If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere.

Journal

February 28, 2018

•

5 min read

Sitting in my office as I look out at a snowy scene, we’re variously trudging, finding a way through or grinding to a halt as we cope with the ‘Beast from the East’ as it has been dubbed. Resilient as the UK is, we’re not so good in extremes of weather.

The joy of snow is however unmistakable, whatever the practical implications. Leaving fresh tracks in the snow is magical and a powerful analogy for life.

Whether a new role, product, process or something that is utterly uncharted in your business or indeed the world, making new tracks is as special as it is sometimes scary. Forging a new path or following your passion can be challenging and hard, but it can also be uplifting and satisfying, as we invariably discover hidden depths to our being.

Earlier this month, I was privileged to interview Billy Ward, global motorcycle adventurer and journalist.

The conversation was about how he forged his own path, how travel and adventure broadens and widens our perspective, and that the tricky obstacles often turn out to be the greatest catalysts to change and growth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAUJy_nsgMAI hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed making it.And if you need some help or inspiration with finding your new path, you know where we are.As Ralph Marston said ‘There are plenty of difficult obstacles in your path. Don’t allow yourself to become one of them.

’My warmest wishes,KateKate Tojeiro is an Executive Coach to executives and leaders across the world in both large corporations and small cutting edge businesses, and author of The Art of Possible.

What Our Clients Say

The trusted partner for FTSE, Fortune 500, Nasdaq, NYSE listed companies, and beyond.

Kate’s coaching has had a profound effect on me professionally and personally accelerated career growth, confidence, conviction, authenticity in all that I do. I gained clarity on my drivers and others perceptions; the nudge when I needed it, the right questions to get to the core issues holding me back, allowing me to push through my limits and turn potential into world class performance.

Kathy Harper

Board Director, Sasol, Modine Manufacturing, Chair, Venator

Kate's coaching has been instrumental in helping me transition from "working in" my business to "working on" it. Through her guidance, I've been able to step back and understand where my true value lies within my company. This has allowed me to concentrate on the most urgent and strategic activities needed to advance my business while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I highly recommend Kate!

Simon Childs

Founder and Managing Director, Childsey

I’ve worked with Kate during two pivotal stages of my career: first as a mid-level manager at a multinational resources company and more recently over the past four years as I stepped into my first CEO role. Kate takes the time to truly understand you-not just as a professional, but as a person-building a foundation of trust that makes her guidance incredibly impactful. Her ability to listen deeply, offer fresh perspectives, and gently highlight when I may be veering towards the irrational is invaluable. While our sessions often feel like informal chats, she has a unique way of reframing challenges and inspiring me to take action, particularly in areas where I tend to procrastinate. Whether coaching in person or online, Kate consistently brings her wealth of knowledge, the latest research, and unwavering support. She has my back and has undoubtedly helped me grow and become more effective as a leader. I highly recommend her as a coach.

Ryan Cavanagh

CEO, Timberland, NZ

Sitting down with Kate for the first time was the result of a serendipitous series of events, but she was critical to transforming my perspective. I’d been eyes down in a fast paced, jet-lag induced career for twenty years. Kate gave me the space, time and perspective to look up. Now a permanent feature in my life, she unlocks the best in me, and keeps me focused.

Ben Whattam

Co-founder and CEO, RisingGen

It has been a privilege to work with Kate as my executive coach, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the impact she has had on my professional growth. Kate brings a remarkable level of insight and intuitive understanding to each session and quickly identifies the core issues I ‘m facing. Her ability to listen deeply and provide tailored feedback helped me gain clarity on my strengths and areas of growth. She offered invaluable strategies for relationship management and guidance on navigating complex organizational, cultural and geographical dynamics that I had previously struggled with. Kate helped me develop practical skills and also empowered me to make confident, strategic decisions. I highly recommend Kate to any executive looking to elevate their career and deepen their impact.

Eileen Graber

CFO, PSABDP

I’ve worked with Kate prior to and since becoming Senior Partner of Kingsley Napley, and I’ve always found her support invaluable. She’s very perceptive and is a good listener, and she’s helped me step back and reflect in a more considered way. At the same time, she isn’t afraid to question and challenge, and has helped me to see different perspectives and opportunities. I’ve also really valued her advice and experience. She’s well connected and has clearly worked with those holding leadership roles in a variety of sectors, including in professional services.

James Fulforth

Senior Partner, Kingsley Napley

Kate has an incredible ability to challenge you with finesse, pushing you gently, yet firmly, toward breakthroughs you once considered out of reach, pushing you out of your comfort zone all while making you feel completely comfortable in your own skin. I can’t recommend Kate enough for anyone looking to unlock their potential and lead with confidence and clarity.

Oktawia Cannon

Director, People and Culture

I recently had the pleasure of participating in an all day workshop that Kate facilitated. Her ability to bring a group to a place of openness and transparency, to make progress forming as a team was absolutely fantastic. She brings to her work a great balance of both practical and academic insights, with the right amount of fun to keep everyone fully engaged! I look forward to finding more ways to leverage Kate and her teams talents to help us all be better, work better and do better for all those we impact.

Accenture

SENIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR

I cannot speak more highly of Kate. She is the single most influential individual I have met in the past couple of years in terms of my development. Her compassion, empathy, tone (a wonderful mix of pragmatic and gentle yet direct) and positivity enabled me to view, accept and strengthen my authentic self. Thank you! I hope this is the beginning of a long, great relationship.

FTSE 250

HEAD OF LEGAL

NYSE Global Management Consultancy

Senior Managing Director

Kate is a brilliant executive coach, very insightful and extremely observant. She approaches questions with empathy, practical answers and yet without leaving objectivity and structure.

GLOBAL BANK

HEAD OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Having interviewed and observed approximately 500 executive coaches in my role at HSBC, Kate stood out. She has the ability to challenge you, bring out the best in you, dig deep and see more in you than you ever believe you can do yourself.

HSBC

DIRECTOR

Kate is an amazing and insightful person and I found working with her to be highly rewarding and of great value. Her ability to help you recognise your own potential and see things more clearly would have been called witchcraft in the 17th century!

TECHNOLOGY CO.