Talking Talent helps women ‘create the edge’ and prepare for the board with new coaching programme

Lord Davies’ government-backed review into women on boards recommended 25% female board membership by 2015 in FSTE 100 companies. Current figures are just shy of 15%.

Talking Talent, a UK company specialising in executive coaching for senior women in business, is helping companies create a pipeline of future women leaders through an innovative new coaching programme ‘Creating the Edge,’ designed for senior level women on their way to the boardroom and junior female managers with high potential.

The programme consists of a series of coaching-led group workshops that will enable women to take control of their careers, develop their personal impact and presence, become more politically savvy and sustain their career development. The workshops will teach them new skills and behaviours, unlock their potential and address any barriers or blocks that may be preventing them from succeeding in a senior role.

A number of topics are explored such as ‘succeeding in male dominated environments’, ‘exuding gravitas and presence when communicating’, ‘effective networking’ and the ‘imposter syndrome’ designed to build confidence and self-belief. Other areas include ‘effective career development’, ‘authentic leadership styles’ and ‘building political astuteness’.

Harriet Beveridge, Director at Talking Talent who is leading the programme comments: “Although Lord Davies’ review has started to impact some companies, the UK is falling far short of the 25% target and quotas are threatened. To avoid this, companies must act and grow their own female talent - both senior women and those with high potential.”

“Too often women are held back in their careers because of issues around confidence, self-belief and working within a male dominated environment. They tend not to be as good at publicising their achievements and navigating boardroom politics - our coaches will help women address these problems, building their confidence and capabilities for example we teach them how to lead authentically without turning into a bloke. We will help businesses create a ‘pipeline’ of senior female talent, which in turn will improve their retention rates of senior women - a win win for employer and employee.” she added.

The ‘Creating the Edge’ workshops take place over a number of months to allow attendees to reflect and practice what they have learnt. Talking Talent provides additional learning materials to supplement the learning as well as one-to-one face to face or telephone coaching sessions, plus webinars for those in dispersed geographical locations.

Following the programme, Talking Talent expects women to be more confident and work to their highest potential, excel in male dominated teams, have authentic and effective leadership styles and to have built strong networks and successfully manage the challenges of a career and family.