Invisible Anchors, Tangible Results: The Gentle Strength of an Emerging Leader
Interview… Invisible Anchors, Tangible Results: The Gentle Strength of an Emerging Leader
Anonymous @AstraZeneca
- What desire, challenge, or insight led you to begin this journey?
I began this journey after stepping into a line manager role. Working with people, and with their minds, is both the most challenging and the most stimulating part, so I felt the need to strengthen myself in certain areas in order to fully develop my team’s potential.
- What tangible benefits have you observed in your work and/or within your team or context?
One of the main benefits I’ve noticed is my increased ability to face challenges with a more proactive mindset and greater assertiveness. Through the techniques explored with my coach during the journey, I’ve also developed stronger self-confidence.
- What has been the most impactful insight you’ve gained?
The main insight I gained was realizing that by working on our thinking, and deeply on ourselves and our mind, we can overcome the limits we place on ourselves. Discovering the concept of anchors was truly powerful.
- What would you say today to someone about to begin a coaching journey?
I would definitely say that having access to this kind of journey is a great privilege, and, as such, it should be embraced fully, making the most of the opportunity to explore yourself with the support of someone guiding you along the way.
- What obstacle once felt insurmountable at the beginning, and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges for me was establishing credibility with my team and colleagues. I often felt I wasn’t up to the role, especially in situations involving global exposure. By working on this with my coach, particularly on my self-esteem, I’ve been able to step forward more confidently, even with senior stakeholders.
- What made this experience different from other training, mentoring, or coaching you’ve had?
What struck me most about this experience was the coach’s patience and listening ability, especially in moments when my needs felt repetitive or it seemed like I was moving backward in the journey.
- If you had to summarize your experience in one sentence, what would it be?
I’ll quote a song by an Italian singer-songwriter who is dear to me, Brunori Sas, from The Matador’s Costume:
“…hand me the black cloak,
the matador’s costume,
today I’ll save the whole world
with a handful of poems.
I’ll never be cynical enough
to stop believing
that the world can be better than it is.
But I won’t be so naive
as to think it can grow
if I don’t start from myself.”
