Most importantly, the learning needed to stick – moving beyond workshop insights to become part of leaders’ everyday practice.
The learning solution
We created a leadership journey that combines rich learning experiences with practical application. Here’s what makes the learning design work:
- Face-to-face workshops that bring leadership concepts to life through engaging activities and discussion
- Learning canvases that help leaders experiment with new approaches
- Handy concept cards that put key frameworks at leaders’ fingertips
- A practical ‘survival kit’ packed with tools leaders can use right away
- Video content that adds a touch of humour to keep engagement high
- Group activities that create space for shared learning
- Thoughtful reflection exercises that deepen understanding
- Learning partnerships that keep development going
The design follows the 70:20:10 principle, revised to 55:25:20 to align with the latest research – recognising that real learning happens through a blend of hands-on experience (55%), social connections (25%), and formal training (20%). By weaving these elements together, we created a program that helps learning stick.
The outcome
We delivered a solution that bridges the gap between leadership theory and everyday practice. The program doesn’t just build capability – it builds confidence, helping leaders turn new skills into daily habits. Through multiple learning touchpoints, from interactive workshops to practical tools, leaders get support right when they need it. What makes it effective? The way it:
- Puts practical tools in leaders’ hands from day one
- Creates space for reflection and practice
- Builds in accountability through peer support
- Offers just-in-time help via the survival kit
- Makes the journey from workshop to workplace smoother
The result? A program that turns leadership development from a ‘training event’ into real behaviour change.
The team
Olivia: Senior Instructional Designer
Bianca: Senior Instructional Designer
Case Study: MLC life insurance
Case Study: YDAN
