Charlotte Leigh's coaching journey: Enhancing leadership and wellbeing
I currently work for Mace as their Head of Legal and was offered the opportunity to have a coach by our external legal advisors, Browne Jacobson, as part of a trial they were running.
This came at an opportune time for me as I recognised that making space for myself was difficult and, consequently, I wasn’t necessarily being objective. I knew I needed to reappraise my working relationships with stakeholders (I also think there was a little imposter syndrome going on).
After a ’setting up for success’ call, I was offered three coach profiles, two of whom I had calls with to ensure the right chemistry fit. Some of the coaches had a legal background, however, I decided to select a coach (Howard) who has a corporate background working at C-suite level. I particularly liked his down to earth approach. At the outset of the programme, we embarked on a 360 feedback exercise, asking my internal clients and peers/stakeholders to identify my strengths as well as the things I needed to work on to improve my performance and increase my value add to the business.
I really liked Howard’s well-balanced coaching style; he was flexible, and a great listener. I was able to speak my mind on matters big or small. He offered sound advice. We had agreed coaching objectives and at every session we reviewed them, sometimes modifying them along the way.
The coaching process has helped me to focus on the right things and it has helped me guide the team to focus on the right things too. Howard was terrific! He is so experienced, and he’s got such a nice manner, he really knows when to push and pull. The whole process was fantastic for my development. On reflection, the insights from the 360 exercise really helped in the step up to this leadership position and gave me the confidence to own my new role. Coaching gave me the space to pause and reflect on my career, and this process of reflection will continue now that the coaching has finished.
I received feedback from my manager saying they had seen a positive change in me at work. I am pleased to say I am no longer exhibiting imposter syndrome and my mental wellbeing has significantly improved.
I am extraordinarily grateful to 10Eighty and Browne Jacobson for giving me the coaching and I really recognise the value in it.
Contact
Iain Blatherwick
Partner
Iain focuses on Governance and Leadership, in particular executive leadership coaching support for clients; business structures – corporates, family companies, reorganisations, LLPs and partnerships, and private client – wills, trusts and estate planning.
iain.blatherwick@brownejacobson.com
+44 (0)115 976 6183
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