Imagine yourself standing in front of a large audience, ready to present your ideas, but lacking enough confidence or the right skills to convey your message effectively. For many professionals, this scenario can be daunting, and it’s a challenge that organisations cannot afford to overlook in today’s competitive landscape. 

Recognising the crucial need for strong communication skills, Aditya Birla Group embarked on an ambitious journey to transform its talent pool, partnering with solutions providers to design a cutting-edge learning experience.

As part of The Skill Shift series— this case study explores ABG’s journey in developing a strategic, forward-thinking initiative, aimed at elevating the presence and communication abilities of employees across the board. The end in mind? A workforce equipped to lead, engage, and inspire in every interaction.

Strategic Vision: Cultivating Presence and Communication

The Aditya Birla Group, a $100 billion global conglomerate, recognises that effective communication is central to impactful leadership. With a workforce of over 190,000, the organisation has embarked on an initiative to enhance a crucial yet frequently underestimated skill: public speaking and presentation. By prioritising this area, Aditya Birla seeks to empower its leaders and deepen their influence within the company and beyond.

“Our purpose is to enrich lives by building dynamic, responsible businesses that inspire trust,” shared Neelmani Singh, Group Head - Learning & Head - Global Center for Leadership (Gyanodaya), Aditya Birla Group. “We believe that impactful communication is the key to achieving this vision, and it starts with nurturing presence at an individual level.”

ABG’s dynamic learning initiative is aimed at crafting a comprehensive learning journey that combines the latest in digital content with immersive VR experiences. The goal was clear: to help employees unlock their potential and showcase their true value to clients, stakeholders, and peers.

Key Initiatives: A Multi-Modal Learning Approach

Aditya Birla Group’s innovative approach to learning involved a blend of traditional, digital, and immersive methods, creating a holistic program that catered to diverse learning preferences. The partnership with leading service providers like Skillsoft enabled the company to integrate best-in-class content and technology, setting a new standard for corporate training.

Public Speaking and Presentation Workshop: Laying the Foundations

The journey began with a two-day classroom session led by seasoned facilitators who specialise in presence and public speaking. Here, participants were introduced to core concepts and best practices in effective communication.

“We wanted to build a strong foundation before moving into advanced practice,” explained Neelmani. “Curated courses, such as ‘Planning an Effective Presentation’ and ‘Conquering the Challenge of Public Speaking,’ provided the essential building blocks our employees needed.”

These courses were followed by a month-long period of self-practice, supported by digital resources and virtual reality tools, allowing participants to refine their skills in a realistic, low-pressure environment.

Integration of multiple solutions to bring learning to life

Various solutions like Metaverse, VR platforms were also leveraged to provide learners with an immersive, lifelike experience. By donning VR headsets, participants could simulate speaking in front of large audiences, complete with realistic feedback on their voice tone, hand movements, and overall presence. Also, by offering tailored learning pathways through Percipio’s extensive content library, ABG ensured that each participant could access resources that matched their individual needs and learning pace.

“Skillsoft’s digital courses gave our employees the flexibility to learn asynchronously, complementing the in-person and VR sessions,” Neelmani noted. “This multi-modal approach catered to different learning preferences, making the entire experience more engaging and effective.”

Driving Engagement and Measuring Success

Engaging learners in a programme of this scale requires a strategic approach. Aditya Birla Group’s L&D team collaborated closely with Skillsoft to design a seamless experience, blending AI-driven feedback with human insights.

“We utilised AI tools to track progress and provide personalised feedback, alongside peer reviews and facilitator observations,” shared Neelmani. This comprehensive approach ensured that participants received well-rounded feedback, covering both technical aspects and personal style.

The impact of the programme was measured using a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics:

• Participant Feedback: Ratings between 4.75 and 4.9 out of 5, indicating high levels of satisfaction and engagement.
• Skill Improvement Score: An average score of 8.2 out of 10, demonstrating significant progress in communication abilities.
• Real-World Application: Numerous participants reported enhanced confidence and effectiveness in client presentations and internal meetings, showcasing the practical benefits of the training.

Business Impact: Elevating Organisational Communication

The true measure of success for any training initiative lies in its business impact. For Aditya Birla Group, the results were immediate and far-reaching. Enhanced communication skills translated into stronger client relationships, more persuasive presentations, and improved leadership visibility.

“We saw a noticeable difference in how our leaders presented themselves in high-stakes scenarios,” noted Neelmani. “Their confidence, clarity, and presence have improved, making a tangible difference in client interactions and stakeholder engagements.”

The programme’s success also garnered external recognition, including mentions from Brandon Hall and winning the ‘Impact Award – Special Learning and Development Initiatives’ at India Customer Awards, validating its innovative approach and positive outcomes.

A Partnership for Lasting Talent Transformation

Aditya Birla Group’s collaboration with Skillsoft has set a new benchmark for corporate learning. By blending traditional methods with advanced technology, the organisation has created a dynamic, engaging programme that drives real change. This partnership exemplifies how strategic learning initiatives can transform communication skills, equipping employees with the tools they need to succeed in today’s competitive business landscape.

“Our goal was to create a programme that goes beyond mere training,” concluded the Global Head of L&D. “We aimed to inspire lasting behavioural change, helping our employees unlock their full potential and deliver impact in every interaction.”

Check out the ‘The Skill Shift’ series to learn more about transformative learning strategies helping companies bridge the skills gap and drive business impact.

Learn more about Percipio to bolster your organisation’s future readiness!