Leadership Development is Broken
Leadership Development is Broken
Published: 26th June 2026
Leadership development is broken – why?
If you’ve been following our LinkedIn page recently, you’ll have seen the launch of something we’ve been building behind the scenes for over a year and are excited to share: Escentia CORE™.
It all started with an observation. After delivering thousands of workshops across hundreds of organisations, we noticed a growing challenge that few people are talking about – but one that organisations can no longer afford to ignore.
Leaders are being asked to do more with less – Less time. Less support. Less opportunity to step back and think.
They’re navigating increasing complexity, leading through constant change, managing growing workloads, and supporting their teams – all while trying to continue their own development.
This is the leadership gap nobody talks about.
Traditionally, leadership development meant stepping away from the business for two or three days at an offsite programme. But for many organisations, that’s no longer practical or sustainable.
At the same time, AI-powered coaching tools are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Yet leadership development remains fundamentally human. No algorithm can replace meaningful conversations, honest reflection, shared learning, and genuine connection.
So good people continue doing their best and often without the development, challenge, and reflection time they need. So the gap quietly grows.
Introducing Escentia CORE™
Over the past 16 months, we’ve designed, tested, refined, and evolved a new kind of leadership development journey – one built specifically for the realities leaders face today.
We’ve piloted it with real leaders, gathered extensive feedback, and continuously improved the experience based on what works in practice.
We’ve now rolled out E-CORE™ to our first client cohorts.
What is Escentia CORE™?
Leadership development doesn’t need to mean stepping away from work for days at a time. It needs to fit the reality of modern leadership while still creating meaningful growth, reflection, and change.
That’s exactly why we created E-CORE™, which combines:
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- ✅ Self-paced learning that fits around busy schedules
- ✅ Live virtual coaching focused on practical application
- ✅ Interactive workshops that create lasting behavioural change
- ✅ Accreditation from the Institute of Leadership
- ✅ Delivery by Escentia’s experienced coaching team -people who work inside organisations every day and have led businesses and teams themselves
What are Managers Saying?
“It truly adds value irrespective of your role and the teams you work in. It also brings quality self-reflection time on your own strengths and blind spots.” – Lead Biopharma Operations, Global Pharma
“All the programme materials are excellent. The course is well-paced and flexible enough to fit around busy work lives. I’m learning so much about myself and how I work with others.”– Trusts & Fundraising Manager, UK Charity Sector
“Good content, good coaches and knowledge.” – Business Development Manager, UK Business Sector
“I have really enjoyed the course to date. We’ve had plenty of time to complete the online courses and calls with our mentors have helped probe more into our voices—helping us realise when we might need to dial up the less dominant voices.” – Commercial Support Team Manager, UK Pharma
What impact is CORE™ having?
Feedback from our early cohorts, undergoing or completing the programme, highlights six key areas of impact:
- A shared language and approach to leadership
- Greater self-awareness through structured reflection
- Increased confidence in navigating difficult conversations
- Stronger connections through workshops, coaching calls, and buddy learning
- Dedicated space to think – not just do
- Practical learning that can be applied immediately and sticks
Curious to learn more?
If you’d like to explore how E-CORE™ could support leaders in your organisation, we’d love to talk.
📩 Get in touch today or book a free 30-minute discovery call.
