In the latest episode of The Turnkey Exchange podcast, titled “Coaching, Culture & The Strong Organisation”, host Mark Simpson dives into the critical aspects of leadership coaching, the role of organisational culture, and the key elements required to build a resilient and thriving company. Mark is joined by Cameron Thomson, owner of VIA Leadership, and Michelle Mills, Turnkey’s Head of Training and Adoption, to explore how these elements intersect to create a strong, cohesive organisation.

The Role of External Coaching in Organisational Growth

One of the episode’s central themes is the value of external coaching. Cameron explains that coaching has shifted from being a hidden resource for senior executives to becoming an essential tool that organisations offer to employees at all levels. This shift has been driven by the recognition that supporting employees with coaching is increasingly expected in the modern workplace.

Cameron notes that having an external coach, especially one with experience across different sectors, provides fresh perspectives that internal leaders might not see. He recalls a quote from Mark Carney, former Governor of the Bank of England, “Sometimes the best view is from the periphery”, emphasising how someone outside of the business can ask probing questions that challenge assumptions, helping teams pause and reflect on their practices.

Breaking Down Barriers with Coaching

Another key insight is how coaching can help unblock resistance within an organisation. Mark highlights the idea of “blockers,” individuals whose personal biases or strong feelings may prevent a process from moving forward. Cameron shares that external coaches can gently raise uncomfortable questions or new viewpoints, allowing employees to open up in a non-judgemental space.

Michelle also shares her experiences, having personally benefited from coaching sessions at Turnkey. She points out how useful it is to talk things over with someone who has no bias or agenda, helping her reflect on whether issues need escalation. This independent perspective can save management time and improve overall decision-making.

The Three Pillars of Strong Organisational Culture

Cameron outlines three fundamental pillars that are crucial to building a strong organisational culture:

Purpose: Successful organisations must be able to clearly articulate why they exist beyond just making a profit. Purpose drives meaning and alignment for both leaders and employees. Cameron references Simon Sinek’s famous Start with Why framework to underscore the importance of defining an organisation’s mission.

Values: Organisations must establish core, non-negotiable values that guide behaviour. These values are what new hires must align with, and those who cannot embrace them may not thrive within the company. Living these values consistently, Cameron notes, is key to sustaining a positive culture.

Vision: Every strong organisation needs a clear vision for the future. Leadership decisions should be connected to the company’s larger goals, allowing employees to see how their work contributes to the overall direction of the business.

By focusing on purpose, values, and vision, organisations can maintain a unified culture, even as they grow and bring in people from diverse backgrounds.

Coaching and Culture: A Path to Longevity

The episode wraps up with a reflection on how coaching and a strong culture create a lasting impact on organisations. Michelle points out that these coaching sessions are instrumental in not only resolving immediate challenges but also fostering long-term development. Cameron emphasises that when employees feel understood and connected to a shared purpose and values, they are more likely to stay committed and contribute to the company’s success.

Conclusion

Coaching, Culture & The Strong Organisation offers valuable insights into how coaching and a strong company culture work together to build resilient businesses. Through the engaging discussion with Cameron and Michelle, the episode highlights that investing in external coaching and fostering a purpose-driven, values-based culture is key to creating an environment where teams can thrive. For leaders looking to strengthen their organisations, these takeaways offer practical steps for fostering both individual and organisational growth.

Stay tuned for the next episode, Coaching, Culture & Adapting to Change.

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