Specialized Coaching: Personalizing Leadership Development

The BW People Management Leadership & Strategy Summit brought together esteemed leaders and professionals to delve into the realm of specialised coaching and its role in personalising leadership development. 
Deo Kumar Pandey, Country People Director (Head of HR), Knauf India, emphasised the evolving landscape of coaching, stating, "Coaching is not about success. Coaching is about effectiveness." He highlighted the importance of aligning individual effectiveness with organisational values, ensuring that coaching interventions contribute to overarching goals. 
Saumya Sandilya, Head of People Business Partner, Ericsson, chimed in, emphasising the power of self-awareness in coaching, stating, "Effective leadership comes with specialised coaching, which is more through self-awareness." Sandilya stressed the significance of exploring one's identity, vision and values to unlock potential and drive authentic leadership. 
Harsh Wardhan, CEO, BW Security World, underscored the need for openness and collaboration in coaching environments. He remarked, "The environment in the company should be such that people are able to speak. Openness to listening to your colleagues is very much needed." Wardhan further advocated for fostering an inclusive culture where individuals feel empowered to voice their perspectives and contribute to collective growth. 
Reflecting on the session, moderator Ved Shukla, Founder & CEO, Mylomart & Advisor, BW Retail World, highlighted the transformative potential of coaching, stating, "Coaching is not teaching. Coaching is not telling. Coaching is not solving your problem. Coach never gives you a solution. Coach never develops you; you develop yourself." Shukla emphasised the role of coaching in empowering individuals to navigate challenges, make informed decisions and realise their full potential. 
The session highlighted the significance of specialised coaching in shaping effective leadership. From aligning individual effectiveness with organisational values to fostering self-awareness and inclusivity, the session offered valuable insights into the evolving landscape of leadership development.