When Is The Right Time To Hire A Leadership Branding Coach?

At the end of last year, I found myself in a sleek, glass-walled office overlooking the city—a typical location where power meets the pressure of unrelenting change. Across from me sat the leader of a life sciences company, his expression a mix of determination and weariness.

We were deep into the conversation that had started with the usual pleasantries but quickly dove into the heart of the matter: his leadership challenges, the cracks forming in his management team, and the looming beast of a company-wide restructuring.

As I outlined how our work together could unlock not just survival but growth, I saw him lean back in his chair, exhaling slowly, his gaze drifting to the chaotic cityscape beyond the window. Then, with a hint of resignation, he said, "Too much is happening at the moment. Let's start our work when things settle down."?

His words hung in the air like a thick fog, a familiar refrain I’d heard countless times before. Another leader waiting for the storm to pass before seeking shelter. But what they don’t see – what he didn’t see - is that the storm is precisely when effective leadership is most needed.

True leadership isn’t just about strategy and decision-making, it’s about understanding and managing emotions—both your own and those of others. And in times of upheaval, emotional intelligence becomes the compass that guides you through the fog.

I couldn’t help but feel the urgency in that moment, the ticking clock of missed opportunities. I leaned forward, meeting his eyes.

“You’re waiting for the mess to clear, but that’s exactly when you’ll need the clarity the most. The right time to prepare isn’t when the chaos subsides, but before it even begins.”?

His brow furrowed, and I could see the wheels turning, but the conversation ended with a polite handshake and a promise to "revisit" in a few months.

Months passed, and the city burst into summer, its skyline now a vibrant blue. My phone buzzed with a familiar number. The voice on the other end sounded tired—less assured, tinged with the strain of leading through turmoil. “You were right”, he said.

When we began our work together, we didn’t just focus on strategy and execution. We dug deep into the core of his leadership—his emotional intelligence. We explored how his self-awareness could be sharpened, allowing him to recognize his triggers and blind spots. We worked on self-regulation, helping him to manage his emotions under pressure, turning potential outbursts into moments of calm leadership.

Empathy, often overlooked in the corporate world, became a cornerstone of his communication strategy, enabling him to connect with his team on a human level, even as difficult decisions loomed. We reshaped his communication approach, transforming his scattered messages into a clear, rallying cry that cut through the noise.

The transformation was profound.

The leadership team, once fragmented, began to function as a cohesive unit - their newfound synergy sparking opportunities that had been buried under the weight of uncertainty.

The restructuring was challenging - jobs were lost, tough decisions made. But through it all, something remarkable happened. Employee engagement, instead of plummeting during the restructuring, actually improved. The digital transformation, which had seemed like an impossible challenge, was not only successful but became a catalyst for future innovation.

And the leader? He became the leader he always had the potential to be, navigating the company through the storm with a steady hand and a clear vision.

It’s easy to wait for the right moment, to believe that clarity will come when the dust settles.

But the truth is, those who thrive through change are the ones who prepare for the storm before it arrives. The question isn’t whether the storm will come—it’s whether you’ll be ready when it does.

Learn more about leadership branding coaching.

Book Strategic Consultation:

This session is perfect if you are interested in:

* Strategies to help you craft and convey your leadership narrative more powerfully

* Techniques to refine your executive presence and public speaking prowess

* Ways to align your communication style with your leadership brand, making your interactions more impactful.

In our focused session, we'll outline a plan for you to step into your power and ensure your voice isn’t just heard but remembered.

Yours in learning,

Shivangi Walke

Founder, Leading is Learning