40 | Midlands Enterprise Awards 2021 impacts of coaching. For example, I’m having a rise in demand for maternity leave coaching, supporting women before they go on leave, during their leave if they wish, then helping them integrate back into the workplace successfully. For organisations to implement coaching for groups such as these, as well as the more regular coaching around leadership and career development, is something I see as positive.” Additional to its increase in online coaching and training developments, Sore Developments has exciting plans on the horizon. Claire explains, “I have recently qualified in Equine Facilitated Learning, which is working alongside horses to help individuals and groups to learn more about themselves and each other. Horses have an amazing ability to help you reflect on your behaviour in different situations to lower your cortisol levels. For teams, there are also elements like communication, teamwork, and leadership that can be developed through our activities. I will be running single-day workshops, partnering with local stables for teams wanting to reconnect and develop, and as part of my women’s leadership offer. Working with the horses to help women reflect on their strengths differently and explore how to overcome barriers and achieve their goals. It’s a great addition to what the business offers, and I’ve already had some fantastic testimonials from groups who attended recently.” Company: Soar Development Ltd Name: Claire Burgess Email:
[email protected] Web Address: www.soar-development.co.uk Address: Oundle, Northants Telephone: 07921 383502 Soar Development was founded by Claire Burgess, winner of the Best Women-in-Leadership Coach award 2021 and provides business training and coaching, specialising in working with women. Claire has an MSc in Occupational Psychology and an ILM Certificate in coaching and mentoring and is passionate about people development. Based in Oundle Northamptonshire, Sore Development aims to work with women at different stages of their lives and careers, helping them reach their potential. Its mission is to see equality at all levels of the workplace alongside giving women the confidence to achieve their goals. Founder and Director Claire states, “Our focus is to connect with a wide range of women within different organisations and work together on areas such as self-belief and confidence as well as overcoming work barriers, interview skills and leadership development.” Its efforts are through individual coaching and Women in Leadership programmes that combine training and coaching in areas where women can learn from and support. Claire explains, “The feedback is always overwhelmingly positive. Giving someone a bit of time and space to focus on themselves, their strengths, and their goals can make a person shine. Many clients then go on to secure promotions or move into a role which fits their passions and values.” Claire firmly believes that the speciality and experience in working with women stand out as Sore Developments USP, stating, “I work with a team of associates with the same passion and belief about women’s development, and this allows me to work flexibly to meet the needs of clients. In addition, consistent positive testimonials show me that what we are doing works and is needed, and this drives me to continue to work within this niche.” While equality may be making strides in the right direction, there is still a long way to progress for many workplaces as countless women still have the challenge of managing work and family life to develop a career. Claire explains, “For many women, it can be hard to see our worth, acknowledge our strengths and put ourselves forward towards our goals. It’s a big mindset element in life and in organisations to overcome. Best Women-in-Leadership Coach 2021: Claire Burgess My passion and belief for this work, coupled with a range of prior experience, makes us a great choice for clients.” The primary trend, as a lasting impact of COVID-19, is the move to everything being online. Claire states, “It’s fortunate we are in an industry where we could all adapt in this way and continue to work with our clients. What’s a little surprising now is that many people are continuing to embrace online coaching and development and plan to do so even once, even after restrictions, as they see it as more flexible and a way to bring people together across different locations. For me, I have worked virtually with coaching clients for several years anyway, but the positive feedback from workshops moving online was great to see.” Claire continues, “I also see trends in people being more open to, and positive about, the Jul21051