Why coaching? Why WRKWLL?

WRKWLL believes that social change leadership requires specific and unique ways of working in order to lead towards a brighter and more equitable future for all. Coaching provides people with the space and support to navigate the complex demands of this type of modern leadership. 

Leaders seek coaching for a range of reasons including:

• managing change
• developing greater self-awareness
• inviting challenge
• building resilience
• preparing for new strategic responsibilities
• improving well-being 
• addressing challenging relationships

WRKWLL offers a diverse pool of experienced coaches who have expertise in all these areas. Clients are encouraged to meet a selection of potential coaches before making their decision, ensuring the best possible match for their individual needs, goals and lived experiences. 

This case study highlights the impact coaching can have in enabling leaders to grow, make better decisions, and lead with greater purpose and confidence.

Summary feedback findings

The feedback received from over 100 coaching sessions, conducted over the past 18 months, with WRKWLL coaching clients, reveals very high levels of appreciation and impact. Participant feedback averaged 4.72 out of 5 across key coaching measures, with approximately 96% of ratings falling in the positive range. Participants consistently reported gaining new perspectives, increased confidence, practical tools, and a safe space for reflection and growth.

Key outcomes

The highest rating was given to the overall usefulness of the sessions (4.84/5).  Other very strong-performing areas were “feeling heard and understood”, “support for action planning” and “coach effectiveness” (see graph below). Even the lowest-rated measures remained very strong at 4.53/5, indicating consistently positive experiences.

What participants most valued

Written feedback revealed several recurring themes. Participants described coaching as supportive, empowering, practical, and thought-provoking. The most common benefits included a safe environment for reflection, fresh perspectives on challenges, actionable tools and techniques, increased confidence, and support through complex workplace situations.

Reflections from our coaching clients

Participants frequently reported that coaching helped them reframe difficult situations, and approach challenges with greater strategic clarity. Many highlighted the value of dedicated time for reflection, describing coaching as a rare opportunity to focus on personal development and future goals. Others emphasized the practical nature of the sessions, citing tangible tools, accountability, and action planning that improved effectiveness and leadership capability.

A notable theme was the emotional and psychological support provided through coaching. Participants described feeling heard, understood, challenged appropriately, and empowered to navigate demanding situations with greater confidence and resilience.

Direct feedback from coaching clients include:

“Like being guided by a friend to a place of greater achievement.”

“Very high support, helpful challenge, and generous sharing of knowledge.”

“The coaching gave me tools to strengthen my leadership, communication, and effectiveness.”

“I couldn’t have got through the last few months without this coaching. It helped me through a challenging time at work in what was a toxic environment for me. She understood my challenges and made space for me to feel and talk about that when I needed to without detracting from overall goals. I’ve learned so much.”

This is what a recent Coaching client had to say:

Building confidence and clarity through coaching

“It's really interesting to find someone who is able to get the balance right. It is the whole Goldilocks thing. [my coach] provides just the right level of challenge, level of listening, and level of reflecting things back to me, so I know I’ve made the right decision” - Chief Executive of UK charity, WRKWLL coaching client.

As a leader of a public-facing charity think tank, this client recognised the need for a confidential and trusted space to reflect on challenges, test ideas, and think through complex decisions. Having previously found coaching experiences that did not align with their needs, they were looking for a coach who could provide the right balance of challenge, listening, and practical support.

Through coaching with WRKWLL, the client found a valuable thinking partnership that helped them explore situations, reflect on their decision-making, thereby gaining greater confidence in their own judgement. They particularly valued their coach’s ability to adapt — knowing when to provide encouragement and when to offer challenge or a different perspective.  They went on to say:

“The coaching with WRKWLL provides a private safe space where I can share what's going on, and talk through decisions and challenges”.

The coaching experience strengthened the client’s confidence as a leader, and provided an important external perspective and a space to reflect on their approach, values, and leadership impact.