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Executive Transition Labs, a helping hand for the step up to leadership

How a programme designed around the individual prepares them to be the most effective leaders they can be

"The Lab helped me clarify my priorities and approach to this new role with confidence and focus,” says Lorna Devenney, reflecting on her experience at a Deloitte CFO Transition Lab as she took on the role of Chief Financial Officer at Bord na Móna.

The Deloitte Transition Lab Programme is a highly tailored approach to leadership training that prepares recently appointed leaders for the array of new challenges facing them. Deloitte has run thousands of Transition Labs all over the world, and here in Ireland, we have supported over 200 senior executives.

“The transition into leadership is always daunting. There seems to be a never-ending list of things to do; there are massive constraints on their time; and they suddenly find a whole new landscape of stakeholders to navigate.”

"Running the lab programme is a privilege and a weighty responsibility. We work with people at a moment of inflection in their career as they transition from management to executive leadership. The Labs support individuals develop bespoke action plans to provide a roadmap for their next six months and are based on a tried and tested methodology, but each one of them is totally tailored and unique."


Ruth Likely,
who runs the Labs in Deloitte Ireland

“On the day, each Lab takes place over seven hours, and is facilitated by Deloitte partners, the lab team and sometimes specialist contributors.

“For CEOs, we add an extra leadership piece, to help them reflect on the culture, values and leadership narrative they wish to share going forward. The whole process is totally confidential and the material covered is never shared outside the lab. This is done on purpose, as it allows for a totally honest conversation and throws up genuinely actionable insights.

“These insights span three core areas: Time, Talent and Relationships. We examine how leaders can and should be deliberate in how they use their very limited time; we explore how they develop and support their talent to help execute their priorities; and we help them to develop and enhance their network of stakeholders to maximise alignment with their strategic objectives.

“Along with these key areas, we also invite participants to think about their own personal brand and leadership style, and what’s non-negotiable for them as a leader.”

At the end of the Lab, participants receive a six-month plan mapping out their top three priorities, what changes they will expect to see in six months, key milestones they need to hit and who they can rely on for support.

"The CFO Transition Lab was an incredibly valuable experience - professionally run, deeply insightful, and tailored in a way that made it feel truly bespoke. From the personalised content to the level of strategic insight, the Lab exceeded all expectations. It felt like a full-circle moment returning to Deloitte HQ, and I left with a clear roadmap for success as CFO."


Lorna Devenney, Chief Financial Officer, Bord na Móna