A leading technology company known for innovation recognized the importance of cultivating future leaders within its technical workforce. Over the course of three years, the organization invested in initiatives to broaden opportunities for employees, including requiring balanced candidate slates for R&D management roles and sponsoring more than 100 professionals at major industry events such as the Massachusetts Conference for Women and the Grace Hopper Celebration.

• 31% of participants earned promotions within a year

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‍The Challenge

Building Confidence, Connection, and Career Pathways in a Technical Workforce

As the company scaled, leaders identified several pressing needs:

• Building stronger leadership pipelines in highly technical functions
• Supporting employees in developing confidence and influence skills
• Creating meaningful connections across a workforce that had shifted rapidly to remote work

The organization sought a solution that would go beyond training to foster growth, resilience, and collaboration.

The Aurora Solution

A Scalable Platform

In 2019, the company partnered with reacHIRE to introduce the Aurora program to its early career employees. Aurora provided a structured environment for employees to connect, learn, and grow through guided frameworks, peer networks, and mentorship. Within 3 years, the program expanded from early career to mid-level leadership, expanding the scope and impact within the organization.

Aurora’s design emphasized confidence‑building, career readiness, and community — helping participants strengthen leadership behaviors, sharpen adaptability, and prepare for advancement.

The Results

Measurable Gains in Confidence, Career Readiness, and Advancement

Feedback and assessment surveys highlighted Aurora’s measurable impact:

• Improved relationships with managers and peers
• Increased confidence in leadership skills
• Clearer career aspirations and readiness for advancement
• Stronger sense of belonging and accountability

Participant Voices:

“The program really helped me develop my confidence and gave me the tools to succeed. Overall, it has positively impacted my career growth.” — Aurora Participant

“I was lucky to be part of Aurora while transitioning from individual contributor to manager. It helped me make personal changes based on the frameworks provided.” — Aurora Participant

Results showed:

• Early‑career participants reported stronger influence and impact in their roles
• Mid‑career participants developed resilience, growth mindset, and improved relationship‑building skills
• 31% of the cohort received promotions within a year of program completion

Broader Impact

Shaping a Resilient Leadership Pipeline for Long‑Term Success

Aurora became a cornerstone of the company’s talent development strategy. By implementing a scalable engagement and leadership platform, the organization accelerated the growth of early‑career professionals, strengthened its leadership pipeline, and improved retention of high‑potential talent.