Why Leading the Movement?
Rebecca leads, and is responsible for expanding, the place-based initiatives across the county. Her focus is on strengthening opportunities, building relationships and enhancing stakeholder engagement through a team of six Active Communities Officers, a Place Projects Officer and a Place Analyst.
The key barriers to activity include rural isolation, low incomes, poor transportation and limited service access. Addressing these inequalities, while coordinating multiple partners with differing agendas, requires a leadership approach that's inclusive, patient and grounded in lived experience. Rebecca realised she needed support to boost her resilience, clarity and influence in order to lead effectively.
Leading the Movement seemed like the perfect opportunity at the right time for Rebecca. She aimed to:
- Develop a more inclusive and confident leadership style that would help her navigate complexity, build stronger relationships and influence systems more effectively.
- Engage in reflective practice and promote inclusive leadership, both of which were essential in her sphere of influence.
"My coaching experience was fantastic. Having protected time to pause, reflect and step back from the day-to-day pressures was invaluable."
Challenges
In her senior management role, Rebecca faced several challenges:
- Rebecca was tasked with managing an increasing volume of responsibilities, including supporting a diverse team with various needs and working styles, as well as overseeing the complexities of Sport England's Place Partnerships programme.
- She often felt stretched between the operational demands of her role, the strategic expectations placed upon her and the emotional labour required to lead her team through periods of change.
- She found herself leading without formal authority.
- A significant part of Rebecca's job involved influencing external partners who had their own priorities, pressures and organisational cultures. This frequently led to tension and, at times, a feeling of being accountable for outcomes despite lacking full control over the necessary levers to achieve them.
"Many of the challenges faced were rooted in the realities of inequality across Norfolk. Our place-based work focuses on communities experiencing the greatest barriers to activity."
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Coaching experience
"From the initial matching process to the structure of the sessions, everything felt thoughtfully designed."
- Safe and brave space: The coach created a space where Rebecca felt both supported and challenged, enabling her to explore her leadership style, assumptions and habits.
- Self-led approach: Rebecca was pleasantly surprised that the coaching was more about her own reflection than her coach's direction. Although she initially sought answers, she found that working through her challenges independently was demanding, yet empowering once she realised she had identified the pathway herself.
Professional benefits
- Gained significant confidence.
- Became adept at leading complex conversations and navigating difficult situations independently.
- Learned to focus her energy, support her team and set clearer boundaries for sustainable work.
- Helped Rebecca shift from coping with pressure to leading with clarity and balance.
Personal benefits
- Stronger self-awareness.
- Recognition of slipping into overworking patterns.
- Realisation of undertaking too much responsibility for others.
Impacts and reflections
"This opportunity has been pivotal in my development as a leader. I now have a toolkit of approaches I can draw on, from reflective questioning to boundary setting and more inclusive ways of engaging partners."
Rebecca approached partnerships and internal meetings in a new way. Previously, she felt pressured to drive the agenda and take full responsibility for the outcomes. Since receiving coaching, she's adopted a more facilitative and inclusive style. She now creates space for everyone to contribute, encourages shared ownership and is comfortable with a slower, more relational pace of progress. This shift has strengthened her trust, improved collaboration and alleviated the burden she was carrying.
"My advice to leaders is to start by listening to the communities they aim to support. Addressing inequality requires patience, humility and an understanding of diverse experiences. Building strong relationships is crucial, as trust is the foundation of lasting change. It's important to embrace curiosity and reflection rather than seeking answers. Lastly, prioritise your own wellbeing; sustainable leadership depends on maintaining your balance in emotionally demanding environments."
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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