Clients

“We had the pleasure of working with SMA over several months in 2020, and continue to use them as a resource to this day. We engaged with them in an effort to become a more inclusive organization, more proactive in our understanding and efforts in making an impact on racial injustice and to simply make ourselves more aware of the inequities around us. We could not have picked a better facilitator, mentor and advocate in our journey. The work was impactful on a personal and organizational level and continues to resonate with us constantly.
The outcomes associated with our work with Shirley were many to include, but not limited to:

· Personal growth on an individual level across the company

· A more inclusive approach to who we choose to work with both in terms of employees and vendors

· Specific initiatives we have committed to in an effort to make a positive impact regarding racial injustice.

It has been a rewarding journey that we are still embarking on. One that was often times uncomfortable, eye opening and challenging, but we are better for it individually and collectively. SMA's work with us can best be described as impactful, empathetic and tangible. We are, without question, better off as people and as an organization as a result of this work.”

“Shirley is an extraordinarily talented executive coach and developer of aspiring coaches. She leads by example, serving as a powerful role model with her presence, authenticity and attunement to her clients, their context and the broader systems they operate within. Her keen observations and spot on feedback to participants in our coach development program captures the essence of how they can grow their awareness and effectiveness. I deeply appreciate every opportunity to work with and learn from Shirley.”

“I have had the privilege of working with SMA in two different contexts over the last six years. First, I was provided with individual coaching over a nine-month period. The work for me was transformative. The coach was incredibly perceptive and drew on her vast experience to provide insights into how I could be a better leader. She was a careful listener and flexible in her approach, tailoring our coaching sessions to meet my evolving needs. She pushed me when I needed to be pushed, but always with good humour and kindness. Several years later I had the pleasure of working with the same coach again when I asked her to help facilitate a series of very challenging meetings for our leadership team and provide individual coaching. Over a six-month period, she successfully helped us identify our strengths, what was holding us back as a team, and chart a course for the future. In both of these engagements, I could count on my coach to provide an honest assessment of what was needed, as well as excellent advice on how to move forward. And throughout it all, she was a pure joy to work with.”

“Working with my SMA coach has been transformative. She has been my mentor coach for several years, and has seen me through quite a few life and work transitions. She is very present, wise, and caring. She pushes me to look beyond what is right in front of me and imagine what’s possible. My sessions are like a little oasis in the middle of my busy weeks, and I truly value our time together. If you have the chance to work with SMA one-to-one and also with your team, do it! And be ready for real change….”

"The SMA coach was an amazing and empathetic listener and observer. I flourished as a leader under her coaching. On my personal leadership journey, I was provided with the appropriate and needed guideposts to ensure I arrived at a place where I could be confident in my own internal voice and decisions, while also responding to the needs of my team. I am forever grateful for her support and credit her for my current and future success."

“SMA was phenomenal in working with the CCA team during our team retreats. They bring humility, passion and a deep attention to their work. Their dedication to helping people, teams and organizations fulfill their purpose in life is inspiring.”

“I've had the joy and privilege of working with Shirley in the Teleos Coaching Development Program and on another international leadership development program. Shirley is a gifted facilitator and instructor. Her care and interest in her students is clear--and she is able to support their learning and their skill development. She is a talented coach who is able to help her clients bring about change in their work and their lives --she understands leadership and leadership inside complex systems--and helps her clients understand themselves and their systems to be at their best.”

SMA is exceptional because the coach stands right beside you as you traverse the uncharted terrain on your journey to self-discovery. My coach had an ability to help tease out the underlying issues or patterns while providing the support needed to bring about change. I have benefited greatly, as clarity and purpose manifested through our work together. I highly recommend them not only for their skills and ability, but for their authenticity and passion they bring for every person's, and every agency's full and complete development.

“Though the training from today is still sifting through me, I just wanted to drop you both a note of thanks. It was excellent; moving and inspiring in every way. I hope you both get some rest after offering the generosity of your time for that incredible additional final 30 minutes. Thank you again for a wonderful experience, providing both spaciousness and specificity. It's quite a gift. I'm looking forward to the next experiences with the membership group. It's funny, I used to feel the weight but doing the work in this more intensive way is actually a relief.”

“It is no exaggeration to say that without SMA's expert consultation, guidance and coaching, our professional Association could not be anywhere near as successful as we are today in fulfilling our mission. Since 2011, SMA has supported our board and staff to become a remarkably high-functioning, cohesive, dedicated and effective leadership team. They are entirely unafraid of – and highly skillful with - challenging conversations when they are needed, and they have helped us navigate some difficult developmental waters with great integrity that could otherwise have undermined our organization and our mission. We are challenged to achieve ever-greater levels of organizational capacity, and always keeping our eye on our core vision, purpose, values and commitments. The consultants high levels of integrity, skill and commitment to purpose, inspire our entire team to contribute the very best of ourselves, as well as being charming and a lot of fun to work with! We are grateful and recommend SMA to others with great enthusiasm.”

“I worked with Shirley during a challenging transition period in my personal life yet a powerful creative time in my professional career. Shirley counseled easily in both realms, helping me to experience myself as an integrated human being and professional, to achieve great business results while navigating through the experience of my husband’s cancer journey at the same time. I appreciated her flexibility, empathy and encouragement, along with her application of expertise and a go for it attitude…all in the right balance for me. I have been lucky to have her in my court.”

“I wanted to thank you for creating the Time to Elevate courses. I've had a hard time putting into words the impact that the work is having, but I can tell you that it is deep, meaningful, and enduring. The course materials, the readings, your presence and perspectives, and the power of community are all working their magic, including improving my ability to hold space for others. This feels important as more individuals and clients are opening up to explore this work, and we are often the first point of inquiry. It is allowing me to be more accurate about what I can/can't do, where I still need to lean in, where I feel comfortable and therefore know how to best be of service.”

“I was extremely fortunate to be matched with a SMA coach through a leadership coaching program. While initially open, I was sceptical about how much it could help me in my career. After working with my coach for over a year, my work has been nothing short of transformational. We have taken a deep, honest, and unapologetic look at the external, and more importantly self-imposed challenges that kept me from being the professional and person I strove to be. The coach's deep professional knowledge and personal compassion served as the support I needed to build healthier and stronger relationships in both my personal and professional life. Coaching is fundamentally about working together to understand and then transcend what holds us back from professional and personal fulfilment. I would unequivocally recommend SMA to anyone, or any organization striving to achieve more."