Coaching testimonials
What it’s like to be coached by me
I’ve been a professional coach and mentor for nearly a decade.
Of all the work I do, the coaching results are the most dramatic. I’m continually blown away by what these women achieve during and after their coaching journey. Watching them get out of their comfort zones and work towards the things they’ve always wanted to achieve.
I offer two coaching services – a one-on-one individual coaching program and one-off strategy sessions. So, some of these stories you’re about to read will talk about an in-depth coaching journey, while others talk about a specific issue that was identified and actioned.
Find out more about my coaching services. If you want to know more about me – my background and all that I do – you can read my story and or an overview of who I am and what I do.
I am so impressed by you as a human being, Helga. In our sessions I really valued the clever questions, patient restraint and thoughtfulness you brought to our time together. I get that I’m not an executive director, in charge of a large portfolio, but you still gave myself and my colleagues your all. And that was really humbling. Thank you for coaching me.
Helga's coaching program was excellent. A great opportunity to reflect on my career, consider future options and take action for change. Helga is professional, inspiring and fun to work with.
I highly recommend Helga’s coaching program. Helga is fun, professional and provided great support and insights to help me reflect on my values and skills and take the next steps in my professional development.
Helga improved my work performance immensely by helping unpack and evaluate that which I wasn't able to myself. She's undoubtedly skilled as coach, and also extremely approachable. I learned a lot from her about managing myself, and identifying solutions to adaptive challenges.
Thanks again for helping me get through a really thick brick wall last year. I was going around in circles, totally lost as to what was real and valuable to me. You helped me pin down what I really wanted in life and this gave me the courage to make the big decisions I needed to make, which would take me to where I am now, quite content and working towards a new career at a community development officer!
I had the good fortune to have Helga as a coach for six sessions to help on career planning. It turned into a lot more than that - Helga is a coach with great insight, lateral ideas and understanding of so many aspects of leadership development including strategic planning, compelling communication and organisational culture. I would recommend Helga without hesitation for anyone who needs some guidance to develop their full potential.
When I started my coaching, I hoped to actually see my strengths as strengths, to know how to work with them, to build on them and to recognise where my strengths would be of most value and to seek out those opportunity. I have actually gained a greater understanding of my strengths, the development of a personal mission statement, more confidence in connecting with others and using LinkedIn. I have joined the Board of a not for profit organisation which is a great learning experience and opportunity to be of service. The most valuable thing about coaching was keeping me accountable for my actions but not getting cranky if I didn't achieve them. The joint recognition that it is my journey and quiet guidance along the way was helpful. I feel more assured of my strengths and feel that it will be a great starting point for new opportunities in the year ahead. Helga's greatest skill as a coach is gentle guidance and listening. It's has been a pleasure working with you, Helga and thank you for the gentle guidance (and the tea and hand cream!).
My experience of coaching with Helga for a year was transformative. When I signed up for coaching I was at a crossroads in my life and Helga helped me find and walk the path of change instilling confidence, clarity and insight along the way. Her methods are both constructive and creative. Her ability to perceive what tool or activity is needed to help gain deep understanding about yourself or an issue is uncanny. Her detailed preparation and diligent execution makes the coaching personalised in a way that is both relevant and exciting at the same time. By identifying my innate values and stepping through exercises that helped turn my dreams into reality, I cannot recommend Helga enough. Her positivity, adaptability and cultivated skill meant I always looked forward to my coaching sessions. As I was working in a remote community for the majority of our coaching sessions I appreciated Helga's flexibility in doing sessions via Skype under sometimes difficult circumstances.
Helga is an excellent coach, tailoring each session to meet your requirements and progress your career goals. She is a positive, supportive and inspiring.
I’ve had the privilege of working with Helga as both a colleague and in her role as a career coach. Helga has a wonderfully infectious attitude to work and life and she helped me get out of my own way in my career progression. She has a very gentle way of keeping you accountable to development goals and checking in.
Helga was such a supportive, clear-headed and positive coach to work with while I developed a vision and direction for my career during 2015. Her strategic and practical exercises, ability to listen and respond and unshakeable positivity helped me leave every session feeling focussed and like I could achieve anything. I have no hesitations recommending Helga to anyone who needs a new sense of purpose and momentum, or a very effective personal cheer squad.
Helga has been such a positive, influential coach. She directed my attention and my energy towards positive solutions during a transitional period in my career. Her energy and genuinely kind disposition, paired with intelligence and problem solving acumen provided a trusting environment, focussed on moving forward. I would leave our sessions ready to take on the world, both in an emotional/mental state, and equipped with practical methods to do so. I’ve learned a great deal from Helga and would highly recommend her.
I recommend to a number of young graduates and those in career transition that they work with Helga Svendsen to leverage their capabilities and maximise their opportunities. Helga is well qualified and experienced to provide sound and ethical advice. She is an excellent listener and highly personable. Helga is insightful and strategic and brings an extensive network across a diverse range of sectors.
Helga has been a wonderful business coach. Providing a safe place to share ideas and be challenged. Helga has assisted me to improve my business and management practices. Every senior manager needs a business coach like Helga.
Helga is an inspiration to all those around her. Her positive energy is contagious. Helga inspired me to be courageous and inspired me to face any fears and follow my passion. Thank you for your support Helga.