The article focuses on Grant Thornton LLP, United States member firm of the global accounting organization Grant Thornton International. The company provides independent services to mid-cap, small-cap, and privately held clients, and non-audit services to Fortune 1,000 clients. According to CLO Bob Dean, the company had approximately 3,000 employees in 2001 and now that figure has increased to 4,400 people in 50 U.S. offices. In 2005, the company hired more than 1,000 people from other accounting firms for positions at all levels. The experience in Grant Thornton underpins all of the company's people initiatives, including LEADS, a leadership development initiative that supports the company's during their entire careers with the firm, starting before they come on board. The LEADS initiative has 12 distinct steps, including the Footsteps program and a college intern program, and each marking a career milestone. All of the steps are supported by coaching and mentoring, e-learning, classroom learning, and leadership competencies.