Executive Mentoring
A focused, high-impact developmental relationship built on trust, honesty and challenge
Supporting executives to grow in judgement, influence, and strategic capability with the space and freedom to think and reflect
Executive Mentoring
This is a one-to-one, focused, high-impact developmental relationship where we support the mentee to grow in judgement, influence, and strategic capability. It's a partnership built on trust, honesty and challenge, and the space and freedom to think and reflect. Our approach goes beyond coaching. We offer mentoring based on 30 years at operational board level, with experience of different business structures, working both as a consultant and client, and growing and managing large teams across wide geographies. Our work is not from a text book, but from lived experience, equally as honest about failures as successes – and how and why those happened.
What We Provide
A Guide
A guide through the challenges and complexities in organisations, whether it is board relationships, cultural change, or stepping into bigger roles, we help the mentee through those journeys.
A Strategic Sounding Board
Helping the mentee explore decisions, risks, organisational dynamics, and long-term direction.
A Confidential Space
Where the mentee can test ideas, admit to any uncertainties or self-doubt, and work through dilemmas without political consequences.
An Independent and Confidential Source of Perspective
Bringing external clarity and challenge.
A Stimulus for Self-Awareness
Through honest dialogue, helping the mentee work on their leadership style, presence, and impact.
What Others Say
“The whole mentoring process was hugely beneficial. I learnt so much more talking to somebody who was willing to share their candid experience in so many different areas.”
“Having the time and space to think through both immediate and longer term challenges, while learning from someone with real experience, genuinely changed how I approached my leadership role.”
“Really helped in my career and how I performed at a higher level.”
“It was invaluable when taking on a Director role – great help with how to face challenges – what really works and what to avoid doing.”
Dr Garry Palmer
Garry has 30 years' experience in the built environment, working as Director in Consulting, Private Sector Investment, Development, Contracting and Manufacturing. He has significant experience in establishing, leading and growing successful teams to deliver pioneering solutions to changing financial conditions, environmental demands and opportunities through innovation.
He has a broad and deep understanding of all aspects of architectural and engineering design from the perspective as both consultant and client. His career has included the design of projects across the world, from original, sustainable dwellings to major international projects and directing large multi-disciplinary teams across Architecture, Planning, Engineering, Data, Sustainability and Product Design.
Garry has had particular success in establishing diverse teams in innovative areas, challenging traditional models, developing and retaining emerging talent, instilling self-starting behaviours within inclusive high performing teams and has over 30 years' experience of recruiting, mentoring and executive mentoring.
Qualifications
- MEng (Distinction): Architectural Engineering
University of Leeds and Penn State University. 1990. - PhD: Carbon Reduction using Dynamic Thermal Modelling and Computational Fluid Dynamics
University of Leeds, Faculty of Engineering. 1994. - CEng: Chartered Engineer with The Engineering Council.
- CPhys: Chartered Physicist with The Institute of Physics.
CPD includes:
- • IoD Board Development and Leadership for Directors
- • Negotiating and Dispute Resolution
- • Diversity and Inclusivity
- • Media Training
Experience
Executive Profile
"Garry is an action-oriented and passionate leader whose desire to deliver impressive outcomes and to do the right thing by stakeholders drives determination to get things done. A clear set of personal values means it is important to act ethically at all times and this moral compass together with a passionate and engaging personal style enables development of deep and lasting relationships with colleagues and clients.
Well-rounded business thinking is combined with strong abstract reasoning capability and the ability to generate highly innovative responses and solutions when faced with novel situations. Will explore business issues that arise in a comprehensive fashion, often identifying solutions that others have not considered.
Business judgement profile indicates attention to a variety of factors, in particular those that relate to the 'people' dynamic. The implication is ability to readily identify and 'factor in' the needs and drivers of team members when making business decisions, thereby easing the ability to take them on the journey and to gain their support for objectives.
When faced with change, recognises the opportunities that can arise to challenge consensus and to do things differently, whilst focussing on achieving the end goal enables appropriate reaction in adapting plans. In such circumstances, issues are tackled 'head on' to quickly establish the best course of action, by re-evaluating the facts, revising priorities and taking decisive action.
An appreciation of how to harness other people's capabilities, together with a positive persona, enables communication with energy and enthusiasm. In supporting others, seeks to leverage their individual strengths to deliver effective outcomes, recognising that everything cannot be achieved alone."
The Mentoring Approach
Taking on an executive role is an exciting challenge but it can also feel isolating with the need to deal with increasing levels of ambiguity.
Responsibilities increase, critical decisions must be made and the nature of personal feedback can change radically. What's worked before may no longer have the intended impact.
We aim to help the mentee navigate all these challenges. In turn, this helps accelerate personal growth, utilise individuals' existing strengths and add to them, strengthen the individual's confidence and impact in decision making.
Previous Roles
Director, Buildings
Arup PTY
Design Director
Legal & General
Head of Architecture, Engineering, Sustainability and Digital Engineering
Director of Advanced Design
AECOM Technology Corporation
Group Director
Buro Happold
Get In Touch
Ready to explore how executive mentoring could support your leadership journey? Let's start a conversation.