Coaching as a Leader: A New Vision for Leading with Impact

243: Coaching as a Leader: A New Vision for Leading with Impact with Jen Kidby and Victoria Leath

In this Episode

We introduce the Coaching as a Leader podcast series, with host Simone Sweeney as she talks to coach, supervisor and author Jen Kidby, and AC Head of Corporate Membership and Accreditation, Victoria Leath, to discuss the important topic of leader as coach and the launch of the AC’s new book: Coaching as a Leader. Together, they share the inspiration behind the book and explore why coaching skills are now essential for leaders navigating today’s complex, people-centred workplaces. Designed to set the stage for the series, this conversation offers a compelling introduction to the evolving role of leadership in driving culture, engagement, and performance through coaching.

 

Jen and Victoria delve into the core themes of Coaching as a Leader, including the shift from directive, top-down management to a more collaborative, coaching-led leadership style. They highlight how key coaching competencies—such as emotional intelligence, active listening, and self-awareness—are crucial for fostering trust, clarity, and resilience within teams. The episode also offers practical guidance for leaders looking to integrate a coaching mindset into their everyday practice. Jen and Victoria emphasize the importance of aligning these skills with organizational values and strategy to create lasting impact and the growing trend of coaching as an essential component of organizational culture post-pandemic.

 

An inspiring conversation for leaders of any level, as well as the coaches supporting them in our ever-changing world.

You Will Learn

• Coaching-oriented leadership fosters stronger, more supportive organizational cultures.
• Core coaching skills—like self-awareness, active listening, and emotional intelligence—are vital for effective modern leadership.
• Aligning coaching practices with organizational purpose enhances both individual and business performance.

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Guest Bio's

Jen Kidby has been applying psychology in the workplace for over 25 years, working as an external consultant, an internal practitioner and a leader. She is a Chartered Psychologist, an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society and an accredited coach and coach supervisor. Jen is the editor and co-author of Coaching as a Leader, published in collaboration with the Association for Coaching and Kogan Page.

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Victoria Leath is a catalyst for transformation with 25+ years of diverse experience across the world, spanning business consulting, executive coaching, education & research, manufacturing, industrial projects, rental, and print & packaging industries.

Victoria is the co-founder of Leader as Coach, specializing in coaching skills training for managers, leaders, and organizations. She serves as Head of Corporate Membership & Accreditation and Head of International Growth at the Association for Coaching (AC) and is the founder of Inclusive Executive Coaching & Leadership Development (IECLD), specialising in leadership development. An AC-accredited Professional Executive Coach, Victoria holds an MBA, is an Accredited PROPHET Practitioner, and combines her passion for leadership with arts and culture as a semi-professional artist. Victoria specializes in leadership coaching, and her purpose is to "inspire and stretch leaders to make a positive impact in the world."

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Simone Sweeney is an Executive Coach specializing in leadership and career development, following 25 years at incredible companies including Apple and LEGO. She helps dynamic professionals define what they want from their careers and build the confidence and strategies to achieve it. Simone believes in grounding career growth in the realities of her clients’ personal and professional lives — making change not just possible, but sustainable.

Simone previously hosted an AC podcast series: The Future of Leadership is Human

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