Empowering Women in Leadership at Piraeus Bank
The Objective
Piraeus Bank sought to further develop the leadership capabilities of its most senior women leaders. To achieve this, they partnered with us to design and deliver the Empowering Women in Leadership program. The aim was to enhance leadership skills, foster a supportive network, and promote gender diversity within the bank's leadership structure.
Our Approach
We developed a comprehensive program tailored to the unique needs of Piraeus Bank's senior women leaders, focusing on:
Leadership Development: Enhancing strategic thinking, decision-making, and executive presence.
Networking and Mentorship: Facilitating connections among participants to share experiences and support each other's growth.
Gender Diversity Advocacy: Promoting awareness and strategies to overcome challenges faced by women in leadership roles.
Program Structure
Duration and Format: A series of interactive workshops and coaching sessions conducted over 4 months.
Content Focus: Topics included advanced leadership competencies, effective communication, and strategies for driving organizational change.
Interactive Design: Incorporated group discussions, case studies, and role-playing to encourage active participation and practical application.
Supportive Resources: Provided access to relevant literature, tools, and ongoing mentorship opportunities on our e-learning platform.
The Results
The program yielded significant positive outcomes:
Enhanced Leadership Skills: Participants reported increased confidence in their leadership abilities and readiness to take on greater responsibilities.
Strengthened Professional Network: The program fostered a cohesive network of senior women leaders within the bank, promoting collaboration and support.
Increased Gender Diversity Awareness: Heightened awareness of gender diversity issues led to actionable strategies for creating a more inclusive leadership environment.
Testimonials
Empowering Women in Leadership was an experience that filled me with inspiration and confidence, empowering me to lead with authenticity and offering me practical tools in that direction. What left a strong impression on me was realizing that many of the things I had experienced, felt, or faced were shared by the other participants. This highlighted the power of a supportive and trusting network among us, which encouraged me to actively maintain close contact and communication with the other women in the program, and to pass on this idea to the women in my teams — the future leaders.
However, the program also brought to light something equally important: the need for men to also be part of the journey toward creating a culture of equality and inclusion. I believe that actions in this direction can truly seal the positive impact of the program.
— Eleni Aidini
Thank you for offering us such a meaningful and inspiring experience through the Empowering Women in Leadership program.
It was a wonderful opportunity for genuine connection, reflection, and personal growth—as women leaders called to navigate complex roles. Every part of the program sparked constructive reflection and meaningful discussions.
The carefully designed structure, delivered in two phases, combined personal development with professional empowerment—I especially appreciated the focus on mental wellbeing, growth mindset, and practical tools such as self-regulated negotiation techniques and effective conflict resolution.
One of the most valuable outcomes was the creation of “our own group,” which fostered trust, collaboration, and ongoing idea-sharing.
This group continues to inspire and support us even after the seminar has ended, and I’m truly grateful for the space you and the Bank’s HR team created to make this possible.
— Maria Smyrni
Participating in the Empowering Women in Leadership program was an exceptional experience that gave me the opportunity to develop my leadership skills and strengthen my confidence.
Throughout the program, we acknowledged the challenges we face as women leaders, explored strategies to address them, and gained new knowledge and skills that enhance our ability to lead effectively and with empathy. The program leaves a deep and lasting impact.
Through our discussions and the connection that developed among us, it became clear that many of the issues we face are shared—and that their roots often lie in stereotypes and biases that we ourselves may be sustaining. But the most important realization was this: everything can change—with the right direction and the right techniques!
We completed the program having built a strong bond of mutual support and understanding, along with a shared commitment: to promote equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, and to become the example that will inspire more women to walk the path of healthy leadership.
I feel grateful for the opportunity to take part in this program and to meet and share experiences with remarkable women leaders—as well as with our mentor, Ms. Myrto Legaki, whom I sincerely thank for her unwavering support.
— Annita Michala
Through Empowering Women in Leadership, I realized that although we, as women leaders, have already achieved a lot, there are still significant challenges that persist—and quite often, they concern women who are already in top management positions!
The program helped me take one more step toward the best version of myself, shedding light on certain biases or behaviors we subconsciously display—or tolerate—that ultimately hold us back on both a personal and professional level.
I felt closer to—or got to know—all the women leaders in the Bank, and together we formed a wonderful community where we raise our voices, share common thoughts, concerns, and joyful moments.
I only wish there had been women empowerment programs at the Bank during the years I was struggling on my own, testing my limits day by day! I could have spared myself many “unnecessary” burdens—and many things that should have been “self-evident.”
— Maria Mavromataki
This program was, for me, much more than just another training initiative. It was a reminder of the value we hold as women, the strength we often forget we possess, and the importance of supporting one another.
I felt inspired, encouraged, and faced with an important challenge: to dare, to claim space—not only for myself, but for all the women I can inspire through this stance.
— Maria-Irini Mikropoulou
Conclusion
The Empowering Women in Leadership program successfully equipped Piraeus Bank's senior women leaders with the skills, confidence, and support network necessary to excel in their roles. This initiative underscores the bank's commitment to promoting gender diversity and empowering its leaders to drive organizational success.
For more insights on trainings like this check out our corporate Learning & Development Programs