Coaching

Coaching is a formal, structured and creative process that unlocks a client’s unrealised potential in order to maximise their performance and achieve their goals.

This relatively new profession was founded in the US in the 1980s by financial planner Thomas Leonard and is becoming increasingly popular all over the world as clients reap the rewards of coaching. Between 25% and 40% of Fortune 500 companies use executive coaches, according to the Hay Group, a major human-resources consultancy.

With the disruption of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and COVID-19 pandemic we continue to live in a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) world. Coaching has become an important resource for leaders and their staff to manage these unprecedented changes. Companies are providing coaching to their high-performing staff in order to bring out the best in them in the workplace and seize new opportunities.

Coaching Approach

My coaching philosophy is based on trust, honesty, and accountability with a focus on a growth-mindset and empowering my clients. Through my training and experience I have found that a customised and directive approach to each client and situation works best. I focus on practical, results-based coaching with elements of NLP. I provide support and challenge to my clients so that they realise their full potential.

Some of my unique value propositions (UVPs) as a coach are that I am straightforward and simple without being simplistic. I see the client in a holistic way and work with the beliefs, thinking, being, and doing of each person I coach. These UVPs are backed up by significant work, business and a diversity of life experiences, hard knocks and triumphs.

Continuous professional development is important to me so that I can provide my clients with up-to-date coaching tools and insights hence I am a member of COMENSA, regularly attend industry events and keep up-to-date with developments in the field.

Coaching Services

My main areas of coaching are executive and business coaching. My clients count on me to be an accountability partner and sounding board as they embark on improving their performance in the worlds of work and business.

I coach clients in Johannesburg in person and clients from the rest of the country, the rest of the continent, Dubai, India, Singapore, the UK and the US (East Coast) via Skype, Zoom and Whatsapp video.

Executive Coaching

Some of the key areas I cover are:

  • Leadership
  • Achieving KPIs
  • Productivity
  • Decision-making
  • Delegating effectively
  • EQ (emotional intelligence)
  • Personal branding
  • Presentation skills
  • Communication skills
  • Career transitions
  • Stress management
  • Effective delegation
  • Overcoming obstacles
  • Limiting beliefs and behaviour
  • Preparing for job interviews
  • Asking for a raise
  • Surviving and thriving in a challenging work environment

Business Coaching

I coach entrepreneurs, small business owners and their employees on:

  • Leadership
  • Identifying goals and achieving them
  • Productivity
  • Decision-making
  • Delegating effectively
  • EQ (emotional intelligence)
  • Stress management
  • Overcoming obstacles
  • Limiting beliefs and behaviour
  • Personal branding
  • Presentation skills
  • Communication skills
  • Motivation
  • Developing resilience
  • Marketing
  • Sales
  • …and any other areas.

Legacy Coaching

This is a unique and new addition to my coaching services and is inspired by the passing away of my father in 2017.

It is suitable for people who would like to view and live their lives through the lens of the legacy that they would like to leave in their spheres of influence and the world. Legacy Coaching includes content and collateral to cement your contribution and memory.

Please contact me for more information on my Legacy Coaching package.

Mentoring

A good mentor gives advice, shows the way forward and supports the mentee on their career or business journey.

I provide the following mentorship services to select mentees:

  • Completing your education up to Master’s level
  • Preparing for the world of work
  • Setting up and running your small business

Executive Coaching

Some of the key areas I cover are:

  • Leadership
  • Achieving KPIs
  • Productivity
  • Decision-making
  • Delegating effectively
  • EQ (emotional intelligence)
  • Personal branding
  • Presentation skills
  • Communication skills
  • Career transitions
  • Stress management
  • Effective delegation
  • Overcoming obstacles
  • Limiting beliefs and behaviour
  • Preparing for job interviews
  • Asking for a raise
  • Surviving and thriving in a challenging work environment

Business Coaching

I coach entrepreneurs, small business owners and their employees on:

  • Leadership
  • Identifying goals and achieving them
  • Productivity
  • Decision-making
  • Delegating effectively
  • EQ (emotional intelligence)
  • Stress management
  • Overcoming obstacles
  • Limiting beliefs and behaviour
  • Personal branding
  • Presentation skills
  • Communication skills
  • Motivation
  • Developing resilience
  • Marketing
  • Sales
  • …and any other areas.

Legacy Coaching

This is a unique and new addition to my coaching services and is inspired by the passing away of my father in 2017.

It is suitable for people who would like to view and live their lives through the lens of the legacy that they would like to leave in their spheres of influence and the world. Legacy Coaching™ includes content and collateral to cement your contribution and memory.

Please contact me for more information on my Legacy Coaching™ package.

Mentoring

A good mentor gives advice, shows the way forward and supports the mentee on their career or business journey.

I provide the following mentorship services to select mentees:

  • Completing your education up to Master’s level
  • Preparing for the world of work
  • Setting up and running your small business

TESTIMONIALS

During the time that I have been business coaching handbag designer Adrian Furstenburg, he has won an international handbag award in New York and been featured in Forbes Africa Magazine (June 2018 edition).

Adrian Furstenburg

“I remember the day when I asked Shams Essack to be my business coach, not really knowing that it would put me on this tremendous trajectory to success. She has catalysed a great amount of growth, both personally and professionally. Trusting, and kind – but also a force to be reckoned with. I believe that I am in Forbes magazine, thanks to the coaching that I received. I would highly recommend her – but only serious applicants need apply!”

Busisiwe Hlatshwayo, MBA

“Shams coached me when I was going through a difficult time in my life, my business was failing, I had just moved back home to Pretoria from Cape Town and I was struggling with my MBA studies. It was a very confusing time in my life and Shams with her compassionate yet firm style of coaching helped me get clarity on the next steps to take. I remember at the time I was considering quitting my MBA studies although she didn’t try to lead me to a certain decision. I ended up deciding to stay and now have completed my MBA. I would recommend Shams’ coaching because coupled with her coaching training and experience, she has both corporate and entrepreneurial experience.”

Coaching Qualification AND MEMBERSHIP

ILS Certified Coach (May 2016). This coaching qualification is accredited by the ICF and COMENSA. ILS was established in 2007.

ICF (International Coaching Federation) and COMENSA (Coaches and Mentors South Africa) member.

Coaching and Mentoring Gift Vouchers

Give an original gift that can make a positive and lasting impact on a friend or colleague’s life. Coaching and Mentoring Gift Vouchers available on request at shams@sessack.co.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

I occasionally run special coaching programs and workshops online and in-person. Please sign up for my newsletter (see below) for updates. 

Deloitte authentic women in leadership (AWIL)

A programme by Deloitte Alchemy. 

Shams Essack is part of the external coaching team. 

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