Fiona Wilkinson

I specialise in working with leaders who are taking on new responsibilities, stepping up to a bigger role or preparing for promotion, where the impact of coaching can be transformational.

As a thinking partner I draw on my extensive business experience in complex, multi-national, multi-stakeholder environments operating at Board level in communications, marketing and sales. This combined with my coaching credentials means I bring a true understanding of leadership challenges and practical solutions to each client.

My background
I have spent my career working in big corporates, most recently as Chief Communication Officer at Visa. I understand the reality of dealing with competing commitments and interests, across different markets, supposedly working towards the same goal. Managing these complexities sometimes requires an empathetic thinking partner, introducing proven coaching methods to help a client lead effectively, make progress and bring all parties along with them.

My coaching style
I find the most valuable conversations happen when I ask questions and listen for longer. I’m curious about the particular challenges my client is facing, understanding what may be creating pressure and why. Together we work on strategies to manage any emotional aspects, whether that’s anxiety, lack of confidence or frustration and develop a positive outlook. I appreciate that every assignment is different and each programme is tailored to my client’s specific needs. I challenge from a real-world perspective to help surface solutions that build confidence and remove any obstacles to success.
Whenever it makes practical sense, I like to take coaching out into the open air, encouraging clients to step away from their computers and distractions to walk. I’ve found that open spaces are great for generating new thinking.

These few examples show how coaching has made a difference to my clients:

• Becoming aware of the pressures facing executive leaders, led to my client’s improved working relationship with her SVP.
• Recognising that she didn’t need to do everything herself led my client to improved awareness of where she adds most value and helped reduce her stress.
• A COO was considering how to steer their company through a merger, balancing competing views about the other organisation, what would be best for the current organisation, team, clients, shareholders, as well as the relationship with regulators. Analysing the whole raft of interested parties brought a positive awareness of the pivotal role that he was playing in the negotiations.

Outcomes as a result of coaching.
Academic research supports the effectiveness of coaching in business situations and I have seen first-hand how it can improve:
• self-awareness and self-belief

• alignment with corporate goals

• engagement with peers, teams and wider stakeholders, leading to improved performance and results

• freedom for leaders to be themselves, more authentic and vulnerable

• retention, nurturing the talent pipeline and developing leaders of the future.