Why Leading the Movement?
Claire discovered Leading the Movement through a newsletter from the Active Partnerships Network highlighting the coaching support available. She was eager to explore coaching as a developmental opportunity.
Claire saw coaching as a way to reflect more intentionally, build leadership capacity and develop new tools to navigate the challenges of the next phase of Place work in Hertfordshire.
"I've worked with a mentor before, but never a coach. [My coach] was like my critical friend - she challenged my thinking and helped me grow through difficult situations. Coaching helped me understand myself better as a leader, which I know will shape how effective I am in driving change and supporting others."
Challenges
Claire plays a central role in helping address inequalities through place-based working. The scale and complexity of her challenges include:
- Bridging the gap between project delivery and systemic change.
- Understanding how Herts Sport Partnership, as a small cog in a larger system, can influence and drive meaningful change.
- Keeping a geographically spread team connected and aligned.
- Building confidence to influence senior stakeholders effectively.
- Finding ways to measure and demonstrate meaningful impact.
"I knew there were complexities to this new approach and I wanted to improve myself as a leader to better support my team in delivering this work."
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Coaching experience
"Coaching has helped me grow in confidence. I now feel more able to challenge, ask the right questions and have greater impact across my team and the wider organisation."
Claire's experience was marked by honest conversation, structured reflection and practical learning. The highlights of her coaching journey included:
- Dedicated reflection: Claire carved out one hour each week between sessions to actively reflect.
- Critical friendship: Her coach provided both challenge and support, offering new perspectives without judgement.
- Actionable theory: Claire was introduced to leadership frameworks that were practical and suited her learning style.
- Personal growth: The coaching created a safe environment for Claire to explore her strengths and leadership identity.
Benefits
- Deepened self-awareness and confidence as a leader.
- Improved clarity of thought and direction.
- Created sustainable weekly reflection habits.
- Strengthened ability to ask powerful questions and lead with purpose.
- Gained tools and strategies to manage complexity, change and evaluation.
- Integrated leadership theory into everyday decision-making.
- Strengthened communication and influence within the organisation and senior stakeholders.
Impacts and reflections
The greatest impact for Claire has been a renewed confidence and a reflective practice that continues to shape her work. She has even started a reflective log to document small and large wins, learnings and key moments - something she plans to maintain going forward. Her growth in confidence has enabled her to lead with greater authenticity and impact and to remain grounded in her passion for making a difference.
"As a leader, you've got to love what you do. I wanted to better myself because I care and that passion drives everything I do."
Ready to lead with clarity and confidence?
Whether you're navigating systems change, supporting your team, or shaping strategy, our programme offers personalised coaching that's supportive, practical and impactful. Take the first step and self-nominate today to lead in your space with purpose.
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