How BDO Enhanced Manager and Leadership Training with Yoodli AI (25% improvement in management capabilities)

“We’ve been delivering leadership development programs for over 20 years, and for the first time, we’ve seen a 25% increase in management capabilities, including coaching and feedback skills, in just one program cycle [using AI].” – Kris Karauria, COO, BDO Gisborne

BDO Gisborne uses Yoodli AI coaching to scale leadership and manager training, and drive economic development in New Zealand. Through Yoodli, BDO Gisborne achieved a 25% increase in client management capabilities, 100% improvement in participant confidence, and successfully scaled their programs across multiple industries.

Background

BDO Gisborne, part of the international BDO network, has been delivering research-driven leadership development programs for over 20 years. They offer public accounting, tax, and advisory services across 166 countries, with 115,661 professionals in 1,776 offices worldwide.

Within months of implementation, Kris Karauria, COO of BDO Gisborne, saw transformative results. With programs targeting various leadership levels from supervisors to business leaders, they spent eight months building bespoke personas, scenarios, and rubrics. Now, they use Yoodli daily empowering leaders across New Zealand in multiple sectors to drive economic growth in the face of uncertainty.

The Problem 

BDO Gisborne faced the following challenges:

• Desire to scale leadership and coaching programs without sacrificing quality
• Providing metrics around behavior improvements
• Giving their clients the opportunity to practice their skills in a safe environment 

Previously, BDO Gisborne spent significant time and resources developing tailored leadership programs. They wanted to scale these successful programs while maintaining quality and preserving their valuable intellectual property.

The Solution 

BDO Gisborne partnered with Yoodli to create a series of AI-enhanced leadership development programs. With Yoodli, BDO Gisborne:

1. Developed multiple AI personas to test management skills across various scenarios
2. Easily were able to integrate the AI technology with existing proven programs
3. Provided a platform for users to practice, measure, and improve their skills asynchronously
4. Scaled their work while focusing on program impact

“Yoodli has provided the perfect platform for clients to practice what we teach them and improve their capabilities. The feedback it provides is invaluable to improve behaviors.” – Pete Jarratt, Executive Coach, BDO

Cultural Shift 

The implementation of Yoodli has transformed the learning culture at BDO Gisborne and its client organizations. Participants now have unlimited access to practice their leadership skills in a private, judgment-free environment.

Kris shared: “We now have multiple personas, rubrics and scenarios that we can use to suit most situations. The learning curve is flattened for the user and we have dramatically increased the opportunity to monitor and embed individual development.”

The Outcome 

Yoodli has been a game-changer for BDO Gisborne. After implementation, the team saw:

• A 25% increase in the participants management capabilities, including coaching and giving feedback
• 100% of participants reported improved confidence
• Successfully scaled programs without compromising quality across multiple industries, including horticulture, forestry, engineering, and accountancy
• Increased competency and capability levels across various sectors, contributing to regional economic growth
• Business leaders, upon seeing the impact on their staff, opted to complete the program themselves

“In New Zealand we have been hit hard by weather events and global economic pressures. After collaborating with various industry players, it was obvious that we need to invest in our people and prepare them for a future of constant change. The program offered by BDO Gisborne has already made a big impact on this and we are excited about the future.” – Karen Fenn, Business Growth Advisor, Trust Tairawhiti