Making an impact without formal authority
As a global leader in online food delivery, Just Eat Takeaway operates in a fast-paced, international environment with professionals from dozens of countries. The challenge wasn’t expertise. Their High Value Specialists had plenty of that. The real challenge was influencing stakeholders across a complex matrix organisation, where cultural differences, diverse perspectives, and implicit assumptions often stood in the way of effective collaboration.
The question was simple: How do you help specialists influence others—even without formal authority?
A three-month learning journey with 80% hands-on practice
Together, Just Eat Takeaway and Zuidema developed the High Value Specialist Influence & Impact Journey—a three-month learning experience combining the JET learning platform with the Influence Hub®. Managers personally selected participants from different countries to join the programme.
The approach was highly practical. Eighty percent of the programme consisted of realistic simulations with professional actors, combined with video analysis of participants’ behaviour in challenging situations. The programme also embedded JET’s company values into everyday communication, helping participants collaborate more effectively across teams and hierarchies.
“The training methods were outstanding. Eighty percent of the programme was hands-on practice. Recording our behaviour and working with an actor in challenging situations were real eye-openers.” — Just Eat Takeaway participant
Faster results, fewer conflicts, stronger collaboration
Participants learned how to adapt their communication style to different people and situations. The result? Faster buy-in, fewer conflicts, and quicker progress on key projects.
Within the High Value Specialist community, a shared language emerged that made discussions more objective, constructive, and efficient. One participant described this shift perfectly:
“More arguments won’t convince me. What I need is a clear overview of the available resources. Once we agree on that, we can discuss how to make it happen.”
“The journey was intensive and incredibly comprehensive. The trainers gave personal attention to every case and explained every technique clearly. The structure and pace were perfect.” — Just Eat Takeaway participant
Proven results
The programme received an average rating of 8.9, while the trainers scored 9.0.
100% of participants recommend the programme.