When the answer had to be unequivocally yes.

Blog

Journal

The Art of Possible

November 26, 2018

•

5 min read

'Do you trust me? Are you ready?' Whispered a beautifully French-accented voice in my ear.To set the scene, at this point I was sitting at the open door of a Cessna Caravan at 3000m strapped to a parachute instructor ready for my first sky dive. Upon reflection, I don't think he can have been whispering.

The experience was utterly extraordinary and I can understand the draw to go straight back up and do it again.

When I got back down to earth and adrenalin levels were back to something nearing normal, I couldn't help but ponder the concept of trust and that question 'do you trust me?' moments before leaping out the open door of a plane.Before the skydive, we were at the air hangar several hours before, time enough to observe the dynamic and teamwork.

As an Executive Coach regularly observing global teams and leaders in action, those that thrive, succeed and perform over their competitors invariably have uncommon levels of trust amongst each other.

Whilst awaiting my 'jump' I watched countless parachutes be re-packed having been scooped off the airfield. It transpired that the team pack each others 'chutes. There was lots of communication, consistency and clarification.

Trust is built through success, but even faster through failure, adversity or learning.When you or the team fails, or are faced with a challenge, how everyone responds to failure is a great litmus test for whether you can trust each other or not. WD-40 CEO, Garry Ridge sees failure as an opportunity to learn.

'Leadership is about learning and teaching, he explains, why waste getting old if you can't get wise?'If that isn't compelling enough, according to a recent study by researchers from Lund University and Stockholm University, people who trust others live longer - those who do not increase their risk of a shortened life. "Whether or not you trust other people, including strangers, makes a difference of about 10 months in terms of life expectancy", says Alexander Miething, researcher at Stockholm University and one of the co-authors of the study.

If you need some help individually or collectively, creating deeper levels of trust or inspiration with your next goals, do get in touch.

Wishing you everything that is possible.My warmest wishes,Kate

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.