Strengthening leadership at the Unifert Group through the Transformational Leaders Academy
As the Unifert Group grows and evolves internationally, developing leadership capability and preparing managers for expanded responsibilities has become a strategic priority. To support this goal, the Unifert Group partnered with Phi Management to design and deliver its Transformational Leaders Academy.
Established around 1968, the Unifert Group is an international agricultural solutions provider and fertilizer trader. The group offers products including seeds, herbicides, and irrigation equipment to agribusinesses across the Middle East, Africa and Europe.
The Transformational Leaders Academy was designed for a cohort of ten managers from across the Unifert Group, representing different functions and areas of the business. The programme aimed to equip participants with the leadership capabilities required to lead people more effectively, contribute to strategic decision-making, enhance collaboration, and drive organisational performance in an increasingly dynamic business environment.
Working together with Phi Management, the leadership development journey was tailored to the Unifert Group’s business priorities, culture, and leadership needs. The programme was built around an integrated approach, spanning a combination of practical learning experiences, behavioural assessments, leadership frameworks, and applied business projects.
The learning journey
The Transformational Leaders Academy was delivered in person at the Unifert Group’s headquarters in Lebanon between November 2025 and April 2026. The journey consisted of five interconnected learning blocks designed to progressively develop participants’ leadership capabilities:
Block 1 | Human-Centred Leadership
Focused on self-awareness, leadership styles, delegation, team dynamics, and behavioural assessments, including a Personality Assessment.
Block 2 | Strategy Unlocked
Developed participants’ strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities through practical tools such as SWOT analysis, PESTEL analysis, strategic planning frameworks, and change management approaches.
Block 3 | Corporate Mindfulness & Execution with Impact
Explored how leaders can improve focus, resilience, emotional regulation, and execution excellence while delivering sustainable business outcomes.
Block 4 | Managing Conversations
Strengthened participants’ communication effectiveness through active listening, feedback models, emotional intelligence, and techniques for handling challenging workplace conversations.
Block 5 | Capstone Presentation Day
Participants presented solutions to real organisational opportunities and challenges, applying concepts and frameworks gained throughout the Academy. A key feature of the programme was the Capstone Project, which participants began after the first block and developed throughout the learning journey by integrating new concepts and tools. The programme culminated in formal capstone presentations, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A session.
What participants gained
Participants strengthened their self-awareness, strategic thinking, communication, and leadership capabilities, while enhancing their ability to navigate business challenges and lead effectively.
The Corporate Mindfulness and Execution with Impact modules further supported participants in building resilience, focus, emotional regulation, and an actionoriented mindset. Through the Capstone Project, participants also developed stronger collaboration, problem-solving, and presentation skills while applying their learning to real business opportunities.
Throughout the learning journey, participants received individual development reports highlighting their assessment results and key development areas. Upon completing the programme, participants received a certificate.
The collaboration with Phi Management
Phi Management, an award-winning human capital consultancy with offices in the Middle East and the UK, worked closely with the Unifert Group to design and deliver the Transformational Leaders Academy.
“Our approach to leadership development is grounded on the belief that learning is most effective when it is practical, behavioural, and directly connected to real organisational challenges,” said Pamela Assaker, who led the Phi Management team on the project. “We therefore designed the Transformational Leaders Academy around several key principles from the outset.”
To ensure that behavioural development was closely aligned with the theoretical knowledge acquired, the programme focused on self-awareness, interpersonal effectiveness, communication and leadership behaviours, all of which play an important role in team performance and organisational success.
The e-learning component was complemented by experiential learning to help participants translate theory into practice. “Through discussions, assessments, simulations and collaborative activities, participants learnt from both facilitators and one another, creating a highly interactive learning environment. This is the kind of learning that grounds knowledge in practice and helps it stick as it becomes internalised.”
Throughout the programme, participants were encouraged to apply the concepts and tools to their own roles, working environments, and day-to-day responsibilities. Their organisational context and practical challenges provided a continuous reference point, helping to keep the learning relevant to their work. “Practical application is key to making learning relevant,” said Pamela.
This approach was also reflected in the two capstone projects, which focused on business opportunities and organisational priorities relevant to Unifert Group. “These projects demonstrated participants’ ability to apply their learning to real workplace contexts while contributing thoughtful ideas for organisational growth and long-term value.”
Throughout the journey, experts from Phi Management monitored the programme’s progress and its contribution to the organisation. By combining leadership development with organisational problem-solving, the academy sought to create value at multiple levels, supporting individual development while also strengthening teams and the organisation as a whole.
“Together, the experience has equipped a new generation of leaders with the knowledge, practical experience and perspective to contribute to Unifert Group as it enters its next chapter,” Pamela concluded.
