Why Leading the Movement?
Already familiar with the value of coaching, Hayley saw engaging with Leading the Movement as a unique opportunity. Unlike her existing coaching arrangements, this programme was designed specifically around Sport England's strategy and the type of leadership needed to tackle inequalities.
She recognised the importance of investing in leaders at this stage of the journey and was drawn to the programme's promise of:
- A different coaching style to complement her existing support.
- A safe space to reflect on vulnerabilities and growth.
- Tools tailored to the challenges of systemic change and inequality.
"From the beginning, I wanted to try different coaching methodologies to unlock new ways of leading and there's been so much more value beyond what I expected."
"Coaching has been life changing, career changing and world changing. It's helped me unlock things in my leadership, in my work and in my life."
Challenges
As a leader focussed on systems change, Hayley faced several challenges:
- Navigating the complexities of whole-systems leadership to address inequalities.
- Balancing her role as CEO with personal vulnerabilities in unchartered territory.
- Unlocking new leadership approaches beyond her current coaching.
- Managing clarity and resilience.
- Building confidence to lead in uncertainty and continual change.
"The deeper we go into tackling inequalities, the more complex and challenging it feels and that requires us to lead differently."
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Coaching experience
"Coaching wasn't just a professional intervention, it was 'beautifully bookended' by a period of deep reflection that I carried into my personal and professional life."
Three main principles were integrated into Hayley's unique coaching experience:
- Adaptive approach: Sessions were flexed to meet her needs, including a memorable "walk and talk" session that unlocked fresh perspectives and clarity.
- Focus on her book: During this time, Hayley was writing a book and her coach used this a live example to surface limiting beliefs and explore new ways of thinking.
- Grounding and reflective tools: At times of overwhelm coaching introduced more mindful approaches, helping her to find calm, perspective and a renewed focus.
Professional benefits
- Gained new perspectives and methods.
- Strengthened resilience in leading complex, high-stakes work.
- Applied practical coaching tools to tackle systemic challenges.
- Developed greater confidence to lead differently and create space for innovation.
Personal benefits
- Found grounding during moments of overwhelm and change.
- Deepened self-awareness of long-held patterns and behaviours.
- Created memorable moments of reflection.
- Strengthened both family and community relationships alongside work impact.
Impacts and reflections
"I'm a work in progress. Coaching reminded me of that and gave me confidence to keep learning, adapting and leading with humility."
Hayley continues to apply the habits and tools gained from her Leading the Movement coaching experience in her approach to her health, family and organisational leadership, as she continues her work with her longstanding coach and engages in other learning and development activity independently and with her team.
Ultimately, it reminded her that we're all a work in progress and that effective leadership in addressing inequalities requires humility, curiosity and ongoing support.
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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