The Compass
Reflections, strategies, and real leadership insights to help you navigate change, challenge, and growth.
Coaching With Integrity: Why ICF Standards Matter More Than Ever
In a world where anyone can call themselves a coach, standards matter.
Coaching is an unregulated industry. There are no formal barriers to entry, no central licensing authority, and little accountability unless a coach voluntarily chooses to uphold professional standards.
At True North Executive Coaching & Leadership, we believe coaching should be as trusted and respected as any other profession rooted in human development. That trust begins with ethical accountability.
That's why we're proud members of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), the leading global organisation for professional coaching. ICF accreditation isn't just a line in our bios, it's the foundation of how we show up.
IS HR FAILING US? OR ARE WE FAILING HR?
HR is under fire. And not always fairly.
In too many organisations, HR has become a scapegoat for everything thats broken in workplace culture.
Leadership in Different Regions and Cultures: Bridging the Divide
Leadership isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. Spend a few years leading teams across different regions, and you’ll quickly learn that the way leadership shows up in the US is vastly different from how it manifests in Canada or Asia.
What makes a truly exceptional leader in today’s globalised business world? It’s not the loudest voice in the room or the most aggressive stance. It’s the leader who can bridge these styles; who can be bold yet empathetic, decisive yet humble, visionary yet grounded.
That’s the next frontier for leadership development. It’s not about choosing one style over another. It’s about cultivating a dynamic leadership style that adapts across borders, cultures, and contexts.
Because great leadership isn’t just about commanding a room. It’s about connecting with it.
Predictions: The Top HR and Talent Issues for Senior Leaders in 2026
The Top HR and Talent Issues for Senior Leaders in 2026
As we move into 2026, senior leaders and decision-makers are facing a rapidly evolving landscape of talent and human resources challenges. At True North Executive Coaching & Leadership, we’re closely monitoring these emerging issues to help leaders navigate the complexities of a dynamic workforce.
The Unseen Cost of Leadership: Emotional Labour
In leadership, we measure performance by the numbers. Revenue targets. Productivity. Efficiency. But what about the emotional labour leaders shoulder daily—the invisible work that keeps teams together, but rarely gets acknowledged?
Emotional labour isn’t just about being “nice” or “empathetic.” It’s about strategic communication, conflict management, and the capacity to foster psychological safety in the workplace. It’s the glue holding teams together. And yet, it remains invisible.
Imagine a workplace where emotional labour was as valued as revenue targets. Where leaders were recognised not just for what they deliver but for how they show up for their people.