Managing Director, Old Mutual Securities, Zimbabwe

"I had reached a point in my life where I was nearing retirement and the financial services business that I was running was struggling due to external economic factors and intense competition. I faced the twin challenges of making sure that colleagues on the executive committee appreciated our situation and therefore gave us the necessary support and at the same time trying to figure out a personal plan allowing for a smooth transition to retirement. I had a number of sessions with Abby and we discussed my business and personal situations and searched for some answers to my “crisis” situation. Her Professional, calm and prodding approach made me feel at ease and helped put my issues into perspective. To cut a long story short, I have been putting into practice the actions and ideas that we identified together with Abby and have been pleasantly surprised with the results.   The business unit that I lead is recovering nicely on the back of support that we are now receiving from the executive committee and I am approaching retirement with a sense of calm and confidence and not trepidation. It all came down to those coaching sessions I had with Abby where she respectfully challenged my views about what I was going through and challenged me to a higher level of perception and engagement with my colleagues."