The ROI Institute recognizes people who successfully apply its robust ROI Methodology across all stages to demonstrate measurable impact.
“This award is especially meaningful because it confirms that we are applying the world’s most widely used gold‑standard ROI methodology with rigor and credibility – and that the value of the work is recognized and championed by our clients,” said Johanna Leppävirta, Head of Impact.
Developed and delivered by IMD in partnership with Absa, one of Africa’s largest financial services providers, the program aims to equip emerging leaders across the continent with the capabilities required to navigate complexity, disruption, and rapid transformation. The 12-month learning journey combines immersive face-to-face modules, virtual learning, and real-world application through enterprise projects.
This open program is one of four leadership journeys IMD delivers in collaboration with Absa. Leap focuses on accelerating the development of future leaders, while Transform targets emerging executives, Amplify supports experienced senior leaders, and Sustain prepares executives for enterprise leadership.
The ROI Institute recognized Leppävirta and ten Cate for their rigorous application of its globally renowned ROI Methodology. This disciplined framework evaluates the tangible and intangible impact of learning initiatives through detailed data collection, isolation of program effects, error adjustment, and full cost analysis, ensuring that the program’s impact can be demonstrated transparently, credibly, and systematically.
“This recognition reflects the strength of our partnership with IMD and our shared belief that leadership development must be seen as a strategic investment, not a cost. Through the Accelerated Development Programs, we are not only building leadership capability at Absa, but actively strengthening the African talent pool and enabling leaders to navigate the complexity and opportunity of the continent. The application of the ROI Methodology allows us to demonstrate this impact with rigor and credibility, positioning leadership development as a driver of measurable value and sustainable growth across Africa,” shared Nadia ten Cate, Senior Leadership Specialist, Absa Bank Limited.
Since its launch in 2019, the Leap journey has upskilled more than 240 leaders across 10 African countries. According to program data, 36% of the participants have since been promoted, underscoring its role in accelerating career progression within the organization.
The program has demonstrated a strong return on investment, reflecting the measurable value it delivers. Its impact is assessed through tangible enterprise project outcomes, improvements in talent retention, and observable behavioral shifts across Absa’s eight leadership competencies, including sensemaking, digital fluency, and remote team leadership.
The award highlights the long-standing IMD–Absa collaboration as a benchmark for leadership development initiatives worldwide, particularly in demonstrating how structured learning journeys can deliver measurable business impact while preparing leaders for an increasingly complex future.
Read more about ROI measurement, plus practical guidance on how to connect learning with measurable business value, in our latest white paper.
