Katie’s story: Finding confidence through coaching

Katie Pierce

For Katie Pierce, leadership coaching came at just the right time. As settlement supervisor at the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick, she oversees a team of 10 staff supporting newcomer clients through case management and health care navigation. 

It’s demanding work, and Katie admits she has often felt on the edge of burnout.

Her organization had partnered with Vision Coaching before, and when Katie was offered the opportunity to have one-on-one leadership coaching with Mary Ellen Veale, she embraced it with enthusiasm.

“I was excited to do it. I really love feedback – I always say feedback is a gift. You don’t know what you don’t know.”

From the beginning, Katie identified two priorities: public speaking and personal wellness. Both, she recognized, were essential for her to lead with confidence. 

“I can’t be my best self and I can’t lead a team unless I’m taking care of myself,” she says.

Coaching gave her the tools and confidence to step into situations that once terrified her.

'The biggest change is confidence – believing in myself, not second-guessing, and challenging myself. Coaching gave me that.'

Within months, Katie was not only sharing stories at internal town halls but also presenting at a community luncheon to more than 100 people, including the mayor and local leaders. 

“I didn’t sleep for three weeks leading up to it,” she recalls. “But I did it – and I did a good job. I don’t think I would have felt comfortable without going back to Mary Ellen’s motivating words.”

Equally transformative was her renewed focus on self-care. With Mary Ellen’s encouragement, Katie began carving out time for her own wellness. What started as a friendly weight loss challenge grew into a daily gym routine that continues months later. 

“I’ve never felt better,” she says. “Not just physically, but overall. I really think I’m a better leader because of it.”

Katie describes her coach as patient, empathetic and authentic. 

“Everything Mary Ellen said felt genuine. I knew she truly wanted me to succeed,” she says. “The biggest change is confidence – believing in myself, not second-guessing, and challenging myself. Coaching gave me that.”

Ready to explore what coaching can do for you? Contact us today.