The Faces of Change: 3 Real Stories of Redefining Leadership
- Mar 6
- 4 min read
If I asked you to picture a “leader,” who comes to mind?
For a long time, the corporate world sold us a very specific image of leadership. It was loud, unwavering, and had all the answers. But when you are standing at the cusp of a transition, stepping into a new role, scaling a business, or simply sensing that the old ways no longer fit, that rigid mold can feel suffocating.
The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to navigating change. You don't need a perfect plan, and you certainly don't need to be "fixed." You simply need to be seen, heard, and supported as you uncover your own path forward.
Since becoming a professional coach, I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible individuals across vastly different industries. Their transitions were completely unique, but the foundational work was the same. Here are three real stories of leaders who stopped trying to fit the mold and started carving their own path.
1. The EDI Senior Advisor: Challenging Preconceived Notions
The Catalyst: When you step into a role that requires guiding others through complex, human-centric issues, the pressure to "look and sound" like a traditional leader can be heavy. Jill was carrying the weight of a preconceived notion of leadership, worrying she didn't fit the expected criteria.
The Coaching: In our work together, we leaned heavily into the Uncover phase of the CUSP pathway. Rather than trying to force Jill into a pre-existing leadership box, we approached her current beliefs with patience and curiosity, shifting her perspective to explore fresh options that aligned with who she authentically is.
In Her Words:
"Being coached by Brian helped me understand how I wanted to show up as a leader. I had this preconceived notion of what a leader looked, sounded, and acted like, and I worried that I didn't emulate those qualities. Brian challenged this notion with patience and curiosity. The impact he's had on the way I lead is something I will forever carry with me. I am thankful for our sessions, as they helped me carve my own path to explore and thrive." Jill Magtanong, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Senior Advisor, TRIUMF
2. The Chief Business Officer: Identifying Saboteurs for High Performance
The Catalyst: At the executive level, the pace is fast and the stakes are high. For Dr. Samuel White, the goal wasn't just navigating day-to-day challenges; it was about maintaining high performance while gaining rapid clarity on complex issues.
The Coaching: High performers often have deeply ingrained "saboteurs," internal voices that drive us but can also hold us back. Our coaching focused on holding up a mirror to these saboteurs. By bringing them into the light (our Source phase), Sam was able to strip away the noise and build the momentum needed to turn insight into actionable change.
In His Words:
"Brian is a talented coach, and his passion shines through in how he approaches every conversation. I always looked forward to our sessions and consistently walked away with something valuable to use. In his role as my executive coach, Brian was 100% present and curious. He held up a mirror which challenged me to identify my so-called 'saboteurs'. His coaching has provided me with the tools to rapidly gain clarity on various challenges and consistently perform at a high level. Brian is patient, motivational, and incredibly insightful. I highly recommend working with him!" Dr. Samuel White, Chief Business Officer, TargED Biopharmaceuticals
3. The Creative Director: The Power of Psychological Safety
The Catalyst: As a founder and creative director, your personal life and your business are often deeply intertwined. Navigating transitions in this space requires immense vulnerability, which means the environment to explore those changes must be incredibly secure.
The Coaching: Before any real forward action can happen, we have to Centre. This means pausing, naming what brought you here, and feeling what is present. With Jesse, establishing a grounded starting point and deep psychological safety was paramount. When you coach the whole person, not just the business topic, that is where the magic of lasting change happens.
In His Words:
"Brian is incredibly warm and kind, he creates a space that feels safe and welcoming. You can tell he’s deeply trustworthy and wise, which makes opening up feel natural. It’s like talking to someone who truly gets it. What feels unique with Brian is the personal connection we already had as friends. He knows the ins and outs of my life, which adds a level of depth and understanding that feels really special." Jesse Hawes, Co-Owner & Creative Director, Mon Pitou
Are You Standing at the Cusp?
An EDI Advisor, a Biopharmaceuticals Executive, and a Creative Director. Three completely different worlds, but they all share one vital truth: the hardest part of change is taking the first step.
Whether you are seeking clarity, stepping into new influence, or trying to unearth your own saboteurs, you don't have to navigate the unknown alone.
Let’s explore what’s possible for you.
