A Global Animal Health Company Building an Organization-Wide Focus on Communication and Presence

Client

A global animal health company (hereafter, AHC), with employees spanning time zones from the Americas to Europe and Asia-Pacific. AHC has a robust internal talent development team with a wide portfolio of leadership and communication programs.

Client Challenge

In a global organization where cross-functional influence shapes outcomes, the ability to communicate with clarity and presence is a critical business capability. AHC had intentionally identified five essential skills that employees are encouraged to develop to support long-term success and growth.

The internal talent development team had the depth and breadth to serve most of the portfolio. But influence, leadership presence, and authentic communication required a different kind of expertise that extended beyond their existing in-house curriculum.

AHC also needed a delivery model that worked across a global workforce. Virtual, open-enrollment programs made it possible for employees in Europe to join sessions alongside colleagues in the Americas without the friction that comes with managing schedules across a dozen time zones.

Why Ariel

AHC has a strong, long-term relationship with Ariel. When they were searching for leadership development partners, they needed a company with facilitators that filled certain gaps they did not have in-house. As one Learning Manager shared,

“We chose to work with Ariel because of their deep expertise in those areas, which support key capabilities across our organization. Another defining reason for choosing Ariel was the facilitators unique and highly effective background.”

Many come from theatre, radio, or performance backgrounds, which makes training sessions more engaging and memorable. After working with Ariel, the learning manager says,

“The sessions are consistently engaging, and participants respond well to the facilitation approach.”

Ariel Solution

Ariel supports AHC as an extension of the internal talent development team, complementing existing programs with targeted expertise in communication and presence. These programs correspond to one of the five skills AHC has identified as essential for every employee’s growth.

Programs delivered include:

• Elements of Leadership Presence for All
• Storytelling in a Business Context
• Creating Powerful Presentations
• Elements of Virtual Presence
• Personal Branding
• Facilitating Engaging Meetings
• Present with Impact

Most programs run virtually in an open-enrollment format, giving access to employees at any level based on their developmental priorities. AHC wanted a way to support employees

“from early career to senior leadership, helping them refine how they show up, connect with others, and drive impact.”

They also use intact team sessions to solve specific communication or leadership challenges, in which specific groups work through a program together, either virtually or in person.

The naming of one flagship program tells the story well: AHC renamed “Elements of Leadership Presence” to “Elements of Leadership Presence for All”, a deliberate signal that these skills belong to everyone, not just those with a leadership title.

Outcome

At the organizational level, investing in Ariel’s programs supports AHC’s “focus on effective communication, meaningful impact, and employee engagement.” The investment in employee development strengthens the leadership pipeline and reinforces cultural values of trust and connection.

The organization saw an improvement in employee communication clarity, influence, and leadership presence. These outcomes support success in a global environment where cross‑functional influence is essential to effective collaboration and alignment.

Participants also reported real shifts in how they show up at work.

87%   broadened their awareness

86%   learned practical tools they will apply at work

85%   increased their confidence

Apart from these shifts, participants walked away with tangible shifts in their communication, using the power of the pause in a meeting, more intentional body language on video calls, or cleaner messaging when presenting to leadership.

“One of our ongoing challenges is equipping people with the confidence and presence needed to navigate ambiguity, lead without authority, and build trust quickly. Ariel’s programs support strengthening these capabilities in practical and actionable ways, enabling employees to make meaningful shifts in how they communicate, influence, and connect with others across the organization.”