Leadership development is an ongoing journey. As professionals grow in their careers, they need opportunities to expand their skills, broaden their perspectives, and prepare for new challenges. That’s the thinking behind Future Leaders Academy (FLA), The Bonadio Group’s leadership development program.
Led by Allyson Roote, Vice President of Learning & Organizational Development, and Bonadio’s Senior Leaders, FLA was created to help high-potential professionals build the skills, confidence, and perspective needed for future leadership opportunities. Through a combination of leadership development, collaboration, mentorship, and business education, participants gain a deeper understanding of both effective leadership and the broader strategy of the firm.
Since its launch in 2021, FLA has supported 64 high-potential leaders across the firm. The program’s impact is reflected not only in participant experiences, but also in outcomes: 79% of graduates have advanced into partner roles, and 86% of participants have remained with the firm.
This commitment to developing future leaders through FLA was recently recognized with a Brandon Hall Group™ Gold HCM Excellence Award® in the Best Leadership Development Program category (read the full announcement HERE). While we’re honored by the recognition, the real story is the impact FLA continues to have on our People and the future of our firm.
Developing Leaders for the Future
For the past six years, FLA has played an important role in preparing high-potential professionals for leadership opportunities across the firm. Participants gain valuable leadership skills, build relationships with peers and firm leaders, and develop a deeper understanding of how the firm operates and grows.
The program is closely connected to the firm’s long-term talent strategy.
“We’re really focused on developing our talent pipeline through programs like Future Leaders Academy,” shared Allyson.
Through a combination of learning experiences, collaboration, and leadership development opportunities, participants gain a broader perspective on the firm while building the skills needed to grow throughout their careers. The program also helps leaders identify and develop future talent, creating a stronger pipeline for the years ahead.
Leadership Development with a Purpose
FLA was created with a clear goal: to develop the skills future leaders need to be successful.
To accomplish that, the Bonadio University team works closely with senior leaders to understand the qualities and skills that matter most for long-term success.
This approach ensures participants are developing leadership skills that directly support their growth while helping meet the evolving needs of the firm.
“We’ve been very intentional about working with senior leaders to identify the skills we want to build in our future leaders,” said Allyson. “We focus on what’s truly critical for them to succeed as partners.”
Three Dimensions of Leadership
FLA focuses on three key areas that help participants become well-rounded leaders:
Leading Self
The foundation of leadership begins with understanding yourself. Participants develop greater self-awareness while strengthening skills such as communication, decision-making, adaptability, and professional growth.
Leading Others
As professionals advance in their careers, their ability to support and develop others becomes increasingly important. Participants learn how to coach team members, build stronger relationships, navigate challenges, and foster collaboration.
Leading the Firm
Strong leaders understand the broader business environment and how their work contributes to firm success. This portion of the program helps participants connect their day-to-day responsibilities to the firm’s strategy, culture, and future goals.
Together, these focus areas help participants build the confidence and perspective needed to lead effectively at every level.
A Program Designed to Evolve
The skills required of leaders continue to change, and FLA continues to evolve alongside them.
Each year, the program incorporates new ideas, experiences, and learning opportunities to reflect changing business needs and participant feedback. The result is a dynamic program that remains relevant and valuable for every cohort.
The program has evolved over time, and it’s still evolving,” said Allyson. “We listen closely to our participants, and so much of what we’re adding comes directly from their feedback. It’s all about making sure our future leaders feel prepared, supported, and ready to make an impact.
The structure of the program also allows participants to join at different points in their leadership journey. Whether someone is just beginning to step into leadership responsibilities or preparing for future partnership opportunities, the experience is designed to help them continue moving forward.
Investing in People
At its heart, FLA reflects the simple belief that investing in people strengthens the future of the firm.
The program provides participants with the tools, experiences, and connections needed to grow as leaders while creating a strong pipeline of talent for years to come. It helps individuals better understand their potential, expand their impact, and prepare for new opportunities throughout their careers.
The Brandon Hall Group HCM Excellence Award recognition is an exciting milestone; but the real measure of success is the growth we see in our participants every year. Their development and leadership are shaping the future of The Bonadio Group.
Future Leaders Academy is just one example of how we invest in our People. Explore additional Learning & Development opportunities designed to help our team members grow, lead, and thrive throughout their careers HERE.
