SkillsGym is revolutionizing leadership development by focusing on creating real, measurable change through small, daily leadership habits. With over two decades of experience, the company has become a recognized partner for global brands such as IKEA, Deloitte, Samsung, Johnson & Johnson, and Euroclear. Its innovative approach to leadership training has helped companies foster lasting leadership growth, shifting the focus from traditional awareness-based programs to developing sustainable behavioral changes.
Founded by leadership expert Sarah Cherif, SkillsGym offers a unique methodology aimed at turning leadership into a daily practice that delivers results. By focusing on building habits that stick, SkillsGym empowers leaders at every level to lead with confidence, drive impact, and ensure lasting success. The company’s core programs, including The Leadership Habit and The Conversation Habit, have been tested with over 100,000 leaders across more than 100 organizations globally.
One of the key differentiators of SkillsGym is its emphasis on habit-building, which addresses the challenge many leadership programs face: the gap between knowledge and action. “If knowing were enough, we’d all be millionaires with ripped abs. Real leadership doesn’t happen because you know more—it happens when leadership habits become automatic and effortless,” says Sarah Cherif, the founder of SkillsGym. The company’s approach is rooted in the idea that leadership, like any other skill, requires practice, consistency, and time to become ingrained in daily routines.
In contrast to conventional leadership training, which often focuses on building awareness or teaching specific skills, SkillsGym understands that effective leadership is driven by consistent behavior rather than theoretical knowledge. “Most training programs focus on building awareness, like ‘Feedback is important,’ and teach skills, like ‘Here’s how to give it,’” explains Cherif. “But real leadership habits are difficult, overwhelming, and unfamiliar. Without daily practice, they simply don’t stick.” To address this, SkillsGym emphasizes the importance of daily leadership habits that can be easily integrated into leaders’ everyday routines, making the process of becoming an effective leader feel more natural and achievable.
Through its habit-based approach, SkillsGym has delivered tangible results for its clients, with measurable improvements in key leadership performance indicators such as employee engagement, retention, and overall business performance. The company’s work is rooted in deep research and real-world validation, with programs tested across a variety of industries, from technology and finance to retail and consulting. SkillsGym’s client base is a testament to the success of its methods. Companies like IKEA, Deloitte, Samsung, and Euroclear have trusted the company for 10 to 20 years to help their leaders thrive.
SkillsGym’s recognition extends beyond its impressive client roster. Its habit-based leadership programs have been presented at some of the most prestigious global events, such as South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Association for Talent Development (ATD) Conference, where they received acclaim for their impact and innovation. The company’s programs have also earned recognition for driving measurable change in organizations, moving beyond the “feel-good” effects of traditional training programs to deliver real, lasting improvements in leadership effectiveness.
The company’s approach is grounded in the belief that leadership success is not about working harder or spending more time, but about shifting mindsets, skillsets, and habits. “Leadership success isn’t about being perfect. It’s about making three powerful shifts: a mindset shift, a skillset shift, and a habit shift,” Cherif says. This simple yet profound insight is at the heart of SkillsGym’s methodology, which is designed to help leaders build the habits that drive lasting growth.
For global companies such as IKEA, the impact of SkillsGym’s programs is clear. “SkillsGym has been our trusted partner for building strong leadership habits for 20 years—and we’re planning on 20 more,” says Katrien Driessen, HR Manager at IKEA. The company’s ability to sustain long-term partnerships speaks to the enduring value and relevance of its leadership development programs.
Client feedback further underscores the effectiveness of SkillsGym’s habit-building approach. Inge Diels, Talent Director at Deloitte, notes, “SkillsGym helped our leaders have better conversations about how they work together,” highlighting the program’s emphasis on communication and collaboration—critical components of effective leadership. Peter Quaghebeur, CEO of Mediafin, echoes this sentiment, stating, “I trust SkillsGym with training my leaders—and I’ve brought them with me throughout my journey as CEO.”
The long-term success of SkillsGym’s approach is also evident in the testimonies of clients across various industries. Kevin Coppetiers, HR Manager at Boortmalt, shares, “I trust SkillsGym to build the habits our company’s success depends on.” Such endorsements reflect the consistent impact that SkillsGym’s leadership programs have on organizations, regardless of size or industry.
What truly sets SkillsGym apart from other training companies is its ability to drive real change, not just awareness. “You don’t learn to lead by facing Roger Federer on day one,” Cherif explains. “You build leadership like you build any real skill—through daily practice of the small, essential moves.” This approach is similar to how athletes practice their craft, musicians hone their skills, and high performers continually improve. In leadership development, too, it is the consistent repetition of key behaviors that ultimately defines success.
The results of SkillsGym’s programs speak for themselves. Clients experience growth not only in leadership skills but also in key business outcomes. Through a focus on leadership flow and habit-building, SkillsGym empowers leaders to operate from a mindset that fosters productivity, engagement, and performance. This shift is not just about doing more—it’s about doing the right things consistently, every day, in a way that becomes second nature.
In conclusion, SkillsGym’s habit-based leadership programs are reshaping the future of leadership development. By focusing on the small daily actions that lead to real, sustainable change, SkillsGym ensures that its clients don’t just walk away from training feeling inspired—they walk away equipped to lead more effectively, make a greater impact, and achieve long-term success.
For more information, visit SkillsGym’s website or follow SkillsGym on LinkedIn.
About SkillsGym: SkillsGym is a leadership development company that specializes in creating lasting change through small, daily leadership habits. Founded by Sarah Cherif, the company has worked with over 100,000 leaders across more than 100 global organizations. SkillsGym’s award-winning programs, including The Leadership Habit and The Conversation Habit, are designed to help leaders build sustainable leadership habits that drive measurable business impact.
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