“I’m both a better leader now and people look at me as a strong thought partner”

“I started working with Jo as I’ve transitioned from middle management into a more senior leadership role. I wanted to hone my skills, take that next step, and be better prepared. I’ve developed more confidence in who I am as a leader, especially when speaking up in meetings with high-level leaders.

One of the biggest things I’ve learned is how to push back more effectively—with the right tact and verbiage—so it doesn’t come across like I’m questioning people above me, but that I’m really trying to get to the bottom of something. I’ve also learned how to better use my natural characteristics and skills in a professional environment. For me, that’s things like humor. I like to make jokes, and Jo helped me understand how to use that as a strength—when to turn it on, when to turn it off, and how it can be most effective when used the right way.

I feel like I’m both a better leader now and that people look at me as a strong thought partner—not just for my direct team, but for peers and other departments as well. I’ve been able to position myself better through how I present myself, the words I choose, and the approach I take in tackling issues and problems.

Jo has helped me think about challenges differently—that every challenge requires a process to solve it, a way to break it down, or a different perspective. One example was creating “rules of engagement” for how team members interact. That’s improved how my team works together, and I’ve even found myself applying the same idea at home with my kids.

Jo really listens, empathizes, and takes the time to understand what’s going on in your world. I was always impressed by how much she remembers—details about people I work with and situations I’ve shared—which makes it feel like she truly understands the full context. At the same time, she’ll push you to look at things differently and try new approaches.

I would highly recommend Jo to anyone who wants someone who genuinely cares about their success and is willing to challenge them to grow.”