SG was confident of her ability as a scientist but less sure of herself in informal networking sessions.
Networking with confidence
“My ambition is to become an independent science researcher, leading a team of researchers focused on understanding different aspects of brain biology. During my first steps towards this, I was shortlisted for an interview at one of the best universities in the world. The interview consisted of a scientific presentation, followed by Q&A and finally an informal meeting with people who worked in the institute. I had always been confident regarding my research and knowledge of my scientific niche. However, when it came to inter-personal relationships, I felt hugely insecure.
So, I decided to get some coaching to improve my confidence and social skills. I found my coach warm, friendly, persistent, supportive and insightful. She listened to my needs and tailored the sessions accordingly. There were also exercises I chose to practise between sessions to embed my learnings. As a result, I felt very comfortable during the interview – not only when it came to the specific scientific discussion, but also when talking to my peers generally about science and other matters. Overall, I thought that the interview was really fun – which was not at all what I was expecting before the coaching.
However, the most important achievement is that I have changed my perception of myself in social settings for good. I no longer believe that I am difficult to be around or unfriendly. My confidence as a scientist and as a person has increased dramatically. To my surprise and delight, I continue to feel the same way even though it’s nearly a year since the coaching. And, on the odd occasion I do feel a bit down, I revisit those practices, and the effects just happen again and again.”
SG, Research Scientist
My boss used to lead all our client meetings but I now take charge so he’s free to focus on other priorities.
- The team are much more positive about what they’re capable of and encourage and support each other to take on bigger challenges.
- I know myself better than I did before, which is hugely empowering. I understand why I react to events the way I do, and have the tools to adjust my mentality and respond in a positive and engaged way.
- It seems an age since I did your Power of Purpose programme but it has only been two years. In that time, I have gutted & renovated two houses, retrained as a community mental health worker and also gone
back to part-time study, as well as made a bunch of meaningful friendships
and re-connected with family. So, I'd say the work you had
me do before I left London for my new life in Australia was
successful!
- The work I did with Attitude Coach helped me understand what it was that I feared and gave me the tools to help me tackle self doubts and stresses which I was heaping upon myself.
- I’m now living deliberately every day in every decision. I feel more empowered; I feel more alive.
- When I talk to Caroline, a big problem becomes a small one.
- Every week, I grew in confidence, just by being me. Not only could I see the benefit that working with Caroline was having but my colleagues could, too. So, I feel fortunate to have had the chance of working with Caroline and would recommend her without hesitation.
- Caroline has become a trusted partner to Siemens UK over the past few years. She and her team have run a number of sessions for our Women’s Network focusing on topics such as Imposter Syndrome and Strengthening Personal Authority. The members of the Network have found these sessions extremely helpful and thought-provoking. Caroline’s style is relaxed, friendly and candid. She draws on her own experience of working in senior roles, encouraging participants to open up and share their own stories. Personally, I have found these sessions invaluable and I draw on the lessons learned almost on a daily basis. I would highly recommend Caroline’s approach to anyone wanting to help women in their organisation fulfil their potential.
- This training has had a dramatic impact on the productivity of our business – women who used to hold back are now stepping up and taking charge so I’m freed up to focus on other business priorities. A remarkable result from an investment of just three hours of the team’s time.