How I support people leading systemic change
Part three - connecting inner and outer transformation through coaching
This is the third piece in a series on how my writing and coaching practice are currently evolving. Part One takes you back to the beginning of my journey with this work, to a moment in time when the world seemed to be falling apart, and what I chose to do about it. Part Two shares my biggest lesson so far, and unpacks the story of separation and how individualistic thinking might be holding us back.
A friend I met during my coaching training gave me a lovely compliment on my monthly digests recently, which he swiftly followed with, “but when are you going to tell us more about your own work?” It was a good nudge to share what I’ve been working on and be more explicit about how I can help, so here goes!
Learning what system changers need
I’ve been coaching people leading systemic change for four years now. I’ve worked with 30+ people for at least six months, and some for multiple years.
They’re leaders of organisations taking on some of the world’s toughest problems; climate change, entrenched biases in our global financial and technology systems, and systemic human rights abuse, to name a few.
Specific examples include an NGO leader partnering with activists and legal experts to challenge laws criminalising LGBT people all over the world; a Venture Capital exec on a mission to make the industry more accessible and supporting tech companies in climate equity, economic empowerment and healthy ageing; and a pioneering strategist and facilitator scaling the field of gender finance globally.
All my clients come to coaching with a deep passion for what they do, and keen to overcome various blockers to their impact and wellbeing as a changemaker. Increasingly, people come to me not just for career-related support, but for help living well - with meaning, purpose, health and joy - through these complex times. It’s all connected.
Each person I coach teaches me something new and important about this work, but clear patterns have emerged around the most common needs for support (A) and end goals (B). Which of these resonate with you?
Support needs (A): You feel stuck/overwhelmed/stale and you’re ready to take action and grow
You have a nagging sense that you’re not meeting your full potential.
You feel small and ineffective in the face of the enormous problems you’re working on, and the slow pace of change.
You’re sitting on some big ideas, waiting for the time and confidence to make them happen.
You’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, sometimes overwhelmed by a sense of personal responsibility to create change and do what you can.
Your motivation and optimism are lagging, you wish you felt more inspired and energised creatively.
You’re getting stuck in unhealthy mindsets shaped by fear, scarcity, cynicism or comparison.
You crave time and space to zoom out and think about the bigger picture and your place in it - not just at work, but as a citizen of the world.
You feel pulled between your personal wellbeing and the demands of leading change, leaving you feeling conflicted and burned out.
End goals (B): You’re leading change with greater impact and wellbeing
Knowing what you need to thrive in all areas of your life, you’re taking better care of yourself and reaping the rewards.
You feel clear and confident about your unique contribution to meaningful change in your field, and the path forward in your career and life as a whole.
You’re navigating the ups and downs of this demanding work with more compassion, ease and grace.
You’re connected to a community of supportive allies sharing the responsibility to create change. You’ve found your tribe.
You’re confident in your skills and decisions as a leader of people and change.
You’re telling your story and sharing your ideas with creativity, pride and impact.
You’re excited about the future and hopeful about our ability to overcome the challenges we face.
You’re tapping into the creative power and flow that brings your best work to life, and taking visionary action.
The more people I work with, the more evidence I see of the strong connections between inner and outer transformation. We can’t have one without the other.
And the more coaching partnerships I have the privilege to build, the more I believe in the power of growth in relationship. As far as I’m concerned, nothing beats the kind of growth forged in deep connection in relational practices like coaching.
Creating a coaching methodology for system changers
The approach I’m developing supports people to make their own unique version of the A-B journey described above.
Last year I spent some time going through:
Hundreds of hours of coaching data from my client work.
My coaching certifications with Co-Active and Climate Change Coaches.
All my wider research and writing on personal growth and system change, and the connections between the two (including my undergrad thesis!).
Everything I’ve learned since specialising in people practice nearly a decade ago and working with pioneers for most of my career.
I had a lot of fun putting my old service design hat on, dusting off the post-its and pulling it all together to create v.1 of my coaching methodology for system changers. I’ve been in testing mode for 6 months, seeing lots of great results, and I’m so excited to share it with more clients and writing here.
My methodology is evolving all the time and always will. For example, I’ve just started some amazing training with
on Internal Family Systems for Social Transformation. I love adding new tools to my toolkit.How you can work with me
I currently have five coaching spaces available, with three already gone!
There are two ways we can work together. Both start with an empowering discovery process to identify your biggest opportunties for leading change with greater impact and wellbeing.
System Changer Reset: The Reset is for people at a crossroads—those sensing a shift on the horizon and ready to take a fresh look at their role in leading change. We’ll zoom out and look at the bigger picture of your life and work as a system changer. I’ll help you find clarity, build confidence, and take action with renewed perspective, energy, and focus. Three sessions over three months.
System Changer Partnership: The Partnership is for people who want to go deep and create meaningful shifts in their life and work as a system changer. By placing your development at the heart of your change-making and connecting your inner and outer transformation, we’ll unlock new possibilities for bold, fulfilling, and sustainable work. I’ll help you uncover new sources of power and creativity and navigate this demanding work with greater peace, compassion, and grace. A minimum of six months working together, with sessions every two weeks.
We’ll be a great fit for this work if:
You’re already committed to a specific field or system change mission. I prefer to work with people who are “in mission” as opposed to people looking for support with a career transition as I believe this is where I can be most useful.
You’re kind and curious and ready to self reflect and take action towards growth.
You know yourself quite well because you’ve already done some personal development work. I prefer to support people who already have some experience working with therapists and/or coaches.
You’re here to make a contribution to a better world, and to be of service.
Here’s what my clients have to say:
“Gen was absolutely integral to mentally getting me through a period of intense growth in profile. I’m eternally grateful for all her support, wisdom and cheerleading.” Lauren Fabianski, Pregnant Then Screwed
“Gen is my ally and my champion, someone who understands me and has my back. Our foundational work has boosted my confidence, and helped me understand who I am and why I’m so motivated to do what I do.” Emma Eastwood, Human Dignity Trust
“Working with Gen has been a revelation. Things that were impossible now feel exciting. My everyday experience is hugely improved - I’m enjoying my work again.” James Lewis, The Good Side
Next steps
If all of this resonates and you’re keen to find out more, I’d love to talk. Hit reply to this email and we can take it from there!
