Client Stories: Spiritual Guidance
Looking for Greater Satisfaction
When I met Anne she was by many standards already successful. She had been at a financial advisory firm, as a senior advisor, for 13 years and had survived several layoffs. Surprisingly, though, Anne didn't value herself. In proverbial half-empty fashion, she saw only her inability to manage time and workflow and her total disorganization. Moreover, as a wife and mother of two young daughters, she felt limited in all of her roles: mother, wife and professional.
Adding insult to injury, if you pointed out any accomplishment, success or talent, Anne was completely unable to hear it. Self-approval did not come easily to her.
Anne managed a heavy load of clients and a significant volume of assets expertly, yet at meeting with clients, she took no notes, carrying everything in her head (with remarkable success, I might add). Anne seemed incapable of harnessing her work load or confronting her desk, which spilled over with bulging 6" binders, leaving the space so chronically crowded that she had no place to work. Anne did have an assistant, an MBA himself, but being unable to manage her own workflow, she did not give him timely direction or follow up, and he wasn't able to provide the support she needed.
Anne's success with her clients came not just out of her financial acumen, but her genuine, caring nature. Always wanting to serve, she readily promised follow-up and outcomes, but always disorganized, she was more often than not, late in delivering. When we met, Anne lived in fear of client calls and emails reminding her of unfulfilled promises and incomplete paperwork.
But Anne was willing. And that is a major ingredient for a successful coaching experience. She was persistent in tackling her weaknesses and unceasing in trying new approaches. If one technique failed, she was ready to try another. As we worked together, Anne learned what she valued most. She used this then in making decisions, staying true to herself and to her objectives.
During our three years together, Anne has become a self-assured, rapidly growing business unit, setting the bar ever higher, reaching for new clients, taking risks, and stretching way beyond her comfort zone. In doing so, she has discovered new personal assets to complement her growing financial assets, which have tripled. and has become a first class manager of work, time and even space. She keeps up-to-date with client promises, eliminating the cloud of dread that prevented her from feeling expansive and open.
In our coaching relationship, Anne allowed me to be supportive, candid, professorial, demanding, or driving, as needed, making her supremely coachable. As a result, Anne has developed a discipline and watchfulness that enable her to avoid slipping back in her work habits. And vignettes from Anne's home life tell us both that her family is also benefiting from her professional progress. Anne would mention often that she wanted to set a good example for her two daughters. With her hard work and commitment, I would say Anne can be darn proud of the model she is providing in two different and demanding professional roles, mother and career executive.
Wynne gave me a new direction, based upon a better understanding of my personal values, which she helped me unearth. When you are busy living, you don't take the time to look inside. Wynne helps you get inside yourself in order to formulate a new direction.
—Senior Vice President, Financial Advisory Firm