There are some companies where everyone in the sector knows that anyone "passing through" will become a great leader. If many individuals who began their career journeys in these institutions now hold management positions in different sectors, it signifies a powerful leadership culture. “Leader School Companies” are the exact reflection of this culture. So, what are the secrets behind the long-standing success of Turkey's “Leader School Companies”? We received the answers from the leaders shaping the human resources of those very schools.
In the business world, there are certain institutions where, the moment you step through the door, you feel you are entering an invisible academy rather than just a company. This is because every year spent in those companies grants far more than just a title: it teaches the reflex of strategic thinking, staying calm during crises, and not just managing a team, but "leading" it. When you look at the career paths of many executives undertaking high-level responsibilities in various sectors of Turkey today, it is certainly no coincidence that their paths crossed with these companies. For years, these institutions have made a difference not only with their business results but also with the "leader human resources" they cultivate.
For this very reason, there is a special definition for them in the business world: "Leader School Companies." This definition is more than a title; it reflects a powerful leadership culture spread over many years, etched into corporate memory, and passed down from generation to generation. So, what makes these institutions that raise leaders in Turkey unique? What kind of approach and human management philosophy lies behind the success of these schools? The answers come directly from the names building this culture—the leaders guiding the human resources of the "leader school companies."
At the foundation of our culture lie a focus on people, commitment, and continuous development. We aim to create a strong and supportive working environment for our teammates who come to work with joy every morning, produce work we can all be proud of, and strive to move both themselves and their business forward. The way to make this culture sustainable is by having leaders who serve as effective role models at every level.
Our "New Life" (Yeni Bir Hayat) internship program, designed for university students, offers young people the chance to experience fundamental leadership behaviors. Our Graduate Program reveals the leadership potential of new graduates through a structured development process. We strengthen our first-time managers with our Elevate Program in core management skills such as recruitment, talent, performance processes, and effective feedback. We support our experienced leadership team with our Impact Coaching program, designed in line with the DIAGEO Coaching Model. With the Future Proof Leadership assessment center study, we offer a comprehensive development journey to prepare our leaders for the future. The essence of this entire approach is not to limit leadership to a specific position. At DIAGEO TURKEY, we are building a vibrant and sustainable leadership culture that spreads leadership behaviors across the entire organization.
ÜLFET BAYKENT UYSAL Human Resources Director, DIAGEO TURKEY
