MEET SYLKE

Pronounced "Silke"

strategic plan through a maze

SYLKE CHESTERFIELD, CEC

Hi and thanks for stopping by to learn more about my background and training.

I'm a certified executive coach and I work with decision-makers in the areas of strategic planning, leadership and business development.

My approach is systematic, proven, and is focused on consistent progress and measurable results.

I’ve been an independent business owner since 1995 and have worked with domestic and international clients in various industries: Medicine, Government Relations, Law, Alternative Energy, Construction, Engineering, Psychology, and Agriculture to name a few.

In my role as a consultant, I’ve assisted my clients with marketing, business development, project management, educational outreach, cross-cultural communications, (federal, state, and local) grant applications, opposition research, and business administration.

Having been in private practice as an independent consultant, and also working with other leaders, I am acutely aware of the challenges faced by businesses, their leaders and key team members – and this informs my approach.

When working with business owners and managers, our work together is focused on the areas of strategic thinking, effective communications for increased internal and external stakeholder engagement, and managing change.

What makes my approach unique is that I facilitate effective change management by bringing an outside perspective informed by expansive experience to the discussion. I also have the ability to quickly hone in on what needs to be addressed to bring about the desired change. My direct communication style and willingness to question the status quo often lead to the results my clients seek more quickly. I’ve also been told many times that I’m easy to talk to.

What you can expect when working with me

I like to kiddingly tell that, in a past engagement, “I have been 'accused' of being an engineer.”


I’m not. But I do have an analytical mind and the ability to quickly hone in on the root cause of a problem or inefficiency.

Clients consider me an effective communicator that poses probing questions, gives straightforward feedback and, when asked to do so, practical suggestions. Additionally, many have experienced a change in perspective and benefited from the accountability that working with me provides. But don’t take my word for it. Read some of the testimonials previous clients have provided. And then contact me to explore whether your situation is suitable for my skill set.

Generally, you can expect to move forward faster, as I act as an independent strategic thinker for you and/or your team, as we co-create the solutions that serve you best.

CERTIFICATIONS

The following certificate programs are in addition to the many ICF*-approved online seminars and trainings – too many to list here – that I attend on an ongoing basis and that inform my approach to coaching.

*The ICF (International Coaching Federation) has become the pre-eminent organization that sets the standards for the coaching industry. The trainings and certifications I seek out meet or exceed the requirements of the ICF.

Certificate, Center for Executive Coaching

CERTIFIED EXECUTIVE COACH

July 2021, Center for Executive Coaching

A Harvard MBA-informed curriculum of proven, practical systems and methodologies that produce measurable results for leaders and their organizations.

90 approved coach specific training hours of instructional and interactive learning plus 35 hours of peer coaching.

CERTIFIED COACH

November 2012, Coach Training Alliance

An intensive program that teaches coaching competence, as well as marketing and business skills to aspiring coaches.


60 approved coach specific training hours of interactive learning, including supervised peer coaching, plus 20 hours of peer coaching.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS


INTERNATIONAL COACHING FEDERATION

The ICF is a membership organization for trained coach practitioners; sets standards and manages the credentialing of coaches; oversees and manages the accreditation and approval of coaching education providers; facilitates interaction between innovators, reseachers, technologists, venture capitalists, press and influencers to build and maintain a comprehensive and high-quality body of knowledge on the art and practice of coaching.

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