Objective: A leader in a technically operational business had been tasked with crafting and implementing an uplift strategy for an underperforming team. Operationally strong and highly capable, the leader was given an opportunity to further develop his leadership capabilities in a testing environment. He was entrusted with leading a team with significant capability gaps, material resistance to change, and uniquely challenging dynamics. The goal: implement the uplift strategy effectively and effect cultural evolution while ensuring continuity of delivery in a high-pressure environment.

Approach: Catalyst Strategy Director, Philip Woods, provided a bespoke blend of coaching and mentoring support, extending on an earlier partnership established to design the strategy. The approach blended formal coaching with practical guidance, combining regular, structured one-on-one sessions and on-call support.

Acting as a confidential sounding board, we helped the leader explore options, assess risks, and make deliberate, high-impact decisions. At times the role was coaching, guiding reflection, challenging assumptions, and supporting mindset shifts. At others, it was mentoring, sharing lived experience, proven frameworks, and just-in-time advice to support clarity, confidence, and momentum.

Positive Impact: The leader was able to implement strategy effectively, make well-considered decisions, and navigate resistance with composure and assurance. Team engagement and performance improved materially, and the leader has developed a reputation as a positive change agent.

Having access to a trusted, experienced external advisor enabled a broader perspective and provided a layer of support that complemented formal reporting lines. It also gave the organisation’s executive team confidence that the leader of this key function was being thoughtfully supported.

This engagement reinforced the value of leadership coaching that adapts to context. We bring the experience and emotional intelligence to know when to coach and when to advise, always focused on empowering the leader to perform at their best.

If you’re looking for a trusted adviser, mentor, and coach, let’s explore how Catalyst Strategy can help.