Leonie Williamson

Senior manager at a large telecommunications brand

“As long as I can remember I’ve suffered from hyperhidrosis – so I get very, very nervous when I’m presenting, my face goes bright red, my hands are clammy, and I struggle to keep my balance. It’s horrible and hugely embarrassing, and although a few years back I had some treatment to deal with some of the physical symptoms I really hadn’t made much progress resolving the underlying issues. And it was really starting to affect my work, as I’m in a leadership role where I’m often required to present to large groups. So I made the decision to get some professional coaching, and that’s when I was introduced to Sarah – she had been working as one of the senior business coaches with Clarity Leadership within my organisation and had a great reputation.

Together we’ve been working on how to control my fight-or-flight response and use breathing techniques and other presentation tools to make sure my body supports me as I speak. One of my biggest revelations has been about rehearsing – I always felt I had to go over and over the material, as if that would protect me from the nerves, when actually it was part of the problem! Sarah has helped me realise that I really do know my field and that I’m much better when I just speak from that knowledge, as it creates more of a relaxed dialogue. And it’s actually very freeing not trying to regurgitate something I’ve memorised but instead to just share my ideas and expertise off the cuff.

“Sarah is easy to work with because you’re not intimidated or afraid to be vulnerable – she makes you feel comfortable as soon as you meet her.”

Literally just this week I’ve been out doing roadshows, and have had so many instances of simply getting up in front of large groups and just speaking, with no rehearsal. And it’s been great, the feedback I’ve had has been amazing and I’ve actually enjoyed myself and felt so much more confident. It’s such a huge milestone for me – I would never have been able to do that before.

I’m still working on being able to present standing up – at the moment that still unnerves me a little, so I’ve stuck with presenting sitting down. But for the first time I feel that, given time, this is something I can overcome, and it’s Sarah who’s given me that confidence.

We’ve been working together over 18 months and I just love my sessions with her because she listens so well – it’s never a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, the advice she gives and the techniques she offers are very personal. And she really takes the time to work out what’s at the root of the challenges you’re dealing with and helps you prioritise key issues, so the time you spend together is really purposeful and has a noticeable and meaningful impact. Plus she’s just so lovely it makes her easy to work with because you’re not intimidated or afraid to be vulnerable – she makes you feel comfortable as soon as you meet her.

Sarah has completely transformed my view of myself and what I can achieve – both professionally and personally. She’s helped me develop in my career to the point where I don’t feel scared or held back by obstacles I face, but instead am confident to take on the next challenge. I am incredibly thankful to her and would recommend her wholeheartedly.”

*This person’s name has been changed, as although they wanted to share their story they preferred to remain anonymous

“I love my sessions with Sarah because she listens so well – it’s never a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, the advice she gives and the techniques she offers are very personal.”