Celebrating Shared Success: Lessons from Explore Performance and UBS’s Brandon Hall Wins

When Explore Performance partnered with UBS on a global learning initiative, the aim was simple: design something meaningful, scalable, and sustainable. Awards were never the goal.

That’s why it’s humbling to have the work recognised with both a Gold and a Silver Brandon Hall Group Award. Often called the “Academy Awards of Learning and Development,” these honours highlight impact, innovation, and measurable results.

But what matters most isn’t the trophies — it’s what we learned along the way. Co-founders Grant “Axe” Rawlinson and Tom Cooke reflected on the journey, and three themes stood out:

  1. Design and customisation built on trust
  2. Operations that deliver without burnout
  3. Facilitators who create consistent impact across borders

1. Design and Customisation: Built on Trust

From the start, UBS placed real trust in us. They never told us what to, but were very open to ideas and together we co-created a programme shaped around the needs of UBS employees.

“The real magic happens when you have a client open to collaboration and a design team that’s invested,” says Axe. “It meant we could customise without compromising quality or scalability.”

That trust allowed us to move quickly, refine ideas together, and build something that felt authentic to UBS’s culture — not just another “off-the-shelf” solution.

2. Seamless Operations: Delivering Without Burnout

Large-scale programmes are complex — multiple time zones, different regions, and tight schedules. Operations often make or break delivery.

Thanks to a slick and sustainable approach, we kept everything on track without overwhelming the people involved.

“It’s about meeting deadlines without burnout — that’s what ensures consistent quality over the long term,” explains Tom.

The result was a delivery rhythm that balanced efficiency with energy, so teams stayed fresh and UBS employees experienced the best of the programme worldwide.

3. High-Impact Facilitation: Consistency Across Borders

Global reach only works if the message is consistent. That meant finding facilitators who could do more than deliver sessions — they had to bring the content to life with the same energy and intent everywhere.

A strong train-the-trainer model prepared facilitators deeply in the material, while our global network provided both local nuance and global consistency.

“Our facilitators didn’t just deliver content — they delivered impact, ensuring the message resonated everywhere,” says Axe.

It was this combination — content mastery, local insight, and consistent delivery — that gave the programme its global strength.

Winning two Brandon Hall Awards with UBS is a milestone we’ll always be proud of. But more than the recognition, it’s the partnership, trust, and people that stand out.

At Explore Performance, we look forward to continuing to co-create programmes that combine thoughtful design, strong operations, and high-impact facilitation. Because while awards shine brightly, it’s the lasting impact on people and organisations that matters most.