a)plan coaching

In a rapidly changing world, leadership has to be equally dynamic—it must evolve to meet challenges, including those of embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) within an organization’s culture. To make workplaces more inclusive, today’s leaders need more than just traditional guidance; they require a holistic approach that fosters personal growth, elevates leadership skills, and champions inclusivity.

a)plan coaching, an optimized, scalable, and tech-enabled virtual coaching service, has positioned itself as the vanguard of leadership transformation. In an era where leadership must adapt and grow to address the complexities of diversity, equity, and inclusion, the company brings a refreshing perspective to holistic corporate coaching.

“We assist change makers in taking their leadership to the next level,” says Sara Ellis Conant, CEO of a)plan coaching.

a)plan walks it’s talk with an incredibly diverse roster of coaches. These coaches are also some of the most experienced in the industry, including some who have been coaching for over 30 years. To maintain the highest caliber of coaching, a)plan provides comprehensive training and certification in its proven coaching methodology for all a)plan coaches.

a)plan’s coaching services enable organizations and leaders to navigate issues from subtle forms of discrimination such as implicit bias and microaggressions to more overt challenges like biased recruitment and hiring practices.

While onboarding clients, a)plan’s team carries out an initial assessment that encompasses a range of activities, including employee surveys, interviews with organizational leaders, and the use of diagnostic tools like the Meyer’s DEI Spectrum tool. They evaluate the existing DEIB proficiency status of the organization to set goals for targeted coaching and training, in alignment with the distinct needs of each individual to be coached.

Recognizing that people are more willing to embrace change when they see personal benefits and have individualized support, a)plan compliments all-staff training with one-on-one coaching sessions. The sessions help bridge the gap between the individuals and the organization, empowering them to implement the tools and knowledge acquired during training in daily work.

a)plan understands the uniqueness of each person’s experiences and needs, providing guidance to navigate organizational systems by helping them improve listening skills, reduce defensiveness, enhance assertiveness, practice self-advocacy, and express themselves effectively.

Technology serves as the means through which a)plan delivers coaching services seamlessly. This is accomplished through a smartphone app and a desktop interface, both integrated with Zoom and featuring a chat feature for post-session feedback. It focuses on micro-accomplishments to boost motivation and empower individuals to reframe their thoughts positively.

We assist change makers in taking their leadership to the next level

Beyond engagements in the for-profit sector, a)plan extends services to mission-based, socially responsible businesses that prioritize giving equal importance to social impact and profitability. This includes partnerships with organizations like hospitals. It also has a notable presence in the public sector, working with government entities including the City of San Francisco and academic institutions such as UC Berkeley.

Some of a)plan’s notable clients within the for-profit sector include Autodesk, MetLife, Nike, Google, and Lionsgate, encompassing industries ranging from technology, consumer products, to entertainment. Its collaborations with these corporations typically involve working closely with teams dedicated to sustainability, diversity, innovation and/or philanthropy.

Autodesk, a renowned multinational software corporation, engaged a)plan to empower its managers and leaders in adapting to change, enhancing resilience, and transitioning to remote work. Across a multi-year engagement, it delivered one-on-one coaching to multiple cohorts of Autodesk employees, earning widespread praise. Further client surveys validated a)plan’s substantial positive impact, as showcases Autodesk’s high returns on investment.

Refined for over four decades, a)plan coaching’s approach solidifies its position as the preferred choice for DEIB implementation. Through its coaching and training services, it acts as a prime motivator for leaders to think and act better, positively impacting their lives and their organizations