Leadership at Kellanova—formerly Kellogg’s—is not about titles but mindsets. The organisation’s approach combines bold strategies with nuanced execution to empower employees at every level. This is not merely about preparing for the future; it is about shaping it. Through targeted initiatives, Kellanova has crafted a workplace that values diversity, fosters inclusivity, and nurtures talent, creating a dynamic environment where innovation thrives.
Leadership beyond titles
At Kellanova, leadership is not confined to the boardroom. The company’s multi-tiered leadership programmes identify potential across all levels, offering bespoke training that blends classroom learning, organisational projects, and personalised coaching. Partnerships with Harvard and INSEAD ensure the executive leadership receives world-class development, while localised programmes address the specific needs of teams across regions.
“Leadership exists beyond senior management,” notes Nimisha Das, senior director-HR, Kellanova India. “We design initiatives for female leadership, faculty leadership, and senior executive leadership, all aligned under a unified vision of investing in people.”
“Leadership exists beyond senior management. We design initiatives for female leadership, faculty leadership, and senior executive leadership, all aligned under a unified vision of investing in people.”
Nimisha Das, senior director-HR, Kellanova India
This vision extends to functional development through initiatives such as Masterstroke Programme, which equips employees with skills tailored to their departmental goals. By aligning individual growth with organisational priorities, Kellanova ensures its workforce is prepared for the evolving demands of the industry.
Demystifying technology
In an era of rapid technological change, digital fluency is non-negotiable. Kellanova’s Curiosity Clinics tackle this head-on, offering practical insights into emerging tools such as Generative AI and Power BI. These sessions demystify complex technologies, empowering employees to integrate digital solutions into their daily workflows. By fostering curiosity and adaptability, the company builds a future-ready workforce.
Breaking barriers for women leaders
The company’s commitment to gender equity is both strategic and heartfelt. In 2020, women occupied just 16 per cent of mid-to-senior leadership roles. By 2023, this figure had surged to 40.3 per cent. This transformation stems from deliberate actions, including the Walk Bloom Programme, which addresses challenges such as assertiveness, communication, and personal branding. Combining workshops, coaching, and awareness sessions, the initiative equips women to lead with confidence.
Collaborations with institutions such as XLRI further enrich these efforts. The Upsearch Programme connects women leaders with mentors and role models, fostering a community of support and shared learning.
The commitment extends beyond women-specific initiatives. The Men as Allies Programme engages male leaders to champion diversity, supported by Employee Resource Groups that tackle gender-based challenges. This initiative has yielded policies such as the Menstrual Work from Home provision, designed to meet the unique needs of women in frontline roles.
A culture of inclusivity
Kellanova’s inclusivity efforts rest on three pillars: mindsets, workplaces, and allies. Tackling unconscious bias is a priority, with leadership training and open forums addressing misconceptions and promoting meritocracy.
This ethos informs practical measures as well. Gender-neutral policies ensure equity for all employees. Maternity leave extends to primary caregiving fathers and adoptive parents, while medical insurance covers same-sex partners. Additionally, robust safety protocols, including women security staff and transport policies, support employees working late hours.
Prioritising well-being
Capability building at Kellanova is inextricable from employee well-being. The Total Health Approach addresses physical, mental, social, and financial health. During the pandemic, the company introduced digital detox pit stops and trained managers to sensitively address mental health concerns. Around-the-clock counselling services extend support to employees and their families.
In 2023, the Total Health Week initiative brought customised well-being programmes to diverse cohorts, culminating in the Total Health Carnival, a gamified event featuring workshops, informational booths, and interactive sessions.
For expectant and new mothers, the Happy Feet Initiative addresses unique challenges, offering travel allowances for infants and nannies, as well as creating peer support networks through the Kare Moms Programme.
“Our proactive approach to employee needs, from mental health support to maternal care, reflects our commitment to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued,” says Das.
Looking ahead
Kellanova’s ambition does not stop at gender diversity. Future initiatives will focus on inclusivity for persons with disabilities and the LGBTQ+ community. By expanding its scope, the company aims to build comprehensive programmes that reflect its evolving understanding of diversity and equity.
Kellanova’s approach underscores a profound truth: leadership is not a static concept but a dynamic force that evolves with its people. Through a combination of vision, strategy, and empathy, Kellanova is not just reimagining the workplace—it is redefining what it means to lead.
