Susan McGuire Executive Leadership Coaching

12/15/2025

12/08/2025

If you know me well, you'll know that I spend a lot of my time and attention focused on growing the presence and standards of certified coaching.

As the United Way of Calgary and Area GAIN Leadership Coaching Area Lead, I recently had the pleasure and opportunity to join my colleagues Ashley Popko, GAIN Team Lead, and Shawn Cornett Cornett, GAIN Board Governance Area Lead, on stage at the recent not-for-profit grassroots empowerment community conference at the University of Calgary downtown campus.

What a room full of incredible difference-makers!

If your NFP organization or team are looking for *complimentary* support provided by knowledgeable professionals in the areas of

✅ Strategic Planning
✅ Board Governance, and/or
✅ Leadership or Team Coaching

don't hesitate to reach out to the GAIN Team via the United Way website or reach out to me directly. This may be just the boost you need to reach your business goals in 2026.

12/04/2025

How do you rate your confidence level today between 1-10❓

During the Lead So People Listen webinar yesterday, we touched on confidence and the idea that it's not something we are born with but it is something we can learn and strengthen with awareness and practice.

It is also something we can blindly possess, which doesn't benefit you or your people in the way you would like.

If you're curious to learn more about your confidence level, I have a complimentary Training & Workbook titled *Why Smart Leaders Stay Silent: The 3 Hidden Confidence Blocks* available on my website.

It highlights the confidence patterns I see most often in leaders and offers simple, practical ways to start shifting them.

You can download it anytime on my website. Let me know what awareness this helps to create in you.

11/17/2025

Feedback given poorly has a long lasting impact. How aware are you of the impact you're having on your people?

I wasn't always aware. Then I hired a coach. It changed my leadership and I felt more clear and confident than ever before.

If you are an ambitious leader and know you can inspire more, consider joining my *Lead So People Listen* webinar on December 2nd at 12pm MST.
Free to register. (5 spots left)

10/31/2025

Even the best leaders have strengths that are more than meets the eye — the kind that stay just beneath the surface, holding incredible potential. 👻

This Halloween, let those hidden strengths step into the light.

Wishing you a fun and safe Halloween! 🎃

09/28/2025

✨ Sunday reflections ✨

I wasn’t always a courageous leader. I knew I could do better, but I wasn’t sure how.

Hiring a coach felt brave—because it meant admitting I wanted more. More for myself. More for my team. More for my company. That experience showed me the transformation possible when leaders choose to be differently—and it’s what inspired me to become a coach.

In my work with ambitious leaders, I see that same courage every day. They:

🔑 slow down and listen differently
🔑 let go of old habits in service of something greater
🔑 show up with vulnerability and strength
🔑 choose connection over self-protection

It’s not about doing more, it’s about being differently. And when leaders do, it results in deep trust, true collaboration, and meaningful transformation.

💬 What does “being differently” look like in your leadership today? What difference will it make?

👉 Reach out if you want to talk

📷

09/24/2025

“I don’t want to be seen as a micro-manager.”

I hear this all the time. But showing people what good looks like isn’t micromanaging, it’s giving guidance they actually need.

It only feels like micromanaging when the approach doesn’t match the person. Too much direction can feel stifling. Too little can feel like being left in the dark.

The art of leadership is knowing when to step in…and when to step back.

💡 Consider this: how do you figure out what support someone truly needs from you in the moment?

09/23/2025

We all have that one leader who left a lasting impact. Maybe it was their encouragement, their mentorship, or the way they challenged you to grow.

👉 Tag your favorite leader in the comments and share what made them stand out!

09/07/2025

Thinking about hiring a coach?

Be sure to look for an International Coaching Federation (ICF) badge.

Why it matters:
🏅 Rigorous training and experience
🌍 Global ethics and standards
📚 Continuous development
⚖️ Accountability to the largest coaching body

Not all coaches are created equal. With an coach, you can trust they’ve earned—and continue to earn—their credential.

Curious what it’s like to work with an ICF coach? Let’s connect.

08/31/2025

If you’ve followed me for a while, you know how much I love the train!

Today’s trip from to is no exception. In fact, it’s been one of the most relaxing and productive journeys yet.

I’ve been spending my time on board working on work for our Professional Coaches Nomination Committee. We’re reviewing all Board applications (38 eligible‼️), an important process to ensure the leaders guiding our profession combine strategic thinking, global perspective, collaborative skills, and practical board and business experience to the future of coaching.

I’m looking forward to a week that balances remote work and reconnecting with loved ones in my home town. There’s something grounding about being home, especially with the crisp Fall air and the first leaves starting to turn, while keeping momentum on work that matters.

🎉 Cheers to all of my ICF coaching friends and to the incredible impact you make every day. You are making a difference!

08/08/2025

5 weeks down. 3 to go.

Second challenge of the season and one mantra keeps me moving:

It doesn’t have to be pretty.

When it’s hard, I don’t need perfect form or flawless pace. I just show up, push through, and trust I’ll find a way forward.

And I don’t do it alone.

A down-to-earth, Canadian, super-fun online trainer and a community that gets exactly what I’m going through is fuel to keep going.

Leadership’s the same, don't you think?

Some days the path isn’t smooth and the plan isn’t flawless but with consistent support and people who’ve got your back, you can keep moving forward.

Leaders, who’s your go-to support, no matter what?

P.S. Women 40+, if you want to know more about this amazing online workout group DM me, I’m happy to share!