Hind Naciri is Regional Head of Community Engagement and Impact for Europe at Standard Chartered, who joined the Leaders in Partnership programme as a coach, as she loved the idea of using coaching to empower people to realise potential. Natalie Dinsmore is Community Consultant & Project Manager at More Life Home – a not-for-profit organisation that helps those in crisis turn their houses into homes by providing them with recycled furniture and homeware items. Natalie signed up for the Leaders in Partnership programme as a way of gaining advice and support to strengthen her skills as a CEO and become a stronger leader.

HIND NACIRI, REGIONAL HEAD OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND IMPACT FOR EUROPE, STANDARD CHARTERED, VOLUNTEER

Why did you engage with ELBA’s Leaders in Partnership programme?
I love the idea of using coaching to empower people to realise potential. Growing up, I had so much disbelief about my own potential and saw a lot of disadvantage in characteristics and experiences that I now hold to be strengths and things that help me stand out. I strongly believe that most people already have the tools to succeed so supporting someone to recognise that or being the person to shine a bit of light on a situation for them to find their own way through it is incredibly rewarding for me.

What has been your biggest learning from the experience so far?
That it’s not about me. I loved that my mentee did things that were right for her even if they weren’t decisions that I would have made for myself. As a coach our role is not to force our own views on the person we work with. Natalie had such a strong sense of her motivators, values and beliefs, and just raising awareness of them allowed her to develop a strategy for decision-making that worked for her. It was far more gratifying to see her succeed on her own terms than it would have been to just tell her what I would do.

Has anything surprised you along the way?
I was surprised by how much I got out of the relationship. Getting to know Natalie over that period, I was so inspired by her drive and passion for what she does and it really strengthened my own resolve to make more space in my life for things like this. I felt like Natalie’s own personal cheerleader (and still do). I couldn’t be more proud of everything she has achieved for herself and continue to root for her success.

Have there been any specific outcomes that have been achieved as a result of the partnership?
Supporting Natalie to develop a strategy to make key decisions about her business and create space for herself to embark on her leader journey. Clarifying her goals and understanding where her focus needed to be to better serve those goals was an area we focused on regularly. But also, doing it in a way that was authentic and meaningful to her so that she could grow the business how she wanted.

What would be your top piece of advice for someone considering taking part in the programme?
Don’t hesitate. It is one of the most rewarding things I’ve done and I hope to do more whenever the opportunity arises. In terms of tips to make the relationship a success, trust in your match to know themselves and their business and don’t be afraid to challenge them to step out of their comfort zone.

NATALIE DINSMORE, COMMUNITY  CONSULTANT & PROJECT MANAGER, MORE LIFE HOME, COMMUNITY LEADER

Why did you engage with ELBA’s Leaders in Partnership programme?
I saw it as an opportunity to gain advice and support that would strengthen my skills as a CEO and become a stronger leader within my organisation.

What has been your biggest learning from your experience so far?
That without prioritising myself and taking time to nurture my individual needs outside of the workplace, I cannot be the strong, successful leader my organisation requires and that I strive to be.

Has anything surprised you along the way?
How well my coach and I connected.

Have there been any specific outcomes that have been achieved as a result of the partnership?
A greater understanding of the importance of self care and the appointment of more people that have directly enabled me to focus on larger priorities relating to the company instead of having to get so involved in daily operations.

What would be your top piece of advice for someone considering taking part in the programme?
To be totally open and honest about whatever you are experiencing as a leader. This could relate to scenarios in the workplace, but also how being a leader is affecting you personally outside of the work environment. Use the sessions as a safe space that will enable you to receive support and guidance.

Is there anything else you would like to share?
Just that I found my coach extremely personable and relatable. Her openness and acceptance of my unorthodox leadership style enabled me to be guided and see where I was making mistakes but at the same time be honest and open about the way I choose to do things and why.