Executive Coach
Individual, Group & Board Coaching
Team Advisor and Mentor
With over 30 years’ experience collaborating with the super-major of industry, I understand the significance and value of independent counsel, even for the most seasoned professional.
My expertise lies at the intersection of commercial results and behaviour because knowing what to do matters little if people don’t know how to work, perform, and win together.
As one of the world’s leading lights in behaviour, Karen helps to mentor and advise people on how to navigate the complexities that arise when working in a large organisation
Who is coaching for?
Executive coaching has been the domain of senior executives for too long. Accelerating the performance of people once they’ve reached the top is invaluable, but what happens on the way up? I design my coaching sessions to empower people of all ages, capabilities, and experience.
A single session, or a series, is perfect for people who:
1. Are motivated to push boundaries and take positive risks but need support from senior stakeholders and / or team members
2. Need help in building / rebuilding relationships
3. Need to have difficult conversations or rebuild resilience after a negative event/s
4. Want to build engagement and trust with others
5. Want to become a leaders leader
Executive coach and high-performance strategist
An inconvenient truth about working in a large organisation is that success is less about what you do, but how you do it. Working with multiple stakeholders with a myriad of experiences and capabilities is hard because people are complex, unique, and imperfect. It takes almost superhuman effort to navigate our way through conflicting objectives, biases, and egos. And then, of course, you need to start working on key deliverables.
With over 30years of first-hand experience working in some of the world’s largest organisations, my personal coaching services and techniques are pragmatic, powerful, and focused. My aim is to help you develop the skills, communication, presence, and behaviours that will develop your ability to collaborate, build credibility, and be happy in your career.
What does a typical coaching session look like?
Each engagement is approached with positivity and a growth mindset. With a strong focus of where the individual is today and where they want to be, we explore the context, motivations and behaviours required to orchestrate what’s required, and importantly, what new strategies we need to adopt to transform career and cultural performance.
What should I expect from my coach?
Honesty, experience, and positive strategies to try. There isn’t a person alive who hasn’t made a mistake, and I am no exception to that rule. I will work with you and share my firsthand experiences and knowledge to give you the clarity and confidence to try a new approach to the real challenges you face every day. I see my role as a key to unlock what is holding you back in your career, and what can we do to propel you forward.
“Very little gets past Karen. She calls me out when I’ve done something dumb and cheers me on to be better than I thought I could.”
New Manager, Aged 34
“I hate to admit it, but I was bringing the worst version of myself to the table. I was disgruntled, disengaged, and counting down the years to my retirement.
One session with Karen knocked me out of my funk and gave me insight into a new purpose and role I could adopt in my final years. My team is grateful, and I feel alive again.”
Team leader, Aged 57
“A week later, and I’m still thinking about my session with Karen. I wish I’d met her 20 years ago.”
Director, Aged 50
1:1 Executive Coaching with Karen Connell
1. Understand and enhance how you “show up” as a leader
2. Articulate your leadership brand, and learn how to create and sell your vision with confidence & authority
3. Build the executive presence and gravitas that gets noticed by other leaders
4. Override negative perceptions or experiences with deliberate strategies designed to highlight your true value
5. Engage positively through conflict and/or hard conversations
6. Be considered high potential and get promoted
I work with people wanting serious careers.
My coaching services are in high demand, and there is only one of me.
To qualify as a VIP client and receive 1:1 coaching, you should have serious commercial ambitions and be able to commit to at least 1 hour every 2 weeks.
Qualified clients can expect:
A comprehensive personal report outlining your preferred behaviours. This report provides the foundation for how to change the way you work, perform, and lead.
8 x 1 hour behaviour and business coaching sessions with me via Teams / Zoom
Single Career Triage (Emergency support) sessions sold separately
1 x 360 degree feedback survey (from your chosen colleagues)
12 month unlimited email support
Payment plans can be arranged by request
Testimonials
"Karen is not only an amazing marketing consultant and trainer, but also an incredibly skilled career coach. I felt she really understood my challenges and goals and met me right where I needed the most help. She challenged me to get out of my comfort zone. Her advice was invaluable in helping me see opportunities, be more impactful and develop my own personal brand. Karen exuberates positivity, which makes her an absolute delight to work with. I can highly recommend Karen to anyone who wants to take their career to the next level and discover their full potential."
Susanne Branham, Global Customer Insights Low Carbon Solutions - Shell
I've worked with Karen for 8 years in both group and individual settings. Her guidance has profoundly impacted my thinking, actions, and communication style. Karen's respectful challenges and encouragement to think beyond conventional patterns have accelerated my career through enhanced self-awareness. Her sessions are insightful yet fun—even hilarious—while consistently delivering results that far exceed expectations. Karen quickly connects with people and brings out their best. I'm deeply grateful for her mentorship and highly recommend her for career advancement or leadership development.
Drew Kerr - B2B Marketing Leader | Digital Transformation | Energy Transition | Driving Decarbonisation - Shell
“Karen is fantastic. She has a great ability to understand the dynamics of people and in a very clear and articulate way helps teams understand how they can work better together. I highly recommend Karen, she is a great communicator and brings her real life experience into her courses in a dynamic and professional way. I will def be using Karen for many years to come."
Jeff Green - International Contact Centre and Business Process Outsourcing Expert - Shell
I had the privilege of participating in Karen’s Coaching Leadership Strategy course, which was a game-changer. Karen’s unique approach helped me uncover my weaknesses and develop strategic, influential leadership skills. She encourages deep self-reflection to gain insights into my blind spots and areas for growth and then tailors her guidance to individual needs. In summary, Karen’s Coaching Leadership Strategy course is a transformative experience. It was the best course I have ever attended, and I am looking forward to continuing with Karen at the SMALLmighty.
Reza Davoodnezhad - Ph.D, Power Electronics & Hardware Innovator, System Architect Designer, BESS & Microgrids, E-Mobility Charging & V2X - Shell
