A Clients Journey From Head of Finance to CFO

Background:

When Ian and I first started working together, he was the Head of Finance. He was technically strong, capable, and had extensive experience in his field. However, he struggled with seeing himself as the 'number one'—the person at the top who carries full accountability. Through coaching, we worked on shifting his mindset, helping him recognise that he was already far closer to the CFO role than he initially believed.

The Coaching Approach:

Rather than simply recommending books or podcasts, I focused on asking open, probing questions to create space for Ian to reflect. Coaching isn’t about providing all the answers; it's about guiding individuals to discover their own insights. In Ian’s case, the breakthrough came from realising that his technical expertise was never in question - it was his mindset that needed development.

The coaching approach was focused on emotional intelligence, mindset shifting, and open, honest conversation through the space I created. By fostering a supportive environment, Ian was able to explore his own thought processes, challenge limiting beliefs, and build the confidence needed to step into his leadership role.

One of the key turning points was addressing the comfort he found in always having a ‘number one’ above him. As he transitioned into the CFO role, he had to embrace full accountability and build confidence in delivering tough messages, especially in high-stakes conversations.

Key Outcomes:

Ian developed a mindset shift that allowed him to fully step into his new CFO role with confidence. He became more comfortable with difficult conversations, understanding that delivering bad news isn’t about blame but about leadership. The coaching provided him with structured reflection points, allowing him to measure his growth and refine his approach to leadership challenges. The absence of an accounting background in my coaching was actually a strength - it enabled me to ask different kinds of questions and challenge his thinking in ways that a fellow accountant might not.

Testimonial from Ian:

"My experience was fantastic. The way Heather structured the questions made me think for myself and come to my own conclusions. She didn’t just hand me a textbook or tell me to listen to a podcast. Instead, she created the space for real reflection, which led to a significant mindset shift. Coaching with Heather helped me embrace my role as CFO, and I genuinely don’t think I’d be where I am today without it. If you’re looking for someone to challenge your thinking and help you step into your next level, I highly recommend her."

Final Thoughts:

Ian’s journey is a perfect example of how coaching is impactful at any level, especially in the C-suite.

Confidence, mindset, and self-belief are crucial for leaders, and sometimes, the right questions at the right time can make all the difference.