In my journey as an executive coach and business leader, I’ve encountered and overcome significant challenges that have shaped my approach to leadership and coaching. From dealing with employees not meeting expectations and battling disengagement to striving to meet service standards and pivoting our services to align with market demands, these experiences have been invaluable in honing my skills and insights.

Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness:

My journey began with the realization that true leadership starts with self-awareness and emotional intelligence. When I faced employee disengagement, I learned that understanding and addressing the emotional needs of my team was crucial. This led me to develop strategies to enhance emotional intelligence in leaders, enabling them to connect with their teams on a deeper level.

Strategic and Inclusive Leadership:

Navigating the complexities of service expectations and market changes taught me the importance of strategic and inclusive leadership. By fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, I was able to drive innovation and adapt our services to meet evolving market demands. This experience underscores my commitment to helping leaders think strategically and inclusively, ensuring their organizations remain agile and competitive.

Career Transitions and Growth:

Throughout my career, I’ve guided leaders through significant transitions, just as I have navigated my own. Whether it’s helping a leader transition into a new role or pivoting our business strategy, I understand the challenges and opportunities that come with change. My approach is rooted in practical advice and real-world experience, empowering leaders to navigate their own career journeys with confidence.

Empathy and Trustworthiness:

Above all, my experiences have reinforced the importance of leading with empathy and integrity. Building trust within my team and with clients has been fundamental to our success. I believe that authentic leadership is about being empathetic, trustworthy, and committed to ethical practices. These values are at the core of my coaching philosophy and personal brand.

My story is one of resilience, continuous learning, and a steadfast commitment to helping leaders achieve their fullest potential. By sharing my journey and the lessons I’ve learned, I aim to inspire and equip leaders to overcome their own challenges, drive meaningful change, and lead with empathy and integrity.”

I benefited from my first coach nearly 30 years ago. He had a profound impact on helping me clarify my values. And how I would make choices when my values were in conflict.

More recently, I benefitted from a coach in the public service. My leadership role in government was clear-cut, but the tides of business are ever-changing. Suddenly, I was thrust into financial analysis—no extra hands, no extra budget. It was daunting; this wasn’t my turf. Yet, with my coach’s guidance, I found my footing. She didn’t just offer strategies; she illuminated my hidden strengths, transforming them into tools to tackle my weaknesses. Together, we dissected my operational challenges, strategized, and slowly, I evolved. It was uncomfortable, like stretching unused muscles, but growth often is.

I don’t coach the problem, I coach the person. I help you discover your strengths and values to guide you in the choices you have to make as a leader.

I do this by helping you find and develop your growing edge. Your growing edge is the place where you stretch yourself beyond your comfort zone, where you learn new skills and insights, where you discover new possibilities and opportunities. Your growing edge is where you grow the most.

I help you create a clear vision, a smart strategy, and a realistic action plan. I support you along the way, with feedback, accountability, and encouragement. I help you grow as a leader and as a person.

I help you identify your values. I help you discover your strengths and leverage them. I ask you questions, listen to you, give you feedback, challenge your assumptions, and encourage you. I help you set and achieve specific goals, measure your progress, and celebrate your success.

Working with me is like having a partner who walks beside you as you climb a mountain. I don’t climb the mountain for you, but I support you along the way. I help you navigate the terrain, avoid the pitfalls, and enjoy the view.

Working with me is based on a trusting and confidential relationship. It is also a structured and goal-oriented process that typically lasts for several months.

As an ICF-certified executive coach with a rich 30-year leadership journey across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors, I’ve honed my expertise in strategic planning and operations. My certification from Royal Roads University has been the bedrock of my approach to leadership coaching, which I’ve applied in diverse settings from government agencies to the arts and entertainment industry.

At British Columbia’s King’s Printer, I spearheaded the strategic planning process. I integrate a coaching-led leadership style that celebrates both team and individual milestones. My tenure at Open School BC saw me leading a team to be recognized as a Top 10 Best Workplace, managing a suite of award-winning educational resources, and driving productivity through the adoption of agile and user-centered design principles.

My role at Arts Commons involved expanding educational programs to reach marginalized communities, tripling engagement numbers, and enhancing program revenues. With the Calgary Philharmonic, I oversaw artistic direction, daily operations, and forming strategic partnerships that led to a 5% revenue increase and producing Juno-nominated recordings.

For two decades, I taught at universities in Canada and the USA, employing innovative teaching methods to inspire critical thinking and inquiry.

Embracing change and learning from every phase of growth and challenge, I lead with clarity and integrity. I’m attuned to the unique challenges faced by leaders, especially those feeling marginalized. Residing in Victoria, BC, with my husband and our Greyhound, Bella, I enjoy culinary explorations, delving into spy novels, and kayaking in serene waters.