Executive Coaching · NGO, Conservation & EnvironmentTHE SITUATIONAn Executive Director at a leading international conservation organisation was struggling with a long-standing people challenge. One of her direct reports — a high-performing sales professional responsible for sourcing high-net-worth donors — had become increasingly difficult to manage. The direct report was openly challenging her authority, creating tension within the regional team and affecting the Executive Director's confidence in her own leadership.THE CHALLENGEThe Executive Director needed more than advice — she needed a structured approach to asserting her authority while also understanding what was driving the difficult behaviour. She was caught between protecting organisational performance and addressing a deeply human situation with empathy and skill.WHAT WE DIDOver a six-month coaching engagement, we worked together to build her leadership confidence and develop a more adaptive leadership repertoire. Sessions explored how to assert authority with clarity and composure, how to create psychological safety for honest dialogue, and how to diagnose what was driving the problematic behaviour beneath the surface. We used ACT-based techniques to help her manage her own emotional responses under pressure, and developed her listening and questioning skills as a leader.THE OUTCOMEWithin six months, the Executive Director had regained full control of the situation. She discovered what was driving her direct report's behaviour and addressed it constructively. The direct report — who brought significant value through her high-net-worth donor relationships — was retained and stabilised. The Executive Director emerged as a more confident, adaptive, and self-aware leader.
