CLIENT FEEDBACK & EXPERIENCES

Having Kim Tofin coach our new product dev team at this critical growth phase in our company was nothing short of game changing. Initially, we knew we had to change the way our team was functioning, but we weren’t sure how to proceed. I was unfamiliar with team coaching and the importance of teamship so we were unsure about the outcome. But Kim’s no-pressure, confident approach to team coaching quickly dissipated the doubt and uncertainties. Kim’s knowledge and approach to developing high performing teams, insights into the hi-tech world, and his genuine belief in human potential, shifted my entire perspective. The overall team coaching approach was patient but firm and helped our high-performing yet often chaotic team slow down, refocus, and collaborate more effectively. 

Kim introduced a teamship framework that instilled and heightened the team’s level of safety, confidence, candor, and accountability that inspired more creative experimentation our industry demands. The team members appreciated the way ‘teamship’ was introduced and how it took on a life of its own, led by the team itself. Kim facilitated the development of our team charter and working agreement that have become core to how we collectively operate, achieve results, and meet our objectives.  I’ve grown as a team leader, and I can see the difference in how the entire team functions — more grounded, more innovative, and more connected. Kim’s team coaching influence not only benefited the members of the team and the team itself but has had a ripple effect across the entire organization.

Kim is very authentic and honest. From the start, it very much felt like we were on the same wavelength. He is very committed to the best possible outcome for me. Because of the high level of mutual trust, the coaching sessions have been very productive and revealing. I have been able to make some important changes to how I approach my professional role and relationships.  I'm invested for the long term.  I highly recommend Kim as a seasoned Leadership Coach.

 Kim has solid business / Hi Tech domain knowledge and awareness. This allows us to accelerate through the jargon and communicate effectively leaving more time to focus on my issues and topics. He is both more empathetic and tougher than I thought, in a good way. What I like about our sessions is that he adjusts the pace to suit my current situation and overall personality - I never feel anything is rushed or dragged out. Each session is always a joint effort and we were are in it together. Kim seems to know when to dig in and work through something in more detail. He is very perceptive.

 Working in a high-pressure environment like ours, where bureaucratic processes and rigorous process often stifle creativity, I was amazed at how Kim was able to transform our team's dynamic. He guided us to develop our own unique team development model that evolved into an open, trusted, non-judgmental space where we could discuss our challenges without fear of criticism, which was something rare in our department. Kim helped us navigate our intricate leadership and team dynamics, helping us to develop new skills to stay emotionally balanced even during policy-heavy, high-stakes moments. The level of accountability he expected of the team has not only improved our team’s performance but has also trickled up, making us more collaborative and effective at executing our larger mandate. Its fair to say that most members gained valuable self-awareness and communication skills that helped the team grow. 

 Kim 's coaching style opened my mind to think differently,  see new perspectives, and operate, from a new landscape. The work we did together enabled personal behavioural shifts to arise. I discovered how to think with a different mindset and see the bigger picture with more clarity and confidence than I had before. Kim guided me through the unsettling times when I had to go inward to be able to see what was stopping me from being outwardly creative and decisive.  In the end, I developed a new capacity of being both internally and externally resourced, like playing with a more complete deck of cards than I had before.  

Leading a team in the NFP space comes with its unique set of challenges — limited resources, high expectations, and a passionate, sometimes overwhelmed workforce. Kim entered our organization without judgement and bias while remaining committed to understanding both the mission and the individuals behind it. Kim did not prescribe how to become a more effective team – he aided in developing a tailor-made team development process that allowed the team members to step up and find confidence in themselves to benefit the whole team. Kim introduced fresh perspectives and challenged the team to break out of old habits that were holding us back. I’ve seen team members who used to feel disempowered now step up with more confidence.  Personally, I’ve found a renewed sense of motivation to lead with clarity and heart. I would recommend Kim to any company or organization in need of bringing the best out of their teams. 

Once I got past some initial skepticism, having the opportunity to confidentially discuss any matter with Kim, who is neutral about my personal and professional life, allowed me to get everything out and then realize how much I was  actually in a trough. Kim was also very good at getting me timely feedback so I could make some course-corrections along the way which was really helpful. If we had only gone through the coaching and not had those exercises and practices, then I may not have solidified the long term benefits.