Case Study: Jameel's leadership journey
Executive Coaching Case Study – Jameel*
Executive Summary
Due to the highly sensitive area of work of this leader, this case study has been fully anonymised*.
This case outlines the impact of an eight-month executive coaching programme designed to support a senior leader stepping into a highly visible and demanding role. The coaching aimed to strengthen confidence, enhance communication, and build strategic influence.
Over the course of seven coaching sessions and three formal review points, Jameel made measurable progress in confidence, presence, and influence. Both Jameel and their sponsor rated development highly, noting significant improvements in composure, communication, and credibility.
Coaching Objectives
The coaching programme was designed to support the leader in four key areas:
Confidence in Leadership Voice: Overcoming self-doubt and stepping fully into their leadership role.
Communication with Impact: Speaking succinctly and with influence in senior forums.
Emotional Regulation & Presence: Remaining calm and authoritative under pressure.
Strategic Influence & Collaboration: Engaging stakeholders effectively and expanding their profile.
Methodology
Discovery & Contracting: Initial scoping calls to ensure coach–coachee compatibility, followed by contracting with the leader and sponsor.
Coaching Sessions: Seven one-to-one sessions over eight months, tailored to goals and emerging needs.
Triad Reviews: Three structured sessions at the start, mid-point, and conclusion to ensure accountability, reflection, and progress tracking.
Key Themes and Insights
At the outset, the leader experienced feelings of imposter syndrome and often hesitated to speak up. Coaching helped them recognise they had earned their place and could contribute meaningfully without needing to dominate.
By the mid-point, the sponsor observed Jameel's contributions becoming more succinct, well-timed, and impactful. They maintained their authentic style while learning when to step forward and when to hold back.
The leader began approaching high-stakes meetings with calmness and a clear strategic lens, increasingly drawing on collaboration and external expertise to broaden their influence.
Outcomes and Impact
Quantitative assessments from both the leader and sponsor showed strong progress: self-ratings moved from 8/10 mid-point to 9/10 at the conclusion, with the sponsor rating overall progress 9/10.
Key outcomes included:
A stronger leadership presence with greater composure and authority.
More authentic and impactful communication.
Strategic influence demonstrated through convening high-profile events and engaging stakeholders.
A shift from imposter syndrome to confidence and recognition as a trusted leader.
Feedback
Jameel reported that coaching provided a safe space to voice concerns, build confidence, and find balance between authenticity and impact in a highly visible senior leadership role.
The sponsor confirmed the transformation, observing a calmer, more focused, and more impactful leader who communicates with confidence while remaining authentic and engaging.
*Jameel is not their real name, identity preserved.
