Coaching
The Match You’re Playing in Your Own Head
I love tennis. I love playing it, I love watching it, and each year I find myself pulled into the rhythm and intensity of the Grand Slams. Roland Garros (the French Open) recently wrapped up, and it was a weird tournament with most of the top singles players being eliminated in early rounds. This year’s…
Read MoreUnlikely Leadership Lessons
I flew into Washington National Airport (DCA for us frequent fliers!) recently to teach in the coaching program at Georgetown, tired in that specific end‑of‑day and end-of-travel way and half paying attention as I waited for my Uber. I did notice, however, that my driver – Shakir – had more than 18,000 trips with Uber…
Read MoreBig News, Meaningful Work, and What’s Ahead
As we move into 2026, we’re energized by the momentum we’re seeing – with our work, our partners, and the leaders we serve. Here are a few highlights we’re excited to share with you. We are now ProcuraFind Corporate Contract Ready (CCR) certified We’re thrilled to announce that The Sparks Group is officially certified by ProcuraFind as Corporate Contract Ready. CCR-certified businesses demonstrate fluency in corporate contracting…
Read MoreOur New Strategic Partnership Means More Services for You
Our experienced team of coaches and consultants you have come to rely on for comprehensive coaching and leadership development solutions just got stronger. Today, we are announcing a strategic partnership with People Results, the leading firm for labor relations and employee engagement consulting. Founded in 1979, People Results works across multiple industries with nearly 200…
Read MoreThe Missing Link in Coaching Success
We partner with a wide range of organizations to provide coaching to leaders at all levels. One of the greatest challenges in this work is ensuring that both the individual and the organization see meaningful impact from coaching. For coaching to be effective, the client must know and feel that their conversations with their coach…
Read MoreThe Enneagram: A path to better results
This month, I’ve invited Anna Sparks, our Chief Operating Officer (and no relation!), to share some of her wisdom on the Enneagram. We use the Enneagram in combination with stage of adult development to help our clients get powerful results including enhanced self-awareness, an expanded view of complex situations, and more choice in how they…
Read MoreWhen to Stop Digging: Embracing Change and Letting Go
Hello and happy summer! I hope the summer is treating you well. This summer is busy for The Sparks Group with a trip to Thailand for me (more on that next month!), Anna moving back to the US, and Emily leaving The Sparks Group after six years with us. It has me reflecting on how…
Read MoreCrafting Communication is a Strategic Choice
Dear readers, One thing I love about our coaches, facilitators, and consultants is the variety of backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives they bring and share with their clients and with our team. Today, I’d like to introduce you to Julie Guirado, a wonderful leadership coach who often focuses on cross-cultural challenges. I asked her to…
Read MoreRethinking Training as More Than Just a Magical Fix
Dear readers, Today I’m delighted to share some words of wisdom from an amazing Instructional Designer who works with The Sparks Group, Jennifer Eichenberg! Jennifer designs and develops training and leadership development curriculums, reviews training materials and makes recommendations about the most cost-effective way to move forward and is a wonderful all-around partner in our…
Read MoreTourist, Traveler, or Pilgrim?
In life, are you a tourist, a traveler, or a pilgrim? I love to travel, as many people do. When I learned Rick Steves was giving a talk in Charlotte, I had to go. Rick Steves is an American travel writer, tour guide, and tv host. His company helps 30,000 people a year travel to…
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