Case Studies
Start our journey with confidence.
Bringing bold ideas to life and empowering leaders to communicate with clarity and impact has been my mission for over 20 years. I’ve had the privilege to coach a diverse group of leaders from around the world, each with unique strengths and aspirations. From CEOs to scientists, entrepreneurs, and public servants, the transformations I’ve witnessed continue to fuel my passion for this work.
This page is dedicated to sharing some of those experiences. Here, you’ll find stories from clients who have embraced the process, overcome challenges, and stepped into their full potential. Their words are a testament to the power of confident communication and the profound impact it can have on personal and professional growth.
Let their journeys inspire yours!
A case study – in focus.
The challenge : Leadership presence, clear and actionable communication, self and time management
The client: Jen R. Professional Practice Lead, CHEO
The challenge:
Jen R. is a leader spearheading an important project at one of Ottawa’s leading hospitals, with over 100 staff reporting to her. Feeling overwhelmed and out of control with endless and inefficient meetings she came seeking guidance around better time management, setting boundaries and clarity.
The insight:
Jen soon realized that she was spreading herself too thin, trying to be everywhere for everyone, instead of focusing on what she really needed to do – see the big picture and strategize as the leader that she was.
The minutia of being involved in everything was also causing inefficiencies and confusion amongst her staff. Something had to change.
The strategy:
- Identifying priorities
- Setting clear boundaries and saying ‘no’ to time-consuming and useless tasks
- Using a time-energy calendar
- Delegating tasks to others
- Requesting synopses of communication
- Running meetings more efficiently
The outcome
In the end, Jen felt she had regained control over her calendar, her work and even her family life.
She was able to assertively set boundaries and communicate priorities in order to do the work she really loved, which was to strategize.
As a result, the project moved along more efficiently, staff were more motivated, and she was able to convey an image of the leader she needed to be.
A case study – in focus.
The challenge: Public speaking, executive interactions and boardroom presence
The client: T. Israar – CEO
The challenge:
As the CEO of a Consulting Firm, T. is required to consult with high level government clients on a regular basis, as well as report to the Board of directors.
This involves presenting material, giving interviews and answering questions in a confident, clear and succinct manner in high-stake situations.
Feeling he wasn’t conveying the necessary level of leadership presence and relevance he came seeking guidance on how to project greater credibility and authority in his executive interactions.
The insight:
T. soon realized that misconceptions around his expertise, along with lack of self-awareness were not only undermining his ability to articulate thoughts in a concise way, but also preventing him to project his voice to the back of the boardroom effectively.
The strategy:
- Identifying strengths and unique expertise in his field
- Strategic thinking: being clear on key messages
- Strong openings
- Slowing down and pausing for effect and impact
- Voice projection
- Impactful closings
The outcome
In the end, T. felt he’d regained command over his voice, leadership presence and the ability to effectively influence his audience.
As a result, he was able to better advocate on behalf of his company, influence key stakeholders and bring about the change he felt was necessary in his industry.
Sylvia has an amazing, calming presence in the classroom. I have seen her work with clients with very little confidence to speak in public, and turn them into confident and eloquent presenters in just a few hours. Her simple techniques are easy to understand and master, and clients always seem so comfortable in her classroom. I aspire to be a trainer like her!
Sylvia was an absolute pleasure to work with. I continue to apply her feedback in my personal and professional life because it was extremely relevant, specific and useful. I highly recommend reaching out to Sylvia for any matters related to communication and leadership.