BRAC Bank's ELEA Programme Graduates First Women Leaders' Cohort

• 24 women complete BRAC Bank’s year-long ELEA leadership programme
• Initiative targets stronger women's representation in senior roles
• Bank plans to scale ELEA as part of long-term talent development

BRAC Bank has concluded the inaugural cohort of its flagship women’s leadership development initiative, ELEA (Enlightened Leaders Exemplify Achievement), marking a significant step in strengthening women’s representation within senior management. The year-long programme graduated 24 women employees drawn from diverse functions across the bank, each identified as high-potential talent for future leadership roles.

ELEA was structured as a progressive leadership journey, moving from personal mastery and stress management to influencing and collaboration, followed by strategic thinking and enterprise-level leadership impact. The design reflected a deliberate effort to equip participants not only with functional leadership skills but also with the confidence and strategic exposure required to operate at senior levels.

The programme adopted a blended learning approach aligned with the 70:20:10 development framework, combining experiential learning, mentoring and coaching, and targeted classroom sessions. Participants engaged in advanced modules covering executive decision-making, critical thinking, and data-led storytelling, alongside emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and inclusive leadership. Practical workshops strengthened negotiation, influence, and resilience, helping participants navigate complex workplace dynamics.

A strong experiential component distinguished ELEA. Participants undertook cross-functional attachments, worked on real business challenges, and developed strategic projects addressing identified organisational issues. These projects were formally presented to the Human Resources Leadership Team, reinforcing accountability and real-world impact.

Developed by a cross-functional team led by the human resources function and implemented with the bank’s internal women’s platform, TARA Forum, ELEA directly addressed structural and social barriers to women’s career progression in the banking sector. Senior leadership reaffirmed its commitment to expanding the programme, positioning women’s leadership development as a long-term strategic priority and a replicable model for corporate South Asia.