Case study
Fostering self-expression and collaborative innovation at URW
The Client
Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) is an owner, developer and operator of premier real estate assets, including its iconic shopping malls, in Europe and across the USA.
It is committed to urban regeneration – and strives to make a positive environmental, social and economic impact on all the cities and communities it operates in (as pledged in their Better 2030 agenda).
Its company purpose, Reinvent Being Together, is an inclusive vision of not just its assets and business, but of its internal organisation too.
Supporting URW leaders and team members to create meaningful connections and contributions – for themselves, their business, and for their customers and communities.
Our Solution
We designed and delivered a 4+ month learning experience, comprised of the 4 modules of The Be Seen Experience: Activate, Explore, Connect and Contribute. Participants were given a combination of practical pre-work exercises, in-person immersive workshops, a number of 30-day challenges (both individual challenges and peer team challenges) and coaching support. Reflection exercises were also given at the end of each module to encourage participants to share their learnings.
The learning outcomes for participants:
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Increased understanding of their own mindsets and what makes them unique
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Development of a ‘growth mindset’ in their daily lives
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Identification of and connection to their identity, core values, purpose and passions – finding their ‘you’
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Increased psychological safety and trust with each other and within their teams so that they feel supported to be their unique selves
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Cross-functional collaboration using design thinking to spotlight business opportunities and to co-create ideas, visions, strategies and plans together
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Increased belief in their unique contributions – and the self-confidence to influence and impact others with it
The Brief
URW places diversity, inclusion and a sense of community and connection at the heart of everything it does. Its ‘Be You at URW’ commitment exists to ensure employees feel safe and supported enough to fully be themselves at work – and to be proud of who they are. The Be Seen Project have an ongoing partnership with URW to support them in making this commitment.
Most recently we were asked to launch a dynamic and immersive annual learning experience for 20 UK colleagues, to help them:
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Be themselves at URW UK
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Reinvent being together across departments and assets
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Support the development and expression of its existing and emerging leaders
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Provide a learning opportunity that focuses on self-exploration and self-awareness, team and business leadership, and peer connection
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Collaborate and co-create together for effective business innovation
Be Seen at URW participants delving into their mindsets
Be Seen at URW – Journey Map
Be Seen at URW participants
The Outcome
“Fantastic! To see and hear all the participants’ amazing and innovative ideas, alongside their fabulously creative personal learning journeys was great. The energy was brilliant and it’s clear to see they’ve all formed an amazing network of support together. Big thanks again to The Be Seen Project who really made this programme the success it was”
Louise Haffenden,
People Director URW
“I was so impressed with Be Seen this year – the impact on the participants in such a short time frame is remarkable. Well done!”
URW Director
“Be Seen at URW’ is just the right amount of uncomfortable moments that spark interesting conversation and growth”
Participant 2023
“Fantastic! To see and hear all the participants’ amazing and innovative ideas, alongside their fabulously creative personal learning journeys was great. The energy was brilliant and it’s clear to see they’ve all formed an amazing network of support together. Big thanks again to The Be Seen Project who really made this programme the success it was”
Louise Haffenden,
People Director URW