How do you prepare for your most important meetings?
I had one such meeting last week.
Twenty to thirty minutes to speak to the Executive Team of a large, global and impressive business.
The topic? A leadership coaching programme we’d just completed with 12 of their senior leaders.
It was one of the most fulfilling pieces of work I have ever been involved in. From our seats (I worked with Jen Campion, another coach), the programme was a success.
The feedback was excellent. Engaged, reflective, honest.
The energy in the room during our sessions was raw, real and powerful.
So what was the challenge in prepping for the meeting?
Not what to say. But how to show up.
I’ll admit I went back and forth on this. At one point earlier in the week, I found myself preparing to explain everything. To prove it had worked.
And honestly, I was boring myself.
Then Jen called it out, thankfully. It’s hard to see the picture when you’re in the frame.
She saw me slipping into the same patterns that we had helped the leaders navigate.
In the programme, they were given space to think. And they used it.
They connected, became more curious, challenged, collaborated, strategised, and delivered truly impressive work.
I veered off track on more than one occasion in my prep, even the day before. But I sensed it, and I knew what to do.
I couldn’t walk in and list reasons why it worked. That would have flattened the whole thing.
Instead, I wanted them to feel the conditions that made the work land:
- What it’s like to have real space to think
- What happens when trust is built, not assumed
- The power of meaningful connection in a world full of noise
This wasn’t just a review of a programme.
It was a chance to reflect on what their people are capable of when the environment supports it.
In today’s world of AI disruption, geopolitical tension, and shifting priorities, this is the work that matters.
- Real conversations.
- Human connection.
- Curiosity over certainty.
Because when leaders feel connected, not isolated, they think better, lead better, and become the leaders their teams actually need.
I’ll be better for all the back and forth leading up to this one. Next time, I’ll hold this learning close.
How are you showing up in your most important meetings?
To convince, or to connect?
I’ll leave you with one of my favourite quotes.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
— Maya Angelou