For candidates
Who is this for
Elevate is designed for senior ethnically diverse professionals from Member Firms, who are ready to transition to ExCo roles.
- You are 1-2 levels away from ExCo.
- You are from an ethnically diverse background.
- You have the capability, but you lack the visibility, access, or advocacy needed to progress.
- You are employed by a Inclusion in Finance member firm (or your firm is willing to join).
- You are available for the full programme.
This programme is for you if:
- You are ready to step into ExCo roles but unsure how to navigate this progression.
- You have strong performance but lack a champion within your firm.
- You want strategic guidance from leaders who have been where you are.
- You are committed to ExCo progression within your current firm.
What you will gain
We do not determine promotion outcomes, but we strengthen the factors that influence them: visibility, advocacy, and executive positioning.
Strategic advocacy within your firm
Your ExCo sponsor actively champions your progression, opens doors to high-impact opportunities, and ensures you are visible in succession planning discussions.
Career mentoring from leaders who have been where you are
Self-select your leadership mentor from Roots Inspire’s panel of ethnic corporate leaders. They understand the unwritten rules, the specific barriers you face, and the strategies that work.
Meaningful connections and in-person experiences
Build relationships with fellow participants and senior leaders through curated touchpoints throughout the year.
Peer cohort
The network you build with fellow participants across member firms is a long-term asset – these are your future ExCo peers.
Tailored workshops and peer learning
Participate in workshops and unfiltered conversations with leadership mentors and peers, uncovering strategies to overcome barriers and gain new perspectives for career advancement. Topics include building sponsor relationships, creating your brand, and navigating stakeholders.
Executive coaching for ExCo readiness
Access one-to-one sessions with an executive coach following your career mentoring phase. These targeted sessions provide a holistic approach to your ExCo readiness.
Board readiness.
By the end of this programme, you will have the strategic positioning, executive presence, and internal advocacy to be a credible ExCo candidate within your firm.
We do not determine promotion outcomes, but we strengthen the factors that influence them: visibility, advocacy, and executive positioning.
The time commitment
This is a 10-month programme with executive coaching. You must be available for the full commitment.
Currently we are running the pilot year (June 2026 – April 2027) and it includes:
- 3 group workshops (Building Sponsor Relationships, Creating Your Brand, Navigating Stakeholders Intentionally – 90 mins. each, virtual)
- 3 “Unfiltered Convo” peer sessions (The Role of Sponsors, Personal Branding Styles, Navigating Corporate Politics – 90 mins. each, virtual)
- 3 Collaboratory sessions (peer learning and strategy – 120 mins. each, in-person)
- 4 one-to-one career mentoring sessions (individually scheduled, 60 mins. each, virtual)
- (At least) 4 quarterly sponsor meetings (individually scheduled with your ExCo sponsor from your firm, 60 mins. each, in-person)
- 4 executive coaching session ( individually scheduled, hybrid delivery)
- In-person events (Kick-off , Post Summer Social, C-Suite Dinner , Closing Event)
The total time investment is approximately 40 hours over 10 months, excluding travel, and preparation time.
This is not a passive programme. It requires active engagement, openness to challenge, and commitment to the peer cohort.
What we expect from you
Active participation
Attend all sessions and engage fully. This programme only works if you show up ready to learn, challenge yourself, and contribute to the peer cohort.
Engagement between sessions
The work doesn’t stop when the session ends. You will be expected to apply what you learn, follow up with your leadership mentor and sponsor, and take action on your development.
Openness to challenge
The workshops will surface uncomfortable truths. The sponsorship relationship will require you to be visible and vulnerable. Your mentor, coach, and peers will push you. Make sure you are open to these challenges when applying for the programme.
Commitment to the cohort
Your peers are a resource, and the network you build here is long-term. We expect you to support, challenge, and uplift your fellow participants.
Apply now
Applications are run internally, and the member firm will nominate its selected candidate to us. Please contact your HR department to hear more about the internal application process, or get in touch with Emma Smit-Hamilton to indicate your interest. To have an idea of what the process looks like, please review the Application Information page.