Leadership team coaching testimonials

Clare has been working with us for two years now, with the senior execs as a team and coaching individually myself and other members of the senior leadership team. Our recent off-site, has been the most effective and engaging so far. It took plae at a quite critical time, with a couple of team members having recently joined and with some big strategic projects close to the finishing line. It wasn’t that easy to keep us focused and “100% in the room” with everything going on - and with one of the team joining via video from California! - but Clare did a brilliant job leading us through: adopting a coaching approach to our leadership style, meeting management and celebrating each other. We did enjoy spending some quality time together as a team - after so many Teams meetings and video calls - and we interacted in a very open and authentic manner. We definitely took away some key learnings that will help us to become more effective individually and as a team.

Emilio Foa, CEO - OKA

Clare Downes delivered a timely and thoughtful webinar called Coaching for Success: developing a coaching culture to help your business survive and emerge from crisis for our Branch members on 21st May 2020. Clare was a professional and engaging presenter who delivered an informative session with care and confidence. Our members really enjoyed this webinar, finding it both interesting and relevant. We would be happy to work with Clare again.

Chartered Institute of Personal Development (CIPD)

I recently worked with Clare during the isolation period, in partnership with the Giftware Association, to help retailers planning for post Covid-19 requirements. In an unprecedented climate with people furloughed, uncertain and overwhelmed, the topic of personal development is a difficult one. Clare’s presentation was composed, thorough and incredibly professional - and I would recommend Clare as a speaker and a coach. Her experience and knowledge is very relevant for all businesses that are planning for this ‘new normal’ climate. The insight and practical support and activities for both individuals and organisations that she can offer is excellent!

 Stephen Illingworth, Head of product development & National account sales
, WIDDOP & Co

Clare Downes was originally booked to deliver a face-to-face presentation at our People & Leadership forum on the 30th April. Clare adapted her content and delivered an informative webinar about the principles of coaching, online via Teams; Clare was an excellent speaker who encouraged attendees to be brave in the face of adversity, and to brave each day with a healthy dose of humour and empathy.

 Jo Hemson (UK200 - legal and accounting firms)

 

Clare gave an engaging webinar which was both relevant and thought provoking.  As we all face challenges created by the Covid-19 crises, Clare’ positive outlook and practical guidance provided much needed encouragement and hope.

Helen Spencer, Managing Partner, Whittingham Riddell Accountants (on behalf of UK200 - accountancy and legal firms)

I’ve been working with Clare for the last 4 months. She’s been able to help me prioritise my energy and be a better leader. During the COVID-19 crisis, she has kindly offered to help my leadership team on a weekly basis on a pro bono basis. Everyone’s been coming out of her sessions energised and motivated. Clare is a great coach with a combination of sharp business acumen and a kind and generous heart.

Connie Nam, CEO & Founder, Astrid and Miyu (jewellery)

We had an amazing leadership team experience over two days, during which Clare facilitated some really useful exercises and discussions. Clare’s approach and guidance helped us to explore important business decisions that we would develop further on our return to the office. Every one of us came back with a greater sense of collaboration, a clearer vision, and more energy to hit our overall goal. A truly fantastic experience that has become the foundation for a strong and inspiring team.

Leadership team, The Conduit private members club 

I have worked with Clare on both a personal and a group basis. Clare has great listening skills and quickly identifies the themes and issues to further explore within the development programme. She facilitated our group meetings very effectively ensuring that we got maximum benefit from each session. Clare uses some very innovative and inclusive techniques to ensure all members of the team can make a contribution. We have already implemented many of the suggestions that came out of our group discussions, and we are already seeing the benefits from these within our business. I would recommend Clare to anyone who needs some coaching or development within their business.

Ed Moelwyn-Jones, Claremont Accounting

Group MBTI with Clare was a real insight – doing MBTI as a group has some advantages. As a team we went on a journey of mutual discovery. There were light bulb moments throughout the session that made it not only a great learning opportunity, but also great fun to do as a team. Doing the session together opened up opportunities to discuss issues, projects and problems from quite a different perspective. I can honestly say the whole team found the session useful as we learnt things about each other and ourselves – that have helped us to understand, engage and interact with each other more effectively as a team.

Lynn Ladbrook, Breast Cancer UK (delivered a team development day focused on MBTI, vision, values and behaviours) 

Thank you for your support, you did a brilliant job in helping us, sharing with us interesting insights about team dynamics, facilitating our conversations and providing very valuable feedback.

OKA Furniture, Senior Leadership Team