Frequently asked questions
Coaching
What is coaching?
Coaching is a structured, goal-oriented conversation that helps you think clearly, act with intention, and lead more effectively. It’s not advice-giving or therapy - it’s a thoughtful, discussion based partnership focused on helping you move forward.
What kinds of issues can we work on?
Clients bring a wide range of topics: navigating change, stepping into bigger leadership roles, dealing with tricky dynamics, making tough decisions, building influence, improving wellbeing, or just getting unstuck. If it’s to do with your work and/or how work impacts your life, and it matters to you, it belongs in coaching.
How does a coaching session work?
Each session begins by clarifying what you want to focus on. From there, we explore your thinking, identify patterns, and uncover insights. You’ll leave with greater clarity and practical next steps. Sessions are typically held online or by phone, or in person by arrangement (I’m based in Sydney).
What makes coaching successful?
The key ingredients are trust, curiosity, and commitment. The more open and honest you are, the more useful the coaching will be. Progress builds session by session — it’s not instant, but it’s powerful.
What is my role in the coaching, and what is yours?
My role is to listen deeply, ask the right questions, and help you see things from new angles. Yours is to bring your real-world challenges, reflect honestly, and take action between sessions. Coaching works best when you’re willing to think hard and follow through.
How long does coaching take?
Coaching engagements usually run over 6–12 months. Individual sessions are usually 60 minutes, although we can book in shorter or longer sessions as needed. The pace is flexible but often works best every 2 to 8 weeks.
Who is coaching for?
Coaching is for people who are ready to think deeply, challenge themselves, and take ownership of their growth. I work with senior leaders, executives, and professionals across a range of sectors and seniorities in Australia, Asia Pacific and globally.
Who isn’t coaching for?
Coaching isn’t for everyone. It’s not the right fit or the right time if you’re looking for someone to give you all the answers, fix other people, or deliver a training course. It also isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you’re working through trauma, mental health issues, or need emotional healing, a qualified clinician is a better choice - whether alongside or instead of the coaching. I won’t work with you on the mental health challenges but regularly work with people who are separately getting mental health support. Coaching works best when you’re ready to reflect, experiment, and take responsibility for your own growth.
Is coaching confidential?
Yes. Everything we discuss in your sessions is confidential unless I need to disclose it for safety reasons - and if that ever happened, I’d make every effort to discuss it with you first. For organisation-sponsored coaching, I may meet with stakeholders to understand context, but always with transparency to you. Session content remains private unless you choose to share it.
Who gets involved?
If your organisation is sponsoring the coaching, we may hold an initial alignment meeting with your leader or HR to clarify goals. I might also speak with a few stakeholders if that’s helpful - always with your agreement. Sessions themselves are between you and me. And if you’re self-funding, you’re the only person involved.
How is coaching regulated?
Coaching is a self regulated profession. Unfortunately that means anyone can hang out their shingle and call themselves a coach. Beware of “coaches” who haven’t done rigorous training and who aren’t credentialed with a well recognised association.
I’m an accredited organisational coach with the Institute of Executive Coaching & Leadership and credentialed at the PCC level with the International Coaching Federation (ICF), the leading global body for professional coaching. I follow the ICF Code of Ethics, including strict standards around confidentiality, professional boundaries, and continuing development.
Workshops & Facilitation
What kinds of workshops do you run?
I offer a suite of leadership and professional skills workshops - from time management and feedback to leading through change. You can take a look at the menu here. I also facilitate strategy days, off-sites, and team alignment sessions. Find out more here.
Do you customise your workshops?
Yes. While I offer proven workshops ‘off the shelf’, my deep experience means that the delivery of every session is tailored to your context, goals, and audience. I also design bespoke sessions from scratch when needed.
What’s your facilitation style?
Practical, engaging, and outcome-focused. I bring enough structure to keep things on track, while creating space for honest discussion and fresh thinking. I’m comfortable building rapport in rooms full of tricky dynamics. And… no death by PowerPoint!
How long are workshops?
Workshops range from 45 minute keynotes to full- and multi-day sessions. We’ll work together to shape the format that works best for your people and purpose.
Who should attend?
Workshops are suited to leaders and professionals at all levels. Some are designed for senior teams, others for broader groups. I’ll help you match the right format to the right group.
Bespoke Consulting & Design
What do you mean by “bespoke”?
Some situations call for something tailored. That might be designing a leadership program, facilitating a leadership retreat, chairing a panel, or solving a team culture challenge. I work with you to scope what’s needed, and then make it happen.
Do you only consult on leadership topics?
Mostly, yes - but leadership shows up everywhere. I often work on culture, change, performance, capability, and team effectiveness — the human side of work.
Can you just design a session or do you have to run it?
I can do either, although I’m mainly engaged for both to make it seamless. Part of the value I bring is deep subject matter expertise. That allows me to respond to whatever’s in the room - regardless of what’s in the facilitator notes. That’s harder to replicate in a train-the-trainer model, but it all depends on what you’re wanting to achieve.
What’s your approach to bespoke work?
Clear thinking. Clean design. No overcomplication and I really, really try to eliminate jargon. I make it easier for you to solve the right problem, engage the right people, and make smart, lasting decisions.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the scope, complexity, and level of involvement you need. Some projects are short and sharp, just a bit of top-and-tailing on an existing program. Others are more involved. Once we’ve clarified what you’re trying to achieve, I’ll provide a clear proposal with pricing. No surprises, no over-servicing - just thoughtful design and delivery that meets your needs.
About Madeleine
What are your qualifications as a coach?
I’m a professionally trained coach. I am an accredited organisational coach with the Institute of Executive Coaching & Leadership and am credentialed at PCC (professional certified coach) level with the International Coaching Federation (ICF). I’ve also completed advanced coaching programs and continue to engage in professional development.
What’s your background?
Before moving into coaching, I was a corporate and commercial lawyer at top-tier law firms (Allens in Sydney, Shearman & Sterling in San Francisco) and in-house at Vodafone. I led teams, and worked across complex organisations. I understand first-hand the pressures of leadership, the competing demands, and the challenge of staying clear and grounded in the thick of it.
Why did you become a coach?
Because I saw how powerful it is when leaders have a space to think clearly with someone who’s outside the politics, who listens without an agenda, and who’s not afraid to challenge them. I wanted to offer that space: one where people can get unstuck, lead with more impact, and feel more like themselves while doing it.
Who do you work with?
I work with C-suite leaders, judges and barristers, partners in professional services firms, senior professionals, and emerging leaders. Many are in Australia but I also work with clients across the Asia-Pacific region and globally. My clients span industries from law to banking to government to not-for-profit - but they’re united by clear values and a desire to lead well, think clearly, and grow in ways that feel authentic and sustainable.
Do you undertake coaching supervision?
Yes, I regularly engage in professional coaching supervision. Despite the name, it’s not about someone managing or approving my work. Supervision is a structured, confidential space where I can reflect on my practice, check my thinking, and stay sharp and ethical. It’s considered best practice for professional coaches and one of the ways I ensure my clients receive high-quality support.
What’s your coaching style?
Warm, clear, and to the point. I’ll listen closely, ask good questions, and help you see what might be getting in your way. I don’t do hype or jargon. Clients often say they feel lighter, more focused, and more honest with themselves after we work together.