Some feedback from AND-E after the 12 month female leadership programme;
Following the completion of the first-of-its-kind 12-month leadership programme – Elevate – for mid-senior women, AND-E (Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance Europe) has reported the positive impact it has had on how women in the business lead day-to-day.
AND-E created Elevate to tackle a clear risk across the insurance industry: losing talented women at mid-senior level and weakening succession readiness. Co-designed and co-delivered by Organisational Psychologist, Michelle Minnikin, author of Good Girl Deprogramming and co-founder of The Deprogramming Company, and Pamela Avornyo, Head of People Development at AND-E, Elevate forms part of a wider, executive-backed programme of work.
Pamela Avornyo, Head of People Development, AND-E said: “Most women’s leadership development builds skills; Elevate goes beneath skills to address the behavioural, gendered and systemic factors that can undermine authority, progression and retention. Elevate not only equips participants and our wider leadership team with the skills they need; it also fosters allyship, collaboration and mentorship, empowering everyone to uplift others. I believe it will create a ripple effect, embedding inclusivity and collaboration throughout our organisational culture.”
Key results
Progress was tracked at baseline, midpoint and end-point using the Good Girl Conditioning Score Card, which measures 12 workplace patterns linked to confidence, self-trust, boundaries, burnout risk and workplace agency.
· By the end of the programme 11 out of 12 participants improved, meaning 92% reduced their reported symptoms
· Average scores fell from 48 at baseline to 36 at midpoint and 27 at end-point – a 21-point average reduction, or 44% overall
· 100% of respondents rated the programme 9/10 or above for likelihood to recommend; the average score was 9.9/10
· 91% described Elevate as either transformational or very impactful
The greatest shifts were seen in the areas most closely linked to sustainable leadership and progression. The strongest feedback from participants centred around changes in boundaries, voice, authority and leadership presence.
The core issue was not a lack of capability. The women who participated in Elevate were already experienced, credible and high-performing. The barrier was that their contribution and progression were being constrained by patterns that often sit beneath performance. AND-E recognised that conventional leadership training would not fully solve this problem and took the pioneering approach to work with Michelle Minnikin to design Elevate specifically for the business. Following the success of the AND-E programme, Michelle Minnikin has gone on to make the programme available to other companies and deliver it to individuals as ‘Rise Above’ across the globe.
Sarah Brown, who achieved promotion to Head of Claims Support and Control whilst on cohort 1 of the Elevate programme said: “Elevate has played a significant role in my recent promotion by giving me the confidence and clarity to advocate not only for myself, but for my colleagues and my team. It fundamentally reshaped how I think about leadership and, more importantly, who I am as a leader. The biggest takeaway is the skills, connection and sense of community that will continue to support my growth – not just as a leader, but as a woman navigating the world. Elevate didn’t provide a one-off experience; it created a foundation that I will carry forward as I continue to evolve.”
The second year of Elevate kicked off in April 2026 with 13 colleagues from AND-E operations across Europe joining.
Other participant feedback
Laura Rowell, Customer Support Operations Manager based in the UK, who completed the inaugural programme, commented: “The Elevate programme provided a safe, flexible space to reflect on what makes me me, and to better understand my strengths. What stood out most was the balance between practical tools and deeper self-awareness. It wasn’t about simply learning new skills, but about recognising how I had been minimising myself to fit in and giving myself permission to take up space unapologetically. And importantly it offers real, lasting value. It’s not just something you complete – it’s a learning journey that continues to evolve, and shapes how you show up for yourself every day.”
Stina Porter, UK-based Content Manager, added: “Elevate stands out from traditional leadership programmes by going beyond skills to explore the behavioural and systemic factors that shape how women lead. Working with Michelle, Pam, and the Elevate team has strengthened my belief in leading with intent and integrity, and in making choices that remain aligned with my values.”
Igmar Sepulveda, Financial Planning and Analysis Manager based in Gemany said: “The programme gave me tools to better manage and reduce pressure, which has helped me create a healthier and more sustainable way of working. The programme helps you develop greater self-awareness, confidence and authentic leadership. It also shows that the organisation is committed to supporting and developing its leaders in a meaningful way.”
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