PARTNER SUCCESS STORY
Empowering Emerging Leaders Through Peer Learning
Grassroots IT, based in Brisbane, Australia, is a managed IT services provider offering IT support, cybersecurity, cloud solutions, and digital transformation services. They serve small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) across Australia, helping organizations leverage technology to improve performance, enhance security, and drive growth through strategic, people-focused IT partnerships.
Challenge
Inside Grassroots IT’s organization, newly promoted leaders were enthusiastic but lacked formal leadership experience. Ben was committed to helping them succeed, but also needed a solution that would foster independence and long-term growth. The goal was to build a leadership team that could operate effectively without constant oversight from ownership.
Solution
The introduction of IT Nation Evolve™ Service Exec Groups came at the perfect time. These peer-based leadership development groups offered a safe, collaborative environment where service leaders could learn from one another, share challenges, and grow together—without the pressure of having their business owners in the room.
Results
Grassroots IT’s participation in Service Exec Groups empowered its new leaders to grow in confidence and capability. The team became more self-sufficient, enabling Managing Director Ben Love to step back from daily operations. This shift fostered a scalable structure, stronger collaboration, and a culture of shared leadership across the organization.
As Grassroots IT entered a new phase of growth, Managing Director Ben Love recognized the need to restructure the team to support scalability. This included promoting several team members into leadership roles. While the move was essential, it quickly became clear that these new leaders needed more than just a title—they needed support, training, and a space to grow into their responsibilities. “I couldn’t just leave them in these roles without support. They needed guidance, and I needed a way to give it without being overbearing.”
The impact of IT Nation Evolve™’s Service Exec Groups was twofold: the team became more self-sufficient and strategic, and Ben was able to step back from day-to-day operations. “It gave them a space to speak freely, ask questions, and learn from peers who were going through the same things,” Love said.
Growth Through Peer Learning
The team’s first experience with the Service Exec Groups was transformative. This separation between ownership and service delivery marked a critical step toward sustainable scaling within the organization. After their initial session, the team returned with their eyes wide open, as if a veil had been lifted. Love reflected, “It was like they finally understood what leadership could look like.” This newfound clarity inspired everyone to reevaluate their roles within the larger framework of the organization.
As the sessions progressed, team members were introduced to innovative concepts and best practices that encouraged them to ask questions and challenge existing assumptions. They began to see their roles in a much broader context, which fostered a culture of collaboration and shared accountability. Over time, their growth transcended the workplace, positively influencing their confidence, communication, and engagement in both professional and personal settings. One leader noted, “We’ve seen them grow not just as professionals, but as people. They’re more confident, more connected, and more capable.”
Empowered Teams, Scalable Success
The impact of the Service Exec Groups was undeniable. No longer did leaders feel the weight of planning and strategic thinking resting solely on their shoulders. “It’s been a game-changer,” Love remarked. “I don’t have to do all the thinking and planning anymore—we’re doing it together.” This shift in mindset allowed for a more dynamic approach to challenges, empowering every team member to contribute ideas and solutions.
The empowerment witnessed within the team was transformative. Collaborative meetings became a platform for innovation, where diverse perspectives were welcomed and encouraged. Team members felt more ownership over their tasks, actively driving initiatives forward with enthusiasm.
“The Service Exec Groups helped us build a team that can stand on its own,” Love stated. “That’s essential for scaling.” With their newfound skills, the team was not only more efficient but also more resilient, ready to tackle the complexities of an ever-evolving business landscape.
Ultimately, the Service Exec Groups catalyzed a cultural shift within the organization, leading to a stronger, more cohesive team dedicated to achieving shared goals. The growth was palpable, and members felt enriched by the experience, both personally and professionally, as they embraced a future full of possibilities.
Key Takeaways
- Peer Learning Accelerates Growth: Service Exec Groups provided a safe, peer-driven environment that encouraged open dialogue and accelerated leadership development.
- Confidence Breeds Capability: Team members returned from sessions more confident, engaged, and ready to take initiative.
- Leadership Beyond the Office: The program fostered personal growth that extended into home and community life, not just the workplace.
- Owner Independence: With a stronger leadership team in place, the business owner was able to step back from daily operations and focus on strategic growth.
- Scalability Through Structure: Creating a clear distinction between ownership and service delivery laid the foundation for sustainable scaling.
- Culture of Collaboration: The experience fostered a culture of shared leadership, where planning and problem-solving became a team effort.