FRESH IDEAS

FOR LEADERS

MARCH 2025

Creating safe spaces for people to flourish


Lately, one theme keeps coming up in the work we do at Vision Coaching – psychological safety. It’s resonating more and more with leaders, teams and organizations because people are realizing just how fundamental it is to learning, growth and performance. 


I’ve had the chance to deliver Using the Coach Approach™, our leadership coaching skills and mindset program, to a wide range of professionals – engineers, executives, front-line leaders.


In this program, participants often assume they’ll be given all the answers, but what they experience is something different – a space where they can explore, reflect and discover their own solutions. And, in our experience, this happens more naturally when we create the right environment – one where they feel safe enough to show up, take risks and not have to be perfect.  


That’s psychological safety. And it’s not just about training sessions. It’s the foundation of strong coaching relationships and high-performing teams.  


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Judith’s story: Coaching and the power of perspective

Judith Mackin has built a thriving business from bold design choices. As CEO and Creative Director of Tuck Studio, she has a keen eye for transformation – turning spaces into reflections of the people or organizations inhabiting them. 


But when it came to her own business and leadership, she didn’t initially see the value of leadership coaching.


“I always thought, ‘I don’t need coaching,’” Judith admits with a laugh. “And I had no idea what I was talking about.”


That changed when she reconnected with longtime friend and former restaurateur Peter Stoddart. Pete had transitioned from the world of hospitality to leadership coaching by first earning a graduate certificate in executive coaching from Royal Roads University before joining Vision Coaching.


Their catch-up coffee turned into something more – a realization that Judith was at a turning point.


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Emily Rodger named a Most Powerful Women in Business

We’re delighted to share that Vision Coaching’s Emily Rodger has been named one of Atlantic Business Magazine’s 25 Most Powerful Women in Business.


Emily has a remarkable ability to connect deeply with the leaders she works with – helping them uncover strengths, navigate change, and lead with authenticity. Her journey from elite cycling to leadership coaching is a testament to her resilience, adaptability, and commitment to growth.


Beyond coaching, Emily is a sought-after speaker, a travel host for transformative experiences, and a passionate storyteller. Her success has been the focus of three films, including a documentary filmed in Africa last year that highlights her love of the outdoors and leadership. To find out more about Emily and her coaching with Vision, visit our website.

The LEADing Edge:

Transforming tough conversations

By Marilyn Orr and Kelley Russell-DuVarney 

Vision Coaching


In today's fast-paced corporate environment, leaders often hear the call for "better communication" while simultaneously being told to keep emotions out of the workplace. 


Yet this paradoxical demand misses a fundamental truth: meaningful connection – the kind that drives innovation, resolves conflicts, and builds resilient teams – is inherently emotional.


Active listening has become a staple of leadership training but it often misses the mark. 


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Empowering women in leadership

What does it take for women to rise as leaders – especially in industries where role models are scarce? 


In this episode from the Boiling Point archives, co-hosts Emily Rodger and Dave Veale sit down with Andrea Janzen, Founder and CEO of Ambition Theory, to explore the power of visibility, sponsorship, and breaking free from the "advice trap."


Andrea shares eye-opening research on the Double Bind paradox – where women are advised to be more confident, only to be called "too bossy" when they step up as leaders. She also discusses the importance of specialized leadership training and the role of sponsors who actively invest in women’s success.


This episode is packed with insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, navigating niche leadership opportunities, and making the mindset shifts necessary for career growth. Whether you're a leader, an advocate, or simply passionate about workplace equity, this conversation is a must-listen.


Tune in now through the Boiling Point website or your favorite podcast platform.

Harvard Business Review

In 9 Trends That Will Shape Work in 2025 and Beyond, Harvard Business Review explores key shifts – from AI-driven management to the growing business risk of loneliness – that will define the future of work.

In Leaders Need to Take a Holistic Approach by Looking Inward, Time examines why a holistic mindset – balancing energy, focus, and purpose – is key to sustaining success in a high-pressure world.

McKinsey & Company features The Value of Generosity in Leadership, exploring how leaders who share their time, experience, and wisdom can foster a culture of collaboration and empowerment.

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