Strategic Leadership Advisory
An experienced perspective for important leadership decisions
Some organisational challenges are difficult to work through from inside the organisation, particularly when people are close to the issue or see it differently.
I work with Principals, CEOs, executive teams and Boards as an independent thinking partner when an issue needs careful thought or a different perspective.
My advisory work is conversation-based. I help you make sense of the issue, test the thinking around it and see the next step more clearly.
When the way forward is not clear
Even highly capable leaders and Boards can reach a point where an issue is not moving forward. The relationship between a Principal and Chair may be strained, a senior appointment may carry unusual risk, stakeholders may want different things, or a strategic decision may keep circling because there is no perfect option.
Financial, enrolment or reputational pressures can make it even harder to separate the core decision from the noise around it.
An independent perspective can help you see what has become harder to see from inside the situation.
I help you work through the issue and test your assumptions so that the way forward becomes clearer.
Working with Boards
My governance experience shapes the way I work with Boards and senior leaders.
I can work with Boards on significant organisational questions, Board and executive relationships, strategic direction and leadership transitions.
Having worked on both sides of the Board table, I understand the different responsibilities of governance and executive leadership. I also understand the value of having someone independent to talk things through with when an issue is sensitive or the Board wants to test its thinking.
Where I can contribute
Strategic priorities and direction
Board and executive role clarity
Principal or CEO and Chair relationships
Leadership transitions and succession
Complex organisational decisions
Facilitating important Board and leadership conversations
Testing assumptions and providing constructive challenge
Senior leadership recruitment, providing an independent perspective alongside the recruiting firm to help Boards assess candidates, test their thinking and make considered appointment decisions
“Fran’s personalised coaching came at just the right time, helping me navigate my first year in executive leadership with confidence and clarity. She has a way of helping you see things from different perspectives, pushing you to think differently and take steps that truly matter.”
Melissa D’Amico
Assistant Principal (Learning and Innovation): Aitken College
Frequently asked questions
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Strategic Leadership Advisory is for Principals, CEOs, executive teams and Boards facing an organisational question that would benefit from experienced, independent thinking support.
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We may work on strategic priorities, role clarity, Board and executive relationships, leadership transitions, succession, a critical senior appointment or a complex decision that has become difficult to progress.
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Executive coaching focuses on your thinking, development and choices. Strategic advisory work focuses more directly on an organisational issue, decision or group conversation. We can decide which approach best fits the situation.
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No. I help you examine the issue, challenge assumptions and identify where attention will make the most difference. The relevant leader or Board makes the final decision.
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Yes. I facilitate strategic conversations when an independent person can help the group clarify the issue, hear different perspectives and move towards a useful next step.
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Yes. We can work on one focused issue or over a longer period, depending on the context. We agree the scope before the work begins.
Bring clarity to the issue in front of you
If the same issue keeps returning to the agenda, or the Board needs an independent person to test its thinking, I can help you see the next step more clearly.