Impact of Coaching in Organisations

A Passion for Coaching

Katie begins the episode by sharing her personal journey, which is truly inspiring. She started her career as a tax accountant, only to realise that the role didn’t align with her passion. “I was a tax accountant for just nine months before realising I absolutely hated it,” she recalls.

This realisation prompted her to pivot into HR, where she discovered coaching, a field that allowed her to connect deeply with others and make a tangible impact.

Her introduction to coaching came by chance, sparked by a Netflix documentary on Tony Robbins. Captivated by the concept, Katie vowed to attend one of Robbins’ seminars, which became a pivotal moment in her career. Shortly afterwards, she immersed herself in coaching, earned multiple certifications, and founded the Ignite Programme at Standard Chartered Bank.

The Ignite Programme: A Catalyst for Change

At one point in her career, Katie felt frustrated and decided to pitch the value of coaching to her CEO. Recognising the potential benefits coaching could bring to the organisation, she channelled her energy into launching the Ignite Programme within Standard Chartered bank.

The Ignite Programme focuses on fostering diversity, inclusion, and leadership development, with a particular emphasis on promoting women, local talent, and individuals with disabilities into leadership roles. Today, Katie oversees a team of 230 internal coaches at Standard Chartered, all of whom volunteer their time to coach colleagues seeking personal and professional growth.

The programme’s unique approach brings together like-minded individuals, both coaches and coachees within the bank, fostering connections that benefit both parties.

Katie supports these coaches through a structured learning community, providing opportunities for continued growth and practice to become better coaches and leaders. Over the years, the programme has achieved remarkable success, coaching over 1,500 people and running 12 cohorts, with many participants going on to become coaches themselves.

The Ripple Effect of Coaching and ROI in Organisations

One of the most remarkable aspects of coaching, according to Katie, is its ripple effect. As coaches learn to listen deeply and engage with their clients, those clients begin to replicate these behaviours in their interactions with colleagues, teams, and even family members.

This shift in communication fosters a more inclusive and dynamic workplace culture. Katie reports significant results from the Ignite Programme. Participants have shown an 8-20% improvement in key areas such as confidence, executive presence, and negotiation skills.

Beyond this, one in six coaching clients has either been promoted or transitioned to a new role within the organisation. Even more striking, one in ten clients go on to become coaches themselves, further expanding the programme’s reach.

Building a Coaching Culture

For organisations aiming to foster a coaching culture, Katie’s advice is straightforward: start small, but start now. She emphasises the importance of creating a community of coaches and allowing it to grow organically. “Success builds on itself,” Katie says. “You do a small pilot, and people start to see the visible change in those who have been coached.”

Katie also highlights the importance of embracing discomfort. “Imposter syndrome is always present,” she admits. “But where there is discomfort, there is discovery.” She encourages both coaches and leaders to view challenges as opportunities for growth, a lesson she has applied throughout her career.

As organisations continue to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace, Katie believes that coaching will become an essential skill for leaders. “As we move into a world of AI and the gig economy, coaching is the critical skill we need to navigate ambiguity and change,” she explains.

By developing internal coaching programmes, organisations can not only retain top talent but also cultivate leaders who are more relational, empathetic, and effective.

Katie’s journey and the success of the Ignite Programme serve as a powerful reminder that coaching is more than a skill—it’s a catalyst for transformation. Whether it’s helping someone return from maternity leave with renewed confidence or guiding a disengaged employee towards a new career path, coaching has the power to unlock potential and create lasting change.

Final Thoughts

Katie Hasson’s story is an example that shows the transformative power of coaching, both for individuals and organisations! Her work with the Ignite Programme at Standard Chartered Bank has not only fostered growth among employees but also contributed to a more inclusive and dynamic workplace culture. For those looking to implement coaching within their own organisations, Katie’s advice is clear: start small, embrace discomfort, and trust the process. The results, as Katie’s journey shows, will be worth it.

Thank you Katie Hasson for sharing with us. Connect with her on LinkedIn.