Coaching Focus – Details, episodes & analysis

Meeta Zakharia, Director of International DEI at McDonald's, joins the show to talk about the importance of inclusive leadership within the company. Meeta emphasises the six signature traits of inclusive leadership, including commitment, courage, and cultural intelligence.

She also delves into recognising biases, strength-based leadership, and balancing long-term goals with short-term tasks. By leading from the middle and outwards, diverse perspectives can be heard within teams, allowing for more innovative and efficient decision-making processes.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Coaching-focus.com

Meeta Zakharia on LinkedIn

Corinne Jeffrey is the Lead for Coaching, Mentoring and Leadership Development for QinetiQ, an integrated global defence and security company. She is responsible for the development, delivery and implementation of a global strategy for executive coaching, mentoring and leadership development. Corinne is also responsible for the rollout of team coaching across the organisation.

Tune into this episode as Corinne unpacks the defence sector's coaching realm. We explore measuring engagement and momentum in coaching, the role of language and conversation framing, the natural, unconscious, and habitual behaviours as part of the culture – and so much more.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Coaching-focus.com

Corinne Jeffrey on LinkedIn

Jenny Brown started her career as a financial statements auditor – in 2018 Jenny leapt into the comparatively unknown and established a much more eclectic and certainly hard-to-describe career! Jenny now works as a coach and coach supervisor alongside being the Chair of a housing association, a consultant in governance and a trainer and facilitator.

Tune into this conversation as Jenny delves into pre- and post-career promotion coaching, her person-centred coaching philosophy and what it is that stops individuals from landing their ‘dream job’.

Links Mentioned:

Jenny Brown on LinkedIn

Executive Coach, speaker, and consultant, Martin Sealy has spent decades traveling and encountering people from various cultures with diverse needs. He has embraced the differences in engagement styles between Israel and Dubai, developing a unique coaching approach that accommodates various cultural nuances.

We discuss the need for open dialogue, vulnerability, and the impact it can have on individuals and organizations. Tune in as we unpack practical strategies for fostering inclusivity and celebrating the diverse perspectives that can lead to innovative solutions.

Links Mentioned:

Martin Sealy on Linkedin

Nicky Frobisher has a deep understanding of the psychological phenomenon known as imposter syndrome. Drawing inspiration from the work of psychologists Doctor Pauline Klance and Doctor Suzanne Immers, who coined the term in 1978, Nicky has observed a similar pattern among the individuals they work with.

Tune in to this candid conversation as Nicky unpacks how to overcome perfectionism and fear of failure, the origins of imposter syndrome, how over-preparedness can hinder productivity, and striking a balance between confidence and self-doubt.

Links mentioned:

Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers

Think Again by Adam Grant

Connect with Nicky Frobisher on LinkedIn

Jennifer Powell has over 20 years experience as a culture change and communications strategist and consultant. She builds on her experience as a Partner at a global HR management consultancy and Executive positions in organisations as diverse as Xerox Europe, Cable & Wireless and Islington Council. Her current clients span many FTSE 100 companies including those in the media, music, financial services legal and pharmaceutical sectors.

In this conversation, Jennifer talks candidly about the unique challenges and opportunities women face in their professional journeys. Tune in as we explore psychological safety at work, how diversity leads to higher profits in business and the leadership frameworks matter.

Links mentioned:

Jennifer’s LinkedIn

Content warning: this episode covers the topic of depression. If you need resources or support, talk to your GP or relevant health practitioner.  

As an executive coach, Valerie Stevenson works with both individuals and teams. She is also an accredited supervisor. In her own words what Valerie really wants to be known for is her belief in coaching people from all walks of life which includes coaching alongside those with mental ill-health: “I have had to set some boundaries and acquire new skills and knowledge, but I fundamentally believe this is not an area to shy away from.”

Tune in as we unpack the impact of the pandemic on training and development for mental health awareness, mental health first aid training finding, solutions as coaches, and taking care of our own well-being as coaches and supervisors.

Links mentioned:

‘The Future of Coaching’ by Hetty Einzig

‘I Had a Black Dog’ by Matthew Johnston

‘Emotional Resilience’ by Geetu Bharwaney

‘Atlas of the Heart’ by Brené Brown

Valerie’s LinkedIn

With over 20 years experience in corporate retail, Nick Foster has held a variety of commercial roles from Buyer to Category Director and involved in a number of Leadership and Women’s Leadership programmes throughout her career. Nicky trained as a coach and recently joined CFG to support the mission “coaching for a better tomorrow” which includes a passion for supporting Women in Leadership roles.

In this conversation we uncover the key challenges facing women in leadership roles today, reflections from her own personal leadership journey and working with women one-to-one, and some practical takeaways to help develop their careers. 

Links mentioned:

Mckinsey: Women in the Workplace 2022

Deloitte: Women @ Work 2023: A Global Outlook

Connect with Nicky on LinkedIn

Before becoming a professional coach, David Butterfield had a successful career in Learning and Development, working with the likes of Aggregate Industries, Dale Carnegie and DHL. He also has a passion for helping those less advantaged to achieve their potential and is a board member with Lindley Educational Trust, a not for profit organisation using outdoor education.

We'll explore the concept of breaking through barriers, managing our inner chimp, and the power of coaching tools and models. 

From expense procedures in companies to childhood beliefs that hinder progress, we'll uncover the barriers that hold us back and discover how coaching can help us overcome them.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Coaching-focus.com

‘The Chimp Paradox’ by Steve Peters

‘The Inner Game of Tennis’ by W Timothy Gallwey

‘The Coaching Habit’ by Michael Bungay Stanier

David’s LinkedIn

Lindley Educational Trust

Jane Ferré is a Talent Management Strategist, and runs her own coaching business that helps HR Directors revolutionise their talent management agenda quickly and easily. Tune in as we explore the journey of navigating career transitions and its challenges. We discuss building a strong network, responding to change, and how COVID-19 has impacted sectors. We also uncover democratising development and how to offer the necessary resources for people with potential.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Coaching-focus.com

HBR – Let’s Hear It for B Players

Jane’s Website

Jane’s LinkedIn