Client Case Study

I’m delighted to be able to share with you a case study from one of my amazing clients, who has shared her journey openly and honestly to help inspire others and offer a peek behind the curtains of the coaching partnership.

Note: Client’s name and identifying details are anonymised. Direct quotes are indicated in italics, and paraphrased reflections are used with consent for clarity and flow. Images are for illustration and do not include the client. All details shared with permission.

AUDIO VERSION:

 

About The Client

A Senior Vice President in a large, global business, accountable for substantial commercial targets, leading a diverse team based across multiple European countries, and working with senior stakeholders through a matrix organisation.

Across the business significant change had taken place in recent years, with more ahead. There was increasing complexity within the organisation as a result, coupled with a challenging commercial environment.

No stranger to pressure, performance, and even the politics of life at the top, the client felt it wise to seek support as she navigated her next steps.

 

Our Starting Point

For the client the organisational requirements were clear – high performance expectations in an increasingly challenging environment.

She knew that delivering results, leading her team well, and working dynamically with her peers and stakeholders were core expectations – she’d been doing that successfully for years. But something had shifted for her.

Personally, she was feeling increasingly isolated and frustrated. Key allies had moved on. There were less people she could share with. She was finding herself needing to self-edit in too many situations, and she had started to question whether she had hit a ceiling professionally. Her enjoyment in role was taking a hit as a result.

At the same time, her team were at a critical stage of growth and development; she knew they would need to draw on her time and expertise significantly. She needed to be at her best as their leader.

These circumstances combined left her searching for a way to move forward with greater clarity, confidence and fulfilment.

She shared – “Being in a leadership role can be quite isolating… and I was at a point where I was starting to think, ‘Well, is this it, have I hit a ceiling?’ and ‘What’s next for me?’”

 

 

The Choice To Work Together

The client had experienced coaching before, and knew she wanted something different this time. A trusted partner that could guide and inspire as well as coach; who could help her create momentum in a way that was right for her.

She describes “instant rapport” from our first interaction – feeling listened to, heard and understood, with aligned values of authenticity and integrity. And she joked that I had her “doing the work without knowing it” from our introductory call.

“There was no doubt in my mind that you were the right coach for me.”

 

Our Partnership

She describes our relationship as a true partnership, grounded in trust and candour, in which she’s always able to be open, truthful and authentic. A mutual respect and aligned set of values where both parties show up ready to do the work and create a positive outcome.

She highlighted Deborah being truly invested in her success and wellbeing, and knowing she was being supported without any judgement.

“I feel like you’re in my corner, that you have my back, without me ever having to have asked you. I feel like it’s authentic; not because it’s a requirement.”

Explaining what she values in Deborah’s approach, she describes:

• It being subtle yet powerful – you do all the hard work, but somehow if feels easy in the process – there’s a structure without you even knowing it.
• Asking the right questions at the just the right time, tailored to me – it shows just how much she’s been listening – I feel heard and understood.
• Addressing the tough stuff – but doing so with my best interests at heart, gently, but never shying away.
• Drawing out all the positives – things I’d never realise, or would skip, and it helps you understand your strengths and achievements.
• Collaboration and guidance – working with me, bringing her expertise, to help you develop in areas I might not have thought of.

“It wasn’t obvious to me at the start what I needed to develop … you have been able to identify areas for development in a positive, collaborative way, and then the route to get there.”

 

The Results & Impact

The client highlights:

• Evolved leadership style – more considered, engaged, better equipped to navigate challenges, and free from the frustration that had started to take hold. “I’ve become a better leader than a manager through our work. I think everybody’s seen a difference.”
• Her team leadership – creating a more empowered, cohesive, and effective team with enhanced engagement and performance despite a tough commercial period. She describes her team retention rate as a clear consequence of how she’s led.
• Peer and stakeholder relationships improved – because she’s bringing positive energy, more proactivity and support, and is better able to engage. “I can now bring a positive energy to a room, a space, project, especially when dealing with challenging situations.”
• More fulfilled and content at work – a personal highlight for her – no longer chasing and questioning; instead feeling more satisfied. She believes her increased self-awareness and confidence, along with her contentment make her a better leader. “I’m much more satisfied and connected with my career, who and where I am… “

 

 

The Practical Elements

In practice, our work together evolved over time:

• Initially a 9-month programme, 2-hours monthly, psychometrics, 360 feedback, and supporting tools
• Subsequently, annual arrangements to suit objectives inclusive of virtual coaching sessions, in-person strategy sessions, tailored feedback process, and supporting resources
• The partnership continues …

 

Final Words from Deborah

I’m hugely grateful for the reflections, insights, and account shared by my client. It’s been a real privilege working together and her achievements are substantial. In a demanding and changing work environment she’s responded courageously to understanding and developing herself, enhancing what she brings to her team and key relationships, and with it performance and fulfilment has flowed. What a woman!

If you feel like a coaching partnership could help you on your professional journey, feel free to connect on LinkedIn, check whether we’ve got the click-factor, and book a call when you’re ready to chat.