I have said yes to a lot of professional opportunities I would normally feel too scared to do -these "risks" have paid off (applying for a placement, agreeing to review a paper, going on a training course). At the same time, I have had the confidence to say no to a lot of opportunities which felt like extra work that would not have paid off.
- Springboard for Women participant
The main benefit was the possibility to express in loud voice my fear and anxiety in a safe environment, with someone that knows very well the pros and cons of academia, so I felt completely understood and supported.
It was useful that Sandrine pointed out some of the areas I could improve in terms of how I communicate with people at work (linked to assertiveness) and how to position myself as a useful member of the team.
Talking about my issues with Sandrine helped me realise that I was already taking important steps to improve my networking.
The sessions were extremely useful and helpful. The time intervals between sessions allowed for reflection and implementation of goals.
Sandrine showed empathy, asked the right questions, showed support, listened and wanted to understand the problem in order to deal with it effectively.
I hadn’t previously been able to see how to break out of certain cycles – thoughts and actions – but Sandrine was quite clear that there were ways to do this.
Sandrine was a good listener and pointed out the strengths and weaknesses in what I described was my experience.
Sandrine identified and broke down some imaginary obstacles. These originated partly in my lack of knowledge of the UK higher education landscape, but also of my own methods.
Sandrine is easy to relate to and empathic. She’s also good at keeping coachees focused.
Sandrine’s questioning style made me reassess certain situations and helped me to realise my strengths/abilities, instead of focusing on the negative.
We really valued your real-life examples which reinforced the messages we have been giving, for example, trust the process, open up yourself, etc. Thank you for this important contribution.
Very insightful.... Allowed spaces for individual reflections as well as collective and made the sessions really engaging.
Sandrine is fabulous and highly skilled at what she does. She makes you think and pushes you.
Many thanks again for everything. I've been so energised and inspired.
Sandrine’s interweaving of research data and evidence is excellent, and testimony to the thoughtfulness of her professional approach.
Sandrine is hyper-organised, conscientious and empathetic, always paying attention to detail, yet imaginative, innovative and inspirational in her delivery. I commend her highly. If you need coaching yourself, or you need help in delivering training, then Sandrine's services should be considered seriously
Sandrine’s activities and interactions greatly boosted my confidence, lay communication and creativity, playing a significant role in my successful transition from a Senior Experimental Officer to a Group Leader/ Lecturer position.
Sandrine has always been committed to her work developing early career researchers. Her workshops and sessions always received great feedback and her network was such that true experts were made available to the students to augment the work that Sandrine did.
Sandrine played a pivotal role in helping us to develop a bespoke training programme for PhD students at the Grantham Centre for Sustainable Futures at the University of Sheffield. Her creativity and experience led to innovative ideas that greatly helped to foster interdisciplinary working in successive cohorts of students.