AstraZeneca’s Coaching Revolution: Thriving Through Change

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Dive into AstraZeneca’s coaching journey to unveil the secrets behind their remarkable transformation. This article unveils a blueprint for cultivating a resilient, innovative, and thriving workplace culture.

In the fast-paced world of pharmaceutical innovation, AstraZeneca found itself at the forefront of change, navigating the challenges brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic. The urgency for breakthrough ideas was met with enthusiasm and fearlessness from their teams. However, with this accelerated pace came the looming concern of burnout.

Recognizing the need for a sustainable solution that goes beyond traditional approaches, AstraZeneca sought to build a coaching culture. This journey led them to us, and together, we embarked on a transformative path that would not only enhance productivity but also prioritize the well-being of their people.

The Coaching Approach: A Culture of Learning

The initial success of coaching with AstraZeneca’s leaders paved the way for a broader vision—to instill a culture of learning throughout the organization. The goal was clear: to ensure that every conversation, every interaction, carried the essence of coaching. AstraZeneca envisioned a workplace where individuals could thrive in various situations—be it returning to work, taking on new roles, staying resilient through fast-paced projects, or championing long-term changes.

Our coaching programs became the cornerstone of this cultural shift, offering AstraZeneca’s people the support they needed to shine in their diverse roles. The introduction of a user-friendly app allowed individuals to choose what to work on and when to work on it, making the coaching experience personalized and accessible.

Lara Martinez’s Perspective: A Testimony to Transformation

Lara Martinez, the Global Planning and Development Director at AstraZeneca UK, shares her personal journey in embracing the coaching culture. “Stepping into a new role, coaching helped me form a clearer perspective of AstraZeneca, with a better understanding of how I can coach my team, and a great network of people to support me in my journey,” she says.

Martinez’s experience echoes the sentiment of many within AstraZeneca who found that coaching not only enhanced their professional capabilities but also fostered a sense of community and support.

From Strength to Strength: A Cultural Shift Unveiled

As the coaching approach seeped into every corner of AstraZeneca, the organization witnessed a profound transformation. Teams began working differently, displaying newfound confidence in their abilities. Leaders exhibited a deeper understanding of diversity and inclusion, coupled with stronger strategic thinking.

The fundamentals—self-awareness, achievement, and accountability—became the pillars of AstraZeneca’s success story. Communication scores, once labeled a ‘potential risk,’ soared to the top 25% on our coaching scorecard, marking a tangible shift in the dynamics of collaboration.

Helen Basford, Global Capability Lead at AstraZeneca UK, reflects on the transformative power of coaching, stating, “Coaching is the thread. It ties our conversations together. It generates the sparks. It makes people feel safe enough to voice their ideas, to take risks, and to push the boundaries.”

“Coaching is the thread. It ties our conversations together. It generates the sparks. It makes people feel safe enough to voice their ideas, to take risks, and to push the boundaries.”

Helen basford

Results and Impact: Numbers Speak Louder

The impact of AstraZeneca’s Coaching as a Service program is quantifiable and impressive. More than 1,500 individuals have undergone coaching across 8,000 sessions, with participants rating their coaching experience an outstanding 4.8/5 for helping them achieve their goals. Communication scores have risen to the top 25%, reflecting the tangible success of AstraZeneca’s commitment to building a coaching culture.

The Next Chapter: HR Congress WorldSummit

The journey doesn’t end here. Helen Basford will take the stage at the HR Congress WorldSummit online on November 30th and dives deeper into AstraZeneca’s coaching case study. This is your opportunity to delve into the intricacies of their success, understand the challenges they overcame, and gain insights into how coaching can revolutionize your organization.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this enlightening session. AstraZeneca’s coaching revolution is a testament to the fact that in the face of change, a coaching culture can not only drive innovation but also create an environment where individuals thrive and organizations flourish. Join us on November 30th and be inspired by the success story that is reshaping the future of work at AstraZeneca.