Delivering transformational coaching for leaders, aspiring leaders and organisations
Explore alternative leadership approaches to improve
performance, mindset and resilience
What is Coaching?
“Coaching is unlocking people’s potential to maximise their own performance”; John Whitmore
Coaching is an evidence based, non-directive form of development that shares some overlaps with both mentoring and counselling, however is very different. It's a growth mechanism, it can be challenging, but at the end of the coaching process, you will have learned about yourself, developed increased self-awareness, and you will have a solid plan to help you achieve your goals.
The coaching programme - usually around 7 sessions - focuses on choice and accountability. I use a structured framework to create a space for you to really think and reflect on what you want to achieve, then come up with practical solutions and actions to support yourself to commit to take action in pursuit of your goals, which increases confidence, self-motivation and commitment.
Knowledge and experience are obviously important for performance but neither is as important as mindset, which is the level at which transformational coaching works. Coaching moves the focus of attention to strengths, successes and future possibilities. It leaves behind mistakes and failures and removes judgement, blame and limiting beliefs.
Why coaching and not training or mentoring?
"internal obstacles are often more daunting than external ones"
John Whitmore
For the leader, the clear and measurable benefits of individual coaching can include:
- better decision-making and strategic planning skills
- leading effectively through change and times of crisis
- the ability to motivate teams and communicate more effectively
- ways of managing stress and conflict
- increased confidence and self-belief.
Common themes include (but are not restricted to):
- work/life balance
- managing stress and improving wellbeing
- tackling Imposter Syndrome (the inner critic) and improving confidence
- identifying your organisations values and ways to express these
- finding meaning in your work
- managing conflict and relationships with others
- managing change and transitions
For the organisation, the results of providing executive coaching to a population of leaders or developing their coaching skills are likely to include:
- increased motivation and commitment from recipients of the coaching and their teams
- more creativity, empowerment and ownership unleashed in the business
- high employee engagement and retention of key people
- underpinning effective implementation of organisational change through supporting teams and individuals
- greater efficiency from teams acting with more agility and collaboration
About me
I’m Abby Traynor, a freelance, qualified transformational business coach affiliated to the EMCC (European Mentoring and Coaching Council) at practitioner level.
I use evidence based approaches, business models and strategies, and a recognised coaching framework to support you to achieve your goals. I work with leaders, aspiring leaders and individuals who want to take control of the trajectory of their lives, in business, and in life, as well as with organisations.
I am a qualified personal trainer, have competed in powerlifting and currently volunteer as a kids Olympic weightlifting coach. As such, I also offer support with wellbeing, as coaching to achieve personal health goals is really powerful as it can help to unlock negative patterns that are preventing success.
I am also Chief Executive of a small charity based in North Shields, about six miles from Newcastle on the North East coast, which supports families affected by domestic abuse to recover from their experiences. In total I have worked for public and voluntary sector organisations in the North East for around 20 years, with experience in strategic development, project management, service and programme delivery, people management and service user engagement.
In summary, I have a wealth of knowledge about behaviour change, overcoming barriers to success and about successful leadership approaches. I am a huge advocate for the coaching process. Get in touch to find out more.
Services
Testimonials
"I can confidently say, Abby’s help at a much needed time had a huge positive impact on my life. Owning and running a business is very very stressful and often lonely. Having the regular sessions with Abby helped me structure things more effectively and efficiently. This lead to having a much more relaxed home life and giving me the time and head space to enjoy my evenings and weekends with my family"
Director, South Shields
"Abby consistently provided a safe environment to explore the various topics. She was able to easily move between different coaching styles and techniques to ensure each session resulted in tangible outcomes.
Abby was also able help me understand the root of certain thought patterns I currently have. This demonstrated her ability to listen and then respond with insightful questions. These questions enabled me to unpack my own narrative"
Director, North Tyneside
"Abby was very efficient and easy to talk to, I felt that she listened to my problems in the business and with time management especially.
Abby’ s approach helped me to formulate action plans to tackle my overloaded mind and helped tremendously in helping me take the decisions needed going forward."
Director, North Shields
"Abby obviously understands the pressure of running a business and managing staff as she has similar responsibilities, and this made me feel like I had access not only to coaching but to peer support, and the acknowledgement that there are common issues experienced by all which is comforting.
Abby’s process is structured and action focused which was really useful for me, and she was easy to talk to. Clever questioning made me think about things in a different way. Overall I found the process really valuable and would recommend Abby’s services."
Director, Newcastle