“Hellomonday just got us. Its coaching experts understood our vernacular, the nuances of being an Australian business and the unique challenges our leaders face,” said Kate Black, Learning & Development/Capability Manager at The Lottery Corporation.
The Lottery Corporation is the driving force behind Australia’s largest lottery games and one of the best-performing lottery businesses in the world. In 2022, it became a stand alone business after demerging from Tabcorp. This transformation created a unique opportunity to rethink its culture, people strategy and leadership development opportunities.
“The demerger gave us a fresh start to reimagine how to better support our people, offer industry leading development and bolster our employee engagement,” Kate continued.
Historically, coaching opportunities within the organisation were limited, with coaching provided on an as-needed basis and reserved primarily for senior leaders and executives. With a renewed focus on people development, The Lottery Corporation sought to democratise access to coaching, making it available to leaders at all levels. In March 2024, it partnered with Hellomonday to launch a pilot coaching program as part of its Women in Lotteries Leadership (WILL) development program, providing 25 participants with three expert, one-to-one coaching sessions tailored to their individual needs.
With a strong response to this pilot program, The Lottery Corporation doubled down on its investment in coaching by launching its Elevate coaching program in November. The program is currently still active, with close to 10% of the organisation participating across all levels of leadership. The program offers participants three one-to-one coaching sessions.
Leslie Desmond
Head of CRM
The LotteryCorporation
At the time of the demerger, a new organisational structure was established, supporting team members to step into new leadership positions at all levels. This shift created a need for formalised development programs to support capability building, drive high performance, build confidence and resilience. With this, The Lottery Corporation developed a comprehensive strategy across all levels of the organisation.
“One of our goals was to reposition leadership coaching as an essential development activity for all leaders, rather than something reserved for high performers or those requiring additional support,” Kate explained.
The introduction of a coaching component to the WILL program was designed to help provide career clarity, enhance self-awareness and build leadership confidence. Many participants initially felt uncertain about their career trajectory, but through the program, they gained a clearer vision of their next steps.
“Knowing that my coach is a single mum, like me, immediately put me at ease. She understood my challenges in a way other coaches couldn’t, which made our sessions feel deeply personal and supportive," Amy Kerr, Senior Finance Manager said.
"I had been so nervous beforehand, unsure of what to expect, but that quickly faded. Her empathy and insight created a safe space where I could open up, reflect and focus on my growth with confidence," Amy continued.
A key differentiator of the Hellomonday coaching model is its personalised approach. Participants selected areas of focus most relevant to their development, covering topics such as strategic thinking, career planning, effective communication and resilience. The flexibility of the self-paced, digital-first model allowed leaders to engage in coaching at times that suited their schedules, ensuring they maximise the value of each session.
Kate Black
Since integrating coaching into the WILL program and launching the Elevate programs, Hellomonday has delivered over 170 coaching sessions, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants.
"At first, some participants were reluctant, but by the end, they wished they had started sooner,” Kate reflected.
One of the most significant outcomes of the pilot was a shift in perception around coaching. For many, this was their first experience with leadership coaching, and while some were initially hesitant, they quickly recognised the immense value of having a dedicated external coach.
Beyond individual growth, the program contributed to a broader cultural transformation. Individuals reported feeling re-energised and more connected to the organisation. Some participants received promotions, while others gained access to new development opportunities. Many have continued to engage in coaching during career transitions, recognising its long-term value in their professional journey.
The success of the pilot program has paved the way for expanded coaching initiatives at The Lottery Corporation. Additionally, The Lottery Corporation’s broader leadership development strategy has gained industry recognition, earning three Platinum LearnX Awards, including:
The company is now exploring ways to extend coaching access to more leaders across various levels and functions. “We’re not there yet, but the vision is to make coaching available to every people leader in the organisation,” Kate said.
When selecting a coaching partner, The Lottery Corporation needed an organisation that aligned with its company principles and cultural needs. While they initially considered multiple vendors, Hellomonday stood out for its large pool of Australian coaches and deep understanding of the Australian business landscape.
By investing in personalised, high-impact leadership coaching, The Lottery Corporation is not only strengthening its leaders but also shaping a culture where development is prioritised, engagement is high and every leader—regardless of title—has the tools to thrive.
