CLIENT FEEDBACK

Stuart understands the dynamics of partnership and the challenges of joining and thriving in a partnership brings. He is a very sophisticated coach. If there is either a firm or a person who is looking for someone who is an all round good person, who is very insightful, asks you searching questions but is very friendly and approachable in the way that he does it. He’s one of the most capable people I’ve come across. He’s very impressive.

Richard Gordon, Managing Partner, Clifford Chance, Australia

—

Thanks to Stuart for all his assistance with a variety of issues, including the all important growth and development of our truly talented people on their elevation and promotions. Stuart understands the legal industry, is committed, highly constructive and a great communicator. Greatly appreciated, Stuart!

Simon McConnell, Chair APAC, Clyde & Co, Hong Kong

—

Stuart clearly knows the legal industry intimately and gave really helpful and practical ways to progress in the ranks of law firms. Incredibly helpful not only in preparing business cases to advance but also how to communicate your brand and build it outside of that. Highly recommended!

Travis Luk, Special Counsel, Clyde & Co

—

Stuart is an exceptional person and exceptional coach.

The former causes the latter. Stuart’s capacity to, firstly, listen attentively and actively and, then, distil the position and make suggestions is – in my experience – unique. His manner is open and available. He is able to quickly pivot from “big picture” thinking about mindsets and attitudes, to practical thinking about What Should Be Done.

I strongly recommend and endorse Stuart’s coaching services to anyone looking to take a more tactical and engaged approach to the development of their career.

James d’Apice, Director, Chamberlains Law Firm

—

I was initially a little sceptical about coaching, but Stuart skilfully manoeuvred through my initial resistance. He provided me with a safe and encouraging environment to self-reflect, focus and develop clear strategies to achieve my goals. It's fair to say that I'm now a coaching convert.

Nadia Kalic, Partner, Clifford Chance

—

Stuart is a great coach - really easy to talk to and he has some great ideas. Always valuable to have a sounding board for ideas and initiatives, along with someone who challenges you to strive and do better. Stuart is all of those things and I would definitely recommend working with him if you are considering business coaching.

David Cooper, Partner, Baker & McKenzie

—

Stuart is a fantastic mentor / coach. Very knowledgeable, personable and approachable.
Stuart has transformed careers, facilitating renewed focus and positive outlooks in stressful situations. I highly recommend Stuart for legal, and other, professionals looking to take control of their careers.

Simon Byrnes, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), Port of Newcastle

—

I started working with Stuart to develop the skills I felt I needed to make the step up from Counsel to Partner. His insightful and measured input was invaluable in honing my presentation skills and business case, and I was made Partner only after a few short months of working with Stuart. Many thanks! I look forward to continuing to work with him to help develop my internal and external profile and grow my practice.

Alastair Gourlay, Partner, Baker & McKenzie

—

Stuart was able to assist me with the independent coaching that I needed so that I could confront some thought patterns and reassess my approach to certain issues associated with my role. He was friendly and understanding of the challenges faced by lawyers and a pleasure to talk to. I would recommend engaging with Stuart.

Sarah Merrett, Special Counsel, Baker & McKenzie

—

My sessions with Stuart were exactly what I needed as a mental break from my day-to-day work responsibilities. They allowed me to have a critical look at my career and longer-term goals. Stuart is an active listener who challenged me to look at things differently but still implement a strategy in a way that was uniquely my style and not a ‘once size fits all’ approach. There’s no lectures and no management theory being rammed down your throat. The sessions are about you and focus on what is important to you. That approach is effective because it is tangible, not esoteric. My career has benefited greatly from my work with Stuart.

Troy Webb, Partner, McCulloch Robertson Lawyers

—

Stuart helped me build on my more that two decades in construction and energy law to realize that my true passion and calling was as an independent international arbitrator.  I am very grateful for his listening skills and quiet wisdom.

Russell Thirgood, Independent International Arbitrator, Brisbane & London

—

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Stuart and it is clear that he has a very deep understanding of law firms and the private practice environment. He mixes insightful advice and analysis with probing questions. Most of all, he just listens – he listens to everything you say and is able to provide clear, objective advice/insight, which is practical and can be easily implemented. I have also had first hand experience of working with other senior lawyers who have been coached and guided by Stuart and it is abundantly clear how helpful he has been in helping their careers thrive.

Dean Bao, Special Counsel, Baker & McKenzie

—

Working with Stuart provided me with an additional level of insight and understanding about my own goals and objectives as a lawyer working in a team environment. Stuart’s ability as a coach to identify issues and provide a clear framework and strategy to best navigate through those issues has been invaluable to my growth as a lawyer and colleague. I would strongly recommend Stuart to anyone who is looking to tighten their skills and better understand their intentions and direction as a lawyer.

Stephen Webb, Senior Associate, Colin, Biggers & Paisley

—

I have been working with Stuart for over a year now to build my profile and help me work towards my next career goal.  Stuart has been an exceptional sounding board and has helped me navigate ups and downs in my personal and professional life during the time we have been working together and at all times has really helped me determine what is right for me at each stage along the way.  He has challenged me to push myself and deeply think about where I want to be.  Stuart is very intuitive and has identified areas of improvement and growth I hadn’t even thought about.  I would highly recommend. Stuart.

Emma Murray, Lead Counsel, Commercial and Operations, Tri-Star Group

—

I have been working with Stuart over the last 12 months to help me grow my practice and my profile.  Stuart has assisted me greatly in that time.  He has really challenged me to focus on what matters and improve in some key areas.  I would recommend Stuart highly to anyone who is keen to move things to the next level.

Toby Boys, Partner, Holding Redlich Lawyers

—

I really enjoyed the experience of being coached by Stuart.  He actively listened and was able to cut through complex issues and provide practical, thoughtful and targeted coaching.  Stuart really partnered with me to identify roadblocks – including my own - and helped me develop the skills, and take the steps needed, to progress my goals.  I felt that Stuart was genuinely invested in my success.

Carol Kahler, Legal Counsel

—

Stuart brought to life the notion of ‘personal action’ in the context of executing on (and not just talking about) our team’s strategic objectives and the importance of understanding one’s own values and strengths as a source of empowerment to contribute strategically while also advancing one’s own career aspirations. The session was practical and engaging and really set the tone for the retreat. The feedback from the team (from support staff to partners) was fantastic.

John Swinson & Rhys Casey, Partners, King & Wood Mallesons

—

I have obtained great benefit from Stuart’s Insightful perceptions. Although initially somewhat sceptical of the benefits of coaching, I am now convinced that engaging Stuart as a coach has set me on the right path to direct and active improvement. In a matter of only a few quick sessions, I have usefully straightened out some kinks and my objectives have become much clearer.

Brad Postma, Partner, Cullens Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys

—

As my executive coach, Stuart has helped me refine my value-proposition pitch and to focus on who my target market is to achieve executive and board roles in the mining sector. Stuart has a way of teasing out my thought process, helping me to clarify my path ahead by answering my own questions. Stuart has enabled me to create opportunities for myself with greater confidence. Stuart is a Star!”

Alex Atkins, Director AusIMM & ESWA, Deloitte Risk Manager

—

Stuart's coaching style, through his "thought partner" approach, provides a safe and open-minded environment to discuss blue sky ideas, create strategies and identify specific actions. The results are outcomes where those ideas are transformed into a tangible reality. 

Sandra Avendano, Founder, Complete After the Split.