Case Study: Transformational Coaching for a Chief Operating Officer

The Challenge

A newly appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO), Earl*, joined the Executive Committee of a Professional Services organisation. With deep operational expertise but navigating imposter syndrome and a sense of disconnect at board level, he wanted to settle quickly and make progress visible to himself and others. While respected in his field, Earl lacked confidence in his strategic presence and often held back in senior leader conversations.

The Investment

The organisation wanted to accelerate their leadership impact, broaden their contribution beyond operations, and ensure alignment with board-level expectations.

Our Approach

We delivered a structured 9-month executive coaching programme tailored to the COO’s and his organisation’s development goals. The programme included:

• A discovery phase and chemistry calls to ensure strong coach-coachee fit

• Contracting with the sponsor to enable them to support the programme

• Seven 1:1 executive coaching sessions

• Three triad meetings (with sponsor, coach and coachee) to set objectives, review progress and allow for reflection

• Impact measurement to demonstrate ROI

The Learning

Earl reported significant lightbulb moments and a journey of self-discovery. During each session Earl reported feeling more empowered and reflected he was seeing situations through ‘new eyes’.  

The Impact

The transformation was tangible. By the end of the programme, Earl had:

• Increased Board Confidence – moving from hesitation to actively contributing in Executive Committee meetings, with greater presence and authority

• Broadened Influence – evolving from an operational leader to a strategic business contributor across the organisation

• Stronger Emotional Intelligence – developing techniques to regulate fight-or-flight reactions and manage high-pressure moments with composure

• Greater Business Value – delivering “2.5–3 times more value with zero attrition”

Both the coachee and sponsor rated the coaching outcomes highly (8/10 and 9/10 respectively).

In the Client’s Words

“The Leadership Coaches have been transformative for me. My coach truly gets me, keeps me accountable, and ensures I stay aligned with my goals. The direct yet supportive approach helped clarify our direction, close gaps, and deliver tangible results. Exceptional coaching, thank you.”

Earl

Why It Matters

This case study is a clear example of how executive coaching, when done well, delivers measurable value for both individual leaders and their organisations. It’s not just about confidence – it’s about unlocking performance, building strategic muscle, and making a tangible difference at the highest levels of leadership.

*Earl, not his real name.