Leadership Mentoring
Sometimes leadership can be easier when you have the right person to talk to.
I provide confidential, one-to-one mentoring and strategic support for leaders navigating important decisions, difficult dynamics, career transitions and the realities of leading at a senior level.
Drawing on 25 years as an Australian diplomat and senior government executive, I bring experience from inside complex institutions, high-pressure environments and positions close to power and decision-making.
This isn’t a formula or a prescribed coaching program. It is thoughtful, practical support tailored to you. It’s a trusted space to test your thinking, work through what is happening around you, consider your options and decide what comes next.
Fiona, public servant
“Jo is a remarkable leader whose unwavering support and mentorship have empowered many to achieve their goals. Her strategic insights, combined with lived experiences and great sense of humour, truly set her apart from other mentors.”
What one-to-one mentoring looks like
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My mentoring is designed for leaders who value an experienced, independent perspective.
You might be stepping into a more senior role, navigating a difficult workplace dynamic, considering a significant career decision, dealing with competing expectations, or simply wanting someone outside your immediate world who you can talk and think openly with.
I listen carefully, ask questions, challenge assumptions and offer my perspective where it is useful. Unlike pure coaching, I am also comfortable sharing advice, experience and practical suggestions.
Sessions are available virtually, as well as in person by arrangement.
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My mentoring draws on both professional experience and formal coaching practice.
I am a certified results coach with the International Coaching Federation (ICF). I use coaching techniques where they are useful, alongside mentoring, strategic advice and the perspective that comes from my own leadership experience.
The result is an approach that is thoughtful and practical. I won't tell you what to do, but nor will I sit back if I have experience, insight or a perspective that could help.
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Leadership Mentoring may be useful when you are:
stepping into or navigating a senior leadership role
working through a difficult decision or complex workplace dynamic
dealing with power, politics or competing stakeholder expectations
considering a significant career transition
wanting to strengthen your influence, judgement or leadership approach
looking for an experienced, independent person that you can talk and think things through with, who has no competing agenda other than wanting you to reach a decision and strategy that is right for you.
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Mentoring is an ongoing relationship. You bring me the things you’re navigating as a leader and I help you think, decide, navigate and lead.
When an individual engages me for a strategic advisory session, it is usually one-off appointment. It is usually focused on a specific issue, decision or situation. You might come to me for advice ahead of a high-stakes meeting, to work through a particular challenge, or for an independent perspective and specific recommendations.
If what you need is ongoing support or a series of sessions over a particular period, mentoring may be the better fit for you.
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I work with a small number of individual mentoring clients at any one time.
If you think this kind of support would be useful, get in touch and tell me a little about what you're looking for. From there, I may ask you a few additional questions or arrange a time for us to talk to make sure we're a good fit.
If mentoring isn't the right option, I'll tell you. And where I know someone who may be better placed to help, I'm happy to make a recommendation or referral.
Jennifer Cowley on her Leadership Confidence podcast