Context and Challenge

A fast-growing, entrepreneurial private equity firm engaged us to provide executive coaching for a group of senior leaders.

The core challenge centred on a lack of clarity around the firm’s Partner track. Coachees were uncertain about the expectations tied to decision-making, role scope, and capital contribution at Partner level. This ambiguity, combined with a perceived reluctance to invest in developing the next generation of senior talent, created a widening gap between the Partners and their teams. The consequences were visible: reduced trust, poor delegation, and talent retention risk.

Intervention

The programme comprised six sessions per coachee, tailored to address both individual goals and shared business themes. Goals remained consistent throughout and were achieved across the group.

Key themes addressed:

  • Career management: Helping coachees navigate their progression within a changing firm structure.
  • Leadership development: Building capability in delegation, business contribution, finding their voice, and balancing entrepreneurial instinct with the need for consistent process.
  • Reflective practice: For some coachees, the work focused on asking tough questions to drive action and progress, rather than providing ready-made answers.

Results and Outcomes

The coaching achieved all stated goals.

  • Career progression: Several coachees experienced significant professional advancement. One is on track for promotion, received a high internal appraisal rating, and rates their own goal achievement highly. Another made strong progress and is being actively supported for a potential promotion to Partner.
  • Engagement and advancement: One coachee secured a promotion during the programme and moved into an accelerated track for future advancement. Others reported improved working relationships, with positive informal feedback from senior colleagues and Partners.
  • Organisational insight: The process surfaced broader themes relevant to firm leadership, including the need for greater transparency on the Partner track and the importance of investing in the next tier of senior talent.