Working with Joan-Claire in the Elevate Your Influence program was transformative. I came into my role as a legal support services manager unexpectedly, after a long-tenured predecessor transitioned out. It was a big shift — and I stepped into it with a servant leadership mindset, which is why The Collaborative Way® and Joan-Claire’s coaching resonated so deeply. It spoke to something at the core of who I am.

Joan-Claire created a space that wasn’t just about leadership theory — it was about application. She helped me take concepts I’d heard before and bring them two, three, even four steps further. I practiced new skills in real time with her support — applying them directly to my role, my team, and my growth as a leader.

She also helped me slow down and feel confident saying things like, “Help me understand what we’re trying to accomplish here.” I used to breeze past confusion, unsure if it was safe to ask questions. Joan-Claire helped me develop the tools and confidence to pause, reflect, and speak up with clarity and presence.

I also learned how to make clear, direct requests — a deceptively simple but powerful shift. And she gave me the courage to follow up on commitments from others, even when it felt uncomfortable. I now support my team with greater clarity, connection, and follow-through.

One of the most impactful shifts was learning how to overlay a business mindset onto my servant leadership approach. It’s not just about empathy — it’s about making thoughtful decisions that drive results. I now have the tools to lead in a way that reflects both my values and the broader needs of the organization.

I’m more grounded, more aligned, and leading in a way that reflects who I want to be — and that’s a lasting gift from this work and from working with Joan-Claire.