“An accomplishment I couldn't have made without her.”

I've worked with Hanna for many years, both in group sessions like her Synergy Circle and, over time, in individual coaching on a regular basis. A colleague first recommended her Synergy Circles, a group of about six individuals from different aspects of the Tucson job sectors, coming together on monthly topics. It was really a great experience to learn about other leaders who were mid-career like I was. After about a semester, I decided to explore more coaching, and we landed on a regular schedule that could change as circumstances changed.

When I was applying for this particular promotion, we met more frequently to prepare for the entire process, from application through interview to negotiating the final offer. When I started the role, Hanna and I met weekly to help me transition into a much bigger position, and it really prevented me from making too many mistakes when you first start.

I had been assistant dean in a college, and then became Dean of the Graduate College, a broad, institution-wide role. I thought I had a really great understanding of graduate education, and it turned out I had the tip of the iceberg. Some of our sessions were honestly about helping me process the fire hose that comes at you in a promoted position: let's synthesize this together, almost a verbal Eisenhower matrix of what's important right now and what can wait.

Our early sessions also helped me navigate the relationship aspects. I came into a role where the prior individual had good relationships with some colleges and not so good relationships with others. Hanna helped me broach those conversations and navigate each person's complexities: from what you've told me, it sounds like this is what that person values, and maybe that's your approach to the conversation. In the first six months, I was able to establish really strong relationships with every single one of our 20 colleges at the time. It's an accomplishment I wouldn't have been able to do without Hanna as my coach.

I grew up on a farm in the Midwest, and if you look at our roots, whether it's the circus or growing up on a farm, a lot of the elements are very similar. Your leadership is more like a tree: the trunk and roots are who you are, and then it branches out into wherever you go with your career. Having that connection point in a very values-based way made Hanna the perfect fit for me.

There are definitely some aha moments when you read the materials she's been writing lately: that's the language I was looking for. I can sense it, and then I have to figure out how to put words to it, and it is really helpful to have her connect all those dots for me. Leadership is all about relationships, I can't be successful if my colleagues and stakeholders aren't successful, and my sessions with Hanna are about understanding the things I do innately and formulating the words to communicate the vision, the directive, the expectations, and the alignment to my team.

She asks me the really hard questions, to ensure I'm articulating myself clearly and that I've got the details right. Sometimes she gives you homework that you don't like, and then you do it and realize how beneficial it was. Her problem-solving skills really stem from understanding people. It is her innate superpower of understanding how people tick, and she's able to pull that thread: from what I know of this person's strengths, and from what you've previously tried, this is maybe the sweet spot to go next.

I recommend Hanna often. We all accept that a professional athlete has a coach, and we don't always accept that we are lifelong learners, constantly growing in our leadership. I think it's great that she offers an initial session so people can find out if it's a match; everybody comes in very open, and that's what actually creates followership. I've had quite a few colleagues sign on with Hanna. Through the sessions I've had with her, she's been truly helpful in my leadership style and in how I approach my interactions with colleagues and everyone within our organization.