Telstra Health partnered with Lysander post-merger to unify teams, break silos, and strengthen culture. Engagement rose from 53% to 79%, collaboration improved, and revenue and profitability grew 50%+, showing cohesive culture drives lasting business success.
To address these challenges, Telstra Health partnered with Lysander to implement a culture and leadership program designed to unify the organisation and strengthen team cohesion. The initiative focused on breaking down silos, encouraging open communication, and creating an environment where every individual felt empowered to contribute. By fostering psychological safety and promoting courageous conversations, the program aimed to build a culture of trust, accountability, and continuous improvement—critical foundations for sustainable business success.
The program was delivered over several years through structured workshops, leadership development sessions, and ongoing engagement across all levels of the business. Employees were encouraged to share their perspectives openly, creating a supportive environment where challenges could be addressed collaboratively. Leaders modelled vulnerability and authenticity, reinforcing the importance of constructive dialogue and shared ownership of outcomes. The approach prioritised clarity in strategy and behaviours, ensuring alignment across teams and states while embedding cultural values into everyday practices.
The impact of the program was both cultural and financial. Employee engagement scores rose from 53% six months after the merger to 79%, reflecting a significant improvement in morale and collaboration. Teams reported feeling more connected and confident in voicing ideas and concerns, leading to richer conversations and stronger problem-solving. Financially, the business achieved over 50% growth in annual recurring revenue and a similar increase in profitability over four years. These results demonstrate the direct link between a strong, cohesive culture and sustainable business performance. The journey was challenging, requiring courage and commitment, but ultimately delivered transformative outcomes for both people and the organisation.
In this video Michael Donnelly, head of Aged and Disability at Telstra Health, speaks to Lysander’s close partnership with their Senior Leadership Team. He highlights the essence of their development journey and the significant impact of the work undertaken, showcasing the recognised leadership and culture success at the organisation.
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