Testimonials-new

Obi’s workshop on Self-Leadership and Career Progression was absolutely wonderful. It provides practical perspectives to my own professional development (what I want, why I want it, how I can get there). Her activities are meaningful and fun, aiding me to gain a deeper (self) reflection into my professional vision. I felt empowered, connected and hopeful.

Dr Kyara Rojas-Bustos
Critical Learning and Original Thinking. BEd, MA Ling, PGCE, PhD

Obi provides a great balance between encouragement and challenge. She has been my valued companion during a testing period. Her approach ensures a clear perspective and continued progress but is also flexible enough to adapt to bumps in the road. I will be keeping in touch!

Kirsten Giles
Chief Executive Officer at MedicAlert

I have had two coaches before who had helped me achieve great goals, and I was thus hesitant of getting a third coach. However, when I started coaching sessions with Obi I began to realise what an excellent coach she was. She is highly professional as evidenced by her well organised systematic approach to coaching. Every meeting with her has been objective and outcome based, building up my capacity to attain my goals and gradually strengthening my confidence as a leader.

For example, prior to the first meeting Obi advised me to fill in a template reflecting on my current leadership style and setting goals for my desired leadership style. During the first meeting, we discussed my objectives , expected outcomes and firmed them up, following which we met with my line manager to discuss his expectations and expected outcomes of the coaching. For my next meeting Obi conducted an online leadership practices assessment, soliciting responses from over 14 of my peers, direct reports, line manager and other colleagues.

This generated a very comprehensive report with analysis on how I model the way, inspire a shared vision, challenge the process, enable others to act, and encourage the heart. This report has helped me realise my strengths and limitations, and has helped me begin strengthening some areas of my leadership. For example, I am now more able to challenge processes and to assert myself in a positive way.

Obi has been a pleasure to work with and has great interpersonal skills. I would highly recommend Obi to anyone who is looking to improve on their leadership skills.

Emily E.
Deputy Head of Education/Senior Education Adviser, Save the Children

I worked with Obi, who supported me on some specific Personal Development goals, for a little over a year, and was hugely impressed.

I found Obi to be an engaging and articulate person. She really helped me to get under the skin of my development objectives, to understand what was holding me back, and to build strategies that help me to advance in areas where I had previously not progressed my development as much as I would have liked.

Obi’s approach was a perfect balance between “supportive” and “challenging”, holding me accountable for my own development whilst helping to nudge me towards thinking about things that I otherwise wouldn’t have considered.

I particularly liked the breadth of tools and techniques that Obi had a great understanding of, with her ability to explain the science / logic behind human behaviour really enlightening, and helpful in framing my understanding of behaviours that I personally exhibit.

I wouldn’t hesitate to work with Obi again in the future, and would wholeheartedly recommend that anyone looking for support in their personal and professional development should have an initial conversation with her.

Nick Smith
Chief Lending & Product Officer, UK

A massive thank you to Obi for the coaching. It has really made me rethink my attitude to external coaching given the value I have taken from everyone in our sessions.

I have really developed on a number of different fronts – from how I interact with senior/GEC level executives in my organisation to setting up and interacting with my team at a more practical level.

I went into this experience slightly cynical but with Obi’s brilliant questioning/encouragement and explanation (the neuroscience concept really resonated with me) and emerged completely converted.

John Rankin
Director, Community Banking & Specialist Brands, Risk Division at Lloyds Banking Group

My team had never worked with a systems coach before, so there was a bit of fear of the unknown bringing Obi James Consulting in. We asked Obi to facilitate an away day with us to support us in thinking through some of the day to day challenges we face, managing a heavy workload with demanding stakeholders. We also wanted to strengthen our long term strategy, despite working in an environment in which priorities change a lot. Obi managed to maintain a clear structure while being responsive to our needs and even our mood. Her focus on ‘what’s emerging’ helped us to feel free to explore more possibilities and solutions than we ever have. As a result, we felt energised, hopeful and we had genuinely bonded as a team. We also left the session with a clear plan which felt authentic and true to our vision. We loved Obi’s mix of challenge and playfulness.

I would recommend Obi to any team who’s serious about making their working environment more human. She helped us scratch behind the surface of our work and really strengthen our relationships. Obi’s work is not for the faint-hearted. We all had to be brave together as a team.

Jeanette Bain-Burnett
Executive Director, Policy and Integrity at Sport England

Obi’s 12-month Senior Leadership Coaching programme has been a pivotal experience for our team, and its positive impact on our business is undeniable. Under Obi’s expert guidance, our self-awareness has seen remarkable growth, reshaping our communication into one that not only supports but propels us toward excellence in accountability, decision-making, and overall productivity.

The coaching process, expertly facilitated by Obi, has elevated the rhythm and focus of our conversations, emboldening us to challenge each other effectively and celebrate our unique strengths.

The journey has fostered synchrony within our team, enhancing cohesion and fostering a crystal-clear understanding of our roles and processes. The secure space for candid expression has deepened our mutual understanding and listening skills, resulting in a more united and appreciative team. Embracing diverse working styles, a cornerstone of Obi’s coaching philosophy, has unleashed our team’s creative potential, transforming perceived weaknesses into strengths. The profound impact on our business is evident as we observe heightened commitment, stronger alignment, more streamlined processes, and a tangible surge in our overall productivity.

SLT Leader
Financial Services

Obi worked with us at ActionAid UK to design and deliver a bespoke ‘Constructive Conversations’ workshop as part of a wider programme of work to embed ActionAid’s Feminist Leadership Principles.

This workshop has now reached nearly 200 employees helping them to recognise how they and others show up when being or feeling challenged in their relationships, and equipping them with the tools to handle disagreements more constructively.

Obi’s positivity, openness and personable nature alongside her professional expertise made her a true pleasure to work with. Her neuroscience background, understanding of human behaviour, ability to safely diagnose development needs and create bespoke solutions was exemplary; and she left us with tools that will serve us both in our workplace and beyond.

I’d recommend her to anyone wanting support improving leadership and relationships in the workplace.

Catherine G.
Senior Learning & Development Specialist | 1:1 ICF Coach | HR Generalist | Mental Health First Aider

I am delighted to commend the exceptional ‘Beyond the Battlefield’ and ‘Rising to the Challenge’ High Impact Military Leadership Development Programme conducted by Obi James Consultancy. This comprehensive initiative has had a profound impact on our mid-level and senior military leaders.

The one-week programme’s structure, encompassing modules on self-leadership, share leadership, and culture change leadership, has equipped our Leaders with invaluable leadership skills and insights. The practical tools and techniques provided have enhanced their self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and adaptability, making them more effective leaders both within and beyond the battlefield.

I am particularly impressed by the unanimous recommendation from the participants to extend and integrate this programme into our continuous military training. The positive testimonials from the ‘Unmasking Uniform’ and ‘The 5:1 Positivity Leaders’ accountability groups, underscore the transformational nature of this initiative. It is evident that the programme has reinvigorated our leaders’ commitment to inclusive leadership, empathy, and positive engagement.

I wholeheartedly recommend Obi James’ leadership development work to both private and public sector organizations in Nigeria, as it aligns with our vision for a more adaptive, inclusive, and effective leadership culture – both within the military and beyond. My sincere gratitude to Obi James and her team for their dedication and expertise in facilitating this essential transformation. I am proud of the value-added perspectives of the Programme to the transformational growth of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

General Lucky Irabor
Former Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria

The programme was exceptional, fostering open communication, feedback, and a sense of camaraderie within the team. I learned extensively about motivations, coaching structures, and effective probing questions, which I will apply in my daily leadership.

The emphasis on listening more and resisting the urge to fix everything resonated with me. It’s an approach I’ll bring to my team, fostering more meaningful conversations about mutual support.

Acknowledging the split role as a leader, encompassing both mentorship and coaching, was an important insight for me. I see the value in considering this proactively, wearing different leadership hats, as needed.

Coaching becoming a habit, stepping out of problem-solving mode, and asking open questions are transformative practices. The programme significantly supported me in adopting a coaching approach within my team.

Learning about the three stages of listening and understanding the ‘WHO’ as the driver of behaviour provided valuable insights. The programme inspired me to give more space for team members and set the stage for effective communication.

Listening more, focusing on the ‘who’ not the ‘what’, wearing different hats, and employing strategic pauses were valuable lessons. The programme content, coupled with a non-traditional format, created an engaging and inspiring learning environment.

The impact of the programme on giving more space for team members and focusing on intercultural influencing skills was significant. The format without a formal PowerPoint presentation was appreciated.

The acknowledgment of the three stages of listening and the role of ‘WHO’; as the driver of behaviour reshaped my leadership perspective. The programme instilled the importance of creating space for team members and setting the stage for effective communication.