Have you heard? I have a new way to describe the approach I take with my Executive Excellence Coaching clients. It is my HEARD framework – five elements that I believe every Board-level executive needs, in order to be successful. HEARD stands for Headspace, Executive Presence, Authority, Relationships and Direction. These aren’t five steps that [...]
How much of your day runs on autopilot? If you stop and think about it, most of us have routines for almost everything. We create them because they make life easier. Imagine having to consciously think through every step of making a cup of tea, each time you wanted one. Where’s the kettle? Have I [...]
Choosing a coach isn’t something to rush. I see too many people make quick decisions based on convenience, cost or a chance meeting at a networking event. However, this is someone who could be supporting you through some of your most important decisions. Getting it right matters. There are questions to ask. My top three [...]
Allow me to introduce you to "Jennie". (Name changed for anonymity) The back story: Jennie is a Finance Director with a very successful career under her belt. She's respected by her colleagues but nobody ever told her that and she didn't feel it. She felt as though she wore a mask. She was acting the role, [...]
The phrase “horses for courses” dates back to racing in the 1890s. Certain horses performed better on certain tracks. It wasn’t just about flat racing versus jumping, it was about matching the right horse to the right terrain. I love that as a metaphor for development work. Because when it comes to coaching, mentoring, team [...]
Creating a Clear New Career Plan Through Coaching Murdoch Maclean Senior Director, Edgewell Personal Care Meeting Nikki at a CIMA event, Murdoch knew almost straight away that she could help him. At the time, he was working for a large global organisation when, out of the blue, it separated into two smaller ones. Sudden [...]
I was driving home recently, following my sat nav as obediently as ever, when it sent me the long way round for no good reason. Again. There’s a road near my house with a sign that says “No vehicles except for access”. I live on that road. I absolutely have access. I am the exception. [...]
The word ‘journey’ is everywhere. You hear it on every reality show – “I’ve been on such a journey!” – and it’s easy to roll your eyes. But when I think about the people I work with, that word really does fit. Coaching is, at its heart, a journey – one that begins long before [...]
I often describe myself as my clients’ secret weapon! When you’re in an executive role, or you run a business, you carry an incredible weight of responsibility. Goals, deadlines, KPIs, deliverables … all those moving parts need your focus. They’re all important, but when your head is always full of tasks and decisions, it can [...]
How often do you hear someone saying, “You need to rest” or “Remember to take some time off”? In a culture that celebrates productivity and hustle, true rest can feel like a guilty pleasure rather than a vital part of staying well and working well. Rest isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. Just like our [...]
