Emerging Leadership in Action
Dalila Benachenhou’s Journey Through the SteerBridge ELP
At SteerBridge, leadership is not just about holding a title—it’s about growing, inspiring, and making a meaningful impact. To cultivate and empower the next generation of leaders, the company launched the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) in 2025. Designed to blend formal training with hands-on leadership experience, the ELP serves as a fast-track development pipeline for high-potential employees, equipping them with the tools and insights needed to take on greater responsibilities.
The inaugural participant of this prestigious program is Dalila Benachenhou, Director of Data Science & Analytics, who embarked on a transformative journey through the ELP. With a strong technical background in AI Engineering and Statistics, Dalila recognized the importance of refining her leadership and management skills. The program provided her with an opportunity to sharpen these abilities while reinforcing SteerBridge’s leadership philosophy of accountability, adaptability, and decisive action.
A New Chapter in Leadership
Dalila’s career has always been driven by a passion for data and problem-solving. From building AI trading models to teaching data science at George Washington University, her experience has been deeply technical. However, when she was selected as the first ELP participant, she saw an opportunity to go beyond technical expertise and become a more effective leader.
“I was very happy,” Dalila shared. “Coming from tech, I tended to neglect soft skills. This program was a chance to become more than just a taskmaster—it was an opportunity to grow as a coach and mentor.”
Lessons from the Center for Creative Leadership
As part of the ELP, Dalila attended an intensive leadership training program at the Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro, NC. Over three days, she engaged in hands-on workshops, role-playing exercises, and one-on-one coaching sessions designed to refine her management approach.
One of the biggest takeaways from the training was the importance of self-awareness in leadership. “Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses. Leaders tend to mix and match different styles of influencing others, so relying only on one’s strength can be a detriment.”
Through exercises in active listening, conflict resolution, and coaching, Dalila learned how to give constructive feedback, manage time effectively, and trust her team to take ownership of their work. One particularly impactful lesson was the concept of letting go of micromanagement and instead fostering an environment where her team members could learn through experience.
“I also learned an approach to expressing issues to both subordinates and superiors, something I previously struggled with.”
Applying New Skills at SteerBridge
Since returning from the training, Dalila has begun integrating these leadership principles into her daily work. She has implemented weekly one-on-one coaching sessions with her team members and has made a conscious effort to step back and allow her team to solve problems independently—even if it means allowing room for failure.
“I now understand that leadership is multifaceted. One should try to move away from being a ‘player’ to empowering team members through coaching,” she explained. “I’ve learned to trust my team and give them the space to grow, knowing that in the long run, this approach will benefit both them and the company.”
Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Leadership Growth
Dalila’s journey through the ELP has reshaped her perspective on leadership and teamwork. While she acknowledges that adopting a new leadership style is a continuous process, she is committed to practicing and refining her skills. “For now, it’s practice, practice, practice,” she said.
She encourages future ELP participants to aggressively embrace every exercise, emphasizing that leadership development is just as important as technical expertise. “Some of us have spent a lot of time honing our tech skills, but to be an effective leader, you need to learn to manage, coach, and inspire.”
The Future of the Emerging Leaders Program
Dalila’s experience is just the beginning of what promises to be a transformative program for SteerBridge employees. As more participants join the ELP, SteerBridge will continue investing in its people, reinforcing its commitment to leadership development, mission-first thinking, and professional growth.
For Dalila, the impact of the program is clear: “I see the light.”
Her journey serves as a testament to the power of leadership training and the lasting benefits of investing in internal talent. SteerBridge is not just building a workforce—it’s cultivating future leaders who will drive innovation and excellence in the years to come.