What is Coaching?

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as “partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. The process of coaching often unlocks previously untapped sources of imagination, productivity and leadership.”

In keeping with this definition, I partner with my clients as a curious, non-judgmental sounding board, thought partner, and listener.

What’s Next?

Contact us and book a session or reach out by email (howard@strengthenleadership.com). Worst case, you’ll meet someone new, get to tell your story in a non-judgmental space, and be heard. Then it’s up to you to decide next steps. There is no expectation or obligation to proceed. The intro call is free no matter what you decide.

How Do I Work with You?

After you contact us, we will meet during a free discovery call held via telephone (or WhatsApp) if you are located outside of the United States). The goals of this session are to —

  • Help you understand whether coaching meets your needs

  • Help us both see if our styles and personalities align

If we are a good “fit,” and you want to work together, we will generally meet 2 - 3 times each month for approximately 55 minutes. The sessions will take place by telephone, Zoom, or WhatsApp if you are outside of the United States. The number of sessions will vary depending on your goals and circumstances.

Are We a Match?

The single most important thing about coaching is finding a coach that is a good fit. You have your own personality, life experience, style, and energy, and your coach does too. You should not partner with someone who you don’t feel like you can be your whole self with, who makes you feel tense or unheard, who you feel you need or want to impress, or who doesn’t “get” you.

I invite you to learn more about me from my bio and my LinkedIn page; but I want to share a little more about my coaching style and clients.

My coaching style is laid back, humorous, curious, collaborative, and non-judgmental. My only goal is to support you in achieving your goals.

My clients are from different industries, positions, demographics, countries, and circumstances; but they share some common characteristics. My clients:

  • Are in the middle of a significant personal or professional transition.

  • Are having trouble figuring out a work problem and feel like it’s connected to something deeper

  • Are on a journey to find deeper meaning and greater impact in their lives.

  • Are seeking a purpose that pulls them forward into action.

  • Have special talents to offer the world, even if they aren’t sure exactly what they are or lack the confidence to showcase them.

  • Are committed to personal growth and learning.

  • Want to be part of something greater than themselves.

  • Are ready to stop letting others, external situations, or their own fears hold them back.

  • Are in roles where it feels important to “have it all together.”

  • Have a complex, inner world of thoughts, plans, fears, and wishes hidden in their minds.

  • Want to break through any beliefs, barriers, and stories to reveal their true, authentic selves.

What Should I Expect?

I am curious. I ask questions and listen deeply. If a question sparks something in you, I’ll give you the space and quiet you need to reflect. There is no pressure to answer quickly.

Coaching is not an interview. There is plenty of pressure in your every day to have it all together or give the “right” answers. Our conversations don’t have that pressure. I strive to create a space where you can safely explore, process, and meander as you talk.

I share what I am hearing and my intuition and want you to be open about whether my thoughts resonate with you. Coaching is not about me being correct. It is about me understanding and hearing you so I can support you.

I give homework. I’ll set tasks related to your goals, actions, or mindset shifts for you to work on between our calls - and encourage you to give your best effort to complete them. I will hold you accountable to the homework in the way you tell me you respond to best.

I deeply believe in my clients and their potential - sometimes more than they believe in themselves. Based on my belief, sometimes I will push you to envision possibilities that are greater than you see or challenge you on your stories or beliefs.

I’m your coach every day, not just during sessions. Our conversations often spark broader thinking and progress. Feel free to reach out between sessions if you:

  • Encounter a challenge or feel trapped.

  • Experience a breakthrough or shift in perspective.

  • Can’t wait to share a success story.

What Our Clients are Saying

  • What I appreciate the most about Howard is his balance between support and challenge, pushing me to stretch beyond my comfort zone while providing unwavering encouragement. Through his sense of humor and sharing his own experiences, Howard created a safe space for me to feel comfortable being open. Howard has the amazing ability to sense the right time to speak up and let me be in the moment with myself.

    Founder

  • I discussed topics with Howard that were my mind for some time yet I hadn't approached them in coaching before. The safety of the space that he created allows for a deep dive into tough topics.

    C-Suite Executive

  • I’ve worked with a lot of coaches over the years as a leader. Howard is different. He can see things others haven’t. He has a sense of when there is something behind the something.

    VP, Healthcare

  • What I most appreciate about Howard is that he understands me and he really believes in me. Sometimes, when I need more confidence, I call Howard to borrow some of the confidence he has in me.

    CEO

  • It's been amazing. Howard is incredibly easy to talk to and asked really thought-provoking questions that helped me see things in a different light. I would recommend Howard 100% - a 1000 times over. He has helped me tremendously, and I can't thank him enough for all his has done. He's helped me explore avenues I wouldn't have before and stop approaching situations reactively out of frustration and past experiences - and taking a curious and collaborative approach.

    Senior Leader, pubicly traded healthcare company.

  • As a result of our work together, I was able to gain self-awareness of my strengths, and open myself up to accomplishments I didn't know were available to me. I was able to discover my own unique leadership style, and become a more open-minded and authentic person.

    Executive

  • Howard has an incredibly professional, easy, collaborative, coaching style. His strengths include his ability to establish ease, presence and a collaborative environment where it feels like you are working with a true partner. His questions inspire deep thinking. I could rely on Howard to offer insight as to what he was seeing and then pose a unique question that causes me to totally reorient my way of thinking about the situation in a way that was different than what I have experienced in other coaching experiences.

    Description goes here

  • Howard did an excellent job asking insightful and probing questions. As a seasoned leader making a career shift was really challenging. Howard helped me see some of the stories and beliefs I was holding onto. Letting those go gave me a completely new perspective, built my confidence, and allowed me to see options I never would have let myself consider..

    Former VP, Founder

  • Howard is an excellent coach. His presence establishes an environment where you feel honoured, respected and supported.

    Founder, Canada