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Workshops and learning sessions

High-impact workshops and learning sessions for leadership challenges

Ilze Bourn Louw
Leaders are under more pressure than ever to perform, retain talent, lead through change, and deliver results sustainably. Sessions are designed specifically for professional services firms, where time is limited and expectations are high.
 

I run 60 - 90 minute practical workshops and learning sessions to address your firm's challenges. The purpose is to provide practical insights leaders can apply immediately.

I collaborate with you to understand your context, challenges, and audience so that each session delivers targeted impact. Whether you are supporting new joiners, equipping emerging leaders, or re-energising your senior team, sessions are shaped to meet your goals. 

Popular challenges include:

Difficult conversations 

Equip participants with the mindset and tools to approach high-stakes, emotionally charged, or uncomfortable discussions with clarity and confidence. Learn how to prepare effectively, manage emotional triggers, and communicate with empathy while still holding boundaries and addressing issues directly. Attendees will gain practical frameworks they can use immediately to navigate conflict, give constructive feedback, and maintain strong working relationships even when the conversation is tough.

Psychological safety

​Explore what it means to create a team environment where people feel safe to speak up, innovate, and be themselves without fear of judgment or punishment. The session unpacks the role of leaders in fostering this culture, including how to respond to mistakes and invite input. Participants will leave with practical ways to build trust, encourage open dialogue, and create a space where innovation, engagement, and performance can thrive.

Retaining talent through purpose-driven leadership 

Understand what truly drives people to stay, grow, and thrive within your firm. Explore the key factors behind disengagement and attrition, such as lack of development, unclear career paths, or poor leadership behaviours. Leaders will learn actionable strategies to create meaningful connections, provide growth opportunities, and build a culture of recognition and trust that keeps top performers engaged and committed for the long term.

From expert to leader

A session on making the mental and practical shift from individual contributor to team leader. Exploring the mindset and skills required to move from technical expert to strategic leader. Participants will learn what to stop, start, and shift as they confidently step into new levels of responsibility.

​Executive presence 

​Help participants understand what executive presence really means and why it matters for influence, leadership, and career progression. The session breaks down key components of executive presence, including gravitas, communication, and appearance, with practical tips on how to project confidence, credibility, and composure in high-stakes situations. Attendees will walk away with actionable steps to enhance how they show up, and tools to build trust and authority in every interaction.

​Resilience

​Help participants build the mental and emotional agility to navigate pressure, setbacks, and uncertainty in a sustainable way. Explore the science of resilience, common burnout triggers in professional environments, and how to recognise early warning signs. Attendees will learn practical tools to regulate stress, reframe challenges, and bounce back faster to enable them to maintain performance, protect wellbeing, and lead with steadiness even in demanding times.

Corporate basics

A session for new joiners to your firm that includes practical strategies for navigating the corporate environment, understanding unspoken expectations, and building strong relationships early on. The session also supports mindset shifts needed to thrive in a new environment, helping new joiners feel empowered, engaged, and ready to make a meaningful impact from the start.

Find out more about how I can support you.

Book a call, connect on LinkedIn, or send me a quick message. I’d love to hear from you.

Why work with me?

I get it!

​With over a decade of experience in high-performing, fast-paced  environments I understand the pressures, expectations, and unspoken rules. I don’t just coach from theory, I combine first-hand experience with expert coaching. 

Tailored sessions

I tailor each session to your firm’s specific context and strategic goals so leaders can address their most pressing challenges with relevance and impact. My goal is to help your people think differently and walk away with tools they’ll actually use.

Strategic approach

Sessions are practical, strategic, and insight-driven to help leaders get to the root of challenges quickly. With a style that combines sharp thinking and grounded in empathy, I bring structure, clarity, and momentum to my clients' most pressing leadership challenges. 

Sustainable success

My approach is about unlocking potential in a way that is sustainable. I’m passionate about helping ambitious professionals grow into impactful leaders, without losing themselves in the process. I know the cost of overwork and burnout - I’ve lived it. 

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