We believe that successful hires are just the beginning of a thriving organisation. The real magic lies in nurturing their growth and embedding them into a culture where they can truly flourish.
That’s why we take immense pride in seeing talent not just thrive but stay — building long-term impact for both individuals and the business.
In today’s dynamic workplace, coaching is more than a perk — it’s a strategic retention tool. For leaders, the difference between having access to coaching and navigating without it is stark. Coaching empowers leaders with clarity, emotional intelligence, and resilience, transforming how they lead their teams and make decisions. In contrast, leaders without it often face greater stress, reactive decision-making, and higher turnover.
To amplify this success, we’ve cultivated partnerships with expert coaching professionals who share our commitment to retaining and developing great talent. Together, we help organisations unlock the potential of their people while fostering loyalty and connection.
The Power of Personalisation
Every leader is navigating their own challenges—whether it’s scaling a team, managing conflict, or grappling with their own blind spots. Generic training rarely touches the nuance of individual experience.
1:1 coaching meets leaders where they are. It’s not about delivering a one-size-fits-all toolkit; it’s about uncovering the patterns, beliefs, and habits that hold them back, and creating shifts that last.
Research backs this up: A study by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) found that 86% of organisations saw a return on investment in coaching, with 70% reporting improved work performance, relationships, and communication skills as a result.
A study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology showed that individual coaching significantly increases goal attainment and well-being, with effects lasting up to 12 months post-coaching.
Shifting Leadership, Shifting Culture
When leaders grow, their teams feel the ripple effect
- Managers who receive coaching are 80% more likely to have engaged teams, according to Gallup.
- Leadership coaching doesn’t just up-skill—it shifts mindsets, fostering creativity, resilience, and empathy.
In this piece, we hear from three of our esteemed coaches as they delve into the transformative power of coaching. Together, we explore three vital areas: empowering non-majority leaders, making coaching accessible from mid-level roles to leadership, and why it’s time for HR professionals to prioritise their own development—unlocking their potential to truly thrive.
Dipti Shah of Conscious Rebel Leadership
“Leadership development for racially diverse leaders must honour their unique experiences and perspectives. When coaching frameworks address cultural nuances and systemic barriers, they unlock authenticity, amplify strengths, and foster belonging. Yet, standard approaches often fall short, pushing leaders toward conformity and leaving them disconnected from their potential and their place within the organisation.
Culturally attuned coaching changes this. It creates a brave space where leaders can unpack the complexities of identity, systemic bias, and cultural nuance without fear of judgment. In the intimacy of 1:1 coaching, a skilled coach dares to lean into these defining moments, helping leaders uncover deeper truths, build resilience, and lead authentically. This work equips leaders to navigate dynamics of power, authority, and influence, fostering a leadership style that is unapologetically their own.
Without this attunement, coaching risks perpetuating dominant norms, encouraging conformity to styles that may clash with collectivist or community-oriented values. This fosters tension, erodes authenticity, and alienates leaders from their cultural identities. By embracing cultural attunement, coaching honours these identities, amplifies strengths, and helps leaders thrive with confidence and clarity. This approach not only drives personal transformation but also challenges organisations to redefine what inclusive leadership truly means.
This work is not just an individual transformation—it’s a business imperative. McKinsey & Company found that diverse leadership teams are 36% more likely to outperform their peers, yet only 20% of UK leaders feel equipped to support diverse talent (CIPD, 2023).
As someone who has walked this path, I know coaching’s potential to amplify strengths, navigate challenges, and foster inclusive cultures. When diverse leaders thrive, organisations benefit through stronger connections, better decisions, and sustainable business success.”
Zoe Cotter-Morton of River & Spark Culture Consulting
“I specialise in coaching People Team leaders, and those in levels of leadership below C-Suite. In my work with clients over the years post-COVID, I’ve seen a meaningful shift into a focus on values & beliefs work, and how they align with careers and home life.
Newer leaders, and those on a trajectory to C-Suite are asking the big questions about how they lead with integrity and authenticity in challenging landscapes. Whilst it’s understandable that businesses often focus coaching or leadership training on their CEO’s and C-Suite, I believe that investment in nascent C-Suite leaders is the real sweet spot for many businesses, as they are often the people who are the boots on the ground leaders, and need space and support to balance a human approach to leadership, with a clarity and drive on business targets.”
Laura Powrie of Powrie Cross Advisory
“Working in People & Culture is both rewarding and relentless. We’re the confidential advisors, the architects of change, the facilitators of the toughest conversations. We operate across breadth and depth, balancing high standards with immense responsibility. Each day, we support our stakeholders through their greatest challenges – then wake up and do it all over again. So, it’s no wonder a recent MHR study found that 50% of HR professionals are on the brink of burnout.
Coaching offers a vital antidote. It’s not just a tool for leaders—it’s a space where we, as People professionals, can recharge, refocus, and grow. A skilled coach provides the clarity to shift from being busy to being impactful. They help us set sustainable boundaries, build confidence, and navigate the complexities of our roles with renewed purpose. Coaching empowers us to approach challenges with fresh perspectives and align our efforts with what truly matters.
Our roles are expanding, with increasing opportunities to influence beyond traditional HR remits. But this growth demands support. If we’re to thrive rather than just survive, we must prioritise our own development as much as that of our teams.
As you plan your organisation’s growth, consider the proven ROI of coaching—not just for your stakeholders, but for yourself and your team. After all, the most effective People & Culture leaders are those who invest in their own resilience and growth. Coaching might just be the key to becoming the true strategic partners your business needs”.
Business and People Leads: Why This Matters
If you’re responsible for shaping your company’s leadership culture, ask yourself:
- Are our leaders and future leaders truly supported in navigating today’s complexity?
- Are they equipped to lead from a place of awareness, not just reaction?
- Are they driving the change you want to see in your business?
1:1 coaching is not a “nice to have”—it’s a competitive edge. It’s where transformation happens, one conversation at a time.
To connect with one of our partner coaches, please contact jules.dosne@impact-london.com