Executive Coaching
Scientists and subject-matter experts build their careers on what they know.
It's their knowledge, and the ability to use it, that drives their success.
Perhaps, then, it's not entirely surprising that so many are challenged to replicate their former success when moved into positions where human behaviour, not knowledge, is the thing that drives results.
Scientists and knowledge-driven professionals are extremely smart, creative and gifted and, for this very reason, many are moved into positions of leadership. However, most discover that the skills that worked so well for them in their previous roles don't work quite so well in this one.
So what's the problem?
Simply, people in knowledge-driven professions are rarely taught the art of influence. They're intellects whose work requires them to think more than feel: Understanding emotions, persuasive communication, conflict leadership, building and leveraging formal and informal networks, getting people to do what you need them to do to get results etc, the things that influence human behaviour, simply aren't priorities. And they're certainly not part of the grad school curriculum!
Yet these skills are essential for consistent, long-term individual and organizational success. And without them, too many scientist and SME leaders struggle to make the grade in leadership.
Scientists often don't excel in leadership. But they can.
When facing organizational politics, 'difficult' personalities, and having to use influence instead of intellect to get a job done, many scientists and SMEs come unstuck. With under-developed influencing skills, they can become doubtful and subdued. In an attempt to find their feet, they often resort to what worked for them in their scientist/SME role. When that doesn't work quite as well as expected, they try to behave in ways they believe they should behave, often with devastating personal and professional consequences.
Highly educated people spend a lifetime being repeatedly and consistently valued, recognized, rewarded, and appreciated for their academic achievements and knowledge.
Education and academia cultivate belief and behaviour systems that serve people very well in roles where success is dependent on knowledge and expertise, but fail people in roles that demand highly refined emotional dexterity, powerful influence, and a deep understanding of the human condition. A classic case of what got you here won’t get you there.
I work with scientists and expert leaders to sharpen and finely tune the skills essential for effective, influential leadership that motivates and inspires people to do what is needed to deliver results and drive success.
Like science, great leadership can be learned.
"Tina is not only an incredible empathetic listener, but she also analyzes information she receives almost instantly and turns it into valuable insights. She does that with a very non-judgemental manner making you feel hand-in-hand with a colleague who has experienced and understood what you are going through."
Dr Deniz Kaya, Bausch & Lomb
Director, Medical Affairs
"I worked with Tina during a particularly challenging time in my professional life. She was a steadying, thoughtful, compassionate guide. I appreciated her wealth of experience, her ability to listen intently and then reflect, and her honesty and integrity. I didn’t want someone to merely support my position, but to challenge me, help me to reframe some of my experiences or to be a “devil’s advocate”, depending on the situation. She walked beside me, which buoyed my courage, reinforced my determination, and help me to avoid self-doubt. In short, Tina was an incredible resource and helped me immeasurably to weather some difficult storms and ultimately, to find infinitely calmer waters."
Dr Diane McIntosh, Telus Health
Psychiatrist & Chief Neuroscience Officer
"Although I underwent several 360 assessments over my career, I found Tina’s approach to be comprehensive, thorough and highly valuable. It covered a wide range of EI components and provided a level of details that allowed me to identify key areas that would require particular attention and efforts. Tina’s approach was very objective, grounded in evidence, and personalized. She took the time to meet with each of my respondents, asking them questions to seek their candid feedback. She also took time to present and discuss the results with me, and provided the context to help me better understand the data. What I appreciated particularly is that the various factors assessed were looked both individually and in their totality, which revealed additional helpful insight, for instance on possible causation links. Tina also conducted a 360 assessment of all of the executives within our organization. This broader exercise which was followed by individual coaching, has been instrumental in understanding the various mindsets at play, as well as common or recurring behaviours that may not be aligned with the desired culture. She continues to provide support and advice to our management team, including leadership training that focuses on the desired behaviours and mindsets. I have been extremely pleased with Tina’s services and professionalism. I highly recommend her to everyone who takes the 360-degree feedback process seriously."
Dr Manon Bombardier, Health Canada
Associate Deputy Minister
Government of Canada
"Tina has an exceptional ability to understand and identify bad habits that negatively influence our leadership, and then, to propose certain tweaks and attitudes that completely change our leadership style. I recommend Tina as an executive coach to anyone who wants to adapt and improve his/her leadership and has a positive and lasting impact on his/her team, colleagues, and company."
Dr Maxime Barakat, Bausch Health
Head, VP International Medical & Clinical Affairs
VP Global Medical Devices/Clinical Evaluation Group
Services
Executive Coaching
Working one-on-one or with groups, executive coaching is outcomes-based and is focused on creating client independence and the ability to self-coach.
At our initial meeting, we uncover the challenges you're facing and the outcomes you want. We establish the schedule that best meets your needs and then, we get to work.
Coaching meetings are 45-60 minutes and the majority are held virtually.
All 1:1 coaching mandates include an EQ self-assessment, and text and email support between live sessions.
My clients include emerging and established leaders who are physicians in clinical practice, MDs, PhDs and PharmDs in the private and public sectors (including Government), engineers in private industry, and scientists in academia.
Private and sponsored clients accepted.
360 Assessment
A highly effective, evidence-based way to understand very quickly how others experience you in comparison to how you perceive they experience you. For scientists and knowledge experts, this exercise is not only valuable, it's critical.
The 360 assessment immediately heightens self-awareness and provides quantitative and qualitative data to reveal leadership strengths and areas of exposure.
The 360 assessment includes:
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EQ360 assessment (eg self, manager, direct reports, peers, and others as indicated)
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Qualitative Interviews: Each respondent is invited for a 30-minute interview
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Complete report with detailed quantitative and qualitative results and individual plan
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Three 60-minute meetings:
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Set up
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Evaluation 1
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Evaluation 2
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EQi Assessment
A rapid, highly effective, evidence-based way to heighten self-awareness and understand your leadership strengths, potential, and exposure.
The EQi assessment includes:
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EQ self-assessment
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Complete report with detailed results and individual plan
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Three 60-minute meetings:
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Set up
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Evaluation 1
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Evaluation 2
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