LEADERS IN EXECUTIVE COACHING

How long have you been a coach?

For six years, professionally. During my career as a manager and leader, for much longer than that.

What are the attributes of a good coach?

For me, three things stand out.

First, independence of mind, thought and spirit. It is in our clients’ interests that we can challenge them without fear of favour.

Second, humility. As a coach, I subordinate myself to my client's agenda. If my ego gets in the way, it won’t work.

Third, the resourcefulness needed to draw from all the tools and techniques at our disposal “in the moment”. Even when I know a client well, I cannot be certain what he/she will want to work on as each session starts.

Who has been the greatest influence in your business life?

During my early career in Unilever, I worked with an executive called Brian Doouss, from whom I learned that there’s always a way. Later on, I learned a huge amount from George Greener at BAT Financial Services, especially about how to implement fundamental transformation by accelerating incremental change.

What is your favourite business book?

I’m not a business book junkie, preferring research-based and case study material to theoretical and conceptual treatises. I have recently found “Resonant Leadership” (Boyatzis & McKee) to be a practical help to several clients. Bob Garratts’ “Thin on Top” remains a thought-provoking book for Directors who want to fulfil their corporate responsibilities. I also like learning lessons from other peoples’ lives and found Ian Kershaw’s “Hitler” and Conrad Black’s “Franklin Delano Roosevelt” instructive, albeit in different ways.

How would you describe Praesta?

Praesta is a college, professionally and socially. At its core is a mature group of enthusiastic experts who collaborate closely to improve our skills and deliver work we believe in. The wider college embraces thousands of clients, past and present, as well as a wide network of supporters. Bringing them together from time to time, in small groups and in battalions, is one of our great pleasures.

How do you relax?

I enjoy, and am refreshed by, virtually everything I do. I need space, physically and mentally, so spend as much time as I can outdoors and avoid crowds. When we have a choice, Rhiannon and I will also choose Alpine walking instead of a city break.

What’s the best thing about being a coach?

Seeing people fly. I get a great buzz when clients and those around them recognise that they have raised their game and operating with confidence and enthusiasm at a higher level.