Executive Coaching for Functional Head at a US-based Agri Supply-Chain Firm (Singapore)

coachbase
CoachBase June 20, 2024

Context & Objectives:

This engagement supported a first-time coachee—a female Functional Head preparing for promotion into a senior leadership role within a US-based agri supply-chain firm in Singapore.

As a rising leader in a global organization, she faced increasing expectations to move beyond functional excellence and demonstrate broader leadership impact. Stepping into this expanded role required her to strengthen her executive presence, build strategic decision-making capacity, and confidently navigate the complexities of cross-functional leadership.

The objectives of the coaching program were to:

  • Build leadership readiness and executive presence to step confidently into expanded responsibilities.
     
  • Navigate complex functional challenges that came with scaling operations in a competitive and fast-changing industry.
     
  • Identify personal development areas beyond the initial brief to accelerate growth, enhance self-awareness, and broaden leadership effectiveness.

By aligning both organizational expectations and personal aspirations, the coaching journey—delivered by experienced executive coaches—aimed to prepare her not only for promotion but also for long-term leadership success. This initiative reflects how modern coaching for leaders, when facilitated through a structured coaching platform, creates measurable business and personal impact.

Approach:

The coaching was delivered over six months and guided by integrated 360° feedback. This process ensured that insights were not just self-reflective but also informed by colleagues, peers, and direct reports—creating a holistic view of her leadership strengths and development areas.

  • Building leadership readiness and executive presence: The coaching emphasized techniques to enhance communication, influence, and presence in senior forums. Role plays and feedback helped the coachee develop gravitas and confidence in high-stakes interactions with executive stakeholders.
     
  • Navigating complex functional challenges: Through scenario-based discussions, the coachee explored strategies to balance technical finance expertise with the broader organizational perspective required of a senior leader. This included managing trade-offs, aligning finance priorities with business strategy, and fostering stronger cross-functional collaboration.
     
  • Identifying personal development areas beyond the initial brief: As the coaching progressed, new areas for growth emerged, including resilience under pressure, empowering team members, and cultivating a more visionary leadership style. The coach worked with her to translate these insights into practical actions, accelerating both professional and personal growth.

The structured yet adaptive approach highlighted the effectiveness of online leadership coaching combined with traditional methodologies. This allowed the coachee to continuously refine her skills, receive feedback in real time, and apply new strategies in her day-to-day leadership role.

Results:

The outcomes of the six-month engagement were significant and measurable:

  • Gained greater strategic clarity, enabling her to align finance decisions with long-term business objectives.
     
  • Build confidence in decision-making, particularly in high-pressure and ambiguous situations.
     
  • Enhanced readiness to lead cross-functional initiatives, strengthening her profile as a collaborative and future-ready leader.

As a result, she was strongly positioned for promotion and recognized as a high-potential leader capable of driving impact beyond her function. The case underscores how executive coaching can accelerate readiness for senior roles and empower leaders to thrive in complex, global business environments.

Contact:

For more information on how executive coaching can prepare leaders for senior roles and accelerate leadership readiness, please contact us at info@coachbase.io.