Executive Coaching to Support Leadership Through Recovery and Growth

Context

AGS Airports Ltd operates Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southampton Airports, managing complex transport and infrastructure environments that serve millions of passengers each year. The organisation brings together a wide range of professional disciplines, including operations, safety, finance, digital, commercial, HR and major capital projects.

Taylor Clarke began working with AGS in 2017, delivering executive coaching to senior leaders and their teams. Coaching paused during the pandemic when air travel was significantly disrupted, before resuming in early 2022 as passenger numbers increased and the organisation entered a demanding recovery phase.

The aim of the coaching was to support senior managers through change, strengthen leadership capability and help individuals operate effectively under sustained pressure.

Coaching Approach

The coaching offer was designed to be flexible, responsive and aligned with organisational priorities. Leaders were introduced to the programme through senior sponsorship and clear communication, with opportunities to self-refer as needs emerged.

Coaching support ranged from short, focused interventions to more in-depth programmes incorporating psychometric assessment and 360-degree feedback. Coaching goals were agreed at the outset of each assignment and reviewed throughout, ensuring clarity of purpose while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.

All coaching was delivered by experienced, qualified coaches operating within a robust framework of professional supervision and ongoing development.

Delivery and Governance

Taylor Clarke managed the programme using a combination of dedicated coordination support and a secure digital coaching platform. This enabled consistent scheduling, progress tracking and reporting, while allowing individual coaching relationships to remain confidential and focused.

Regular summary reporting provided senior stakeholders with visibility of programme activity and engagement levels, supporting informed oversight without compromising individual confidentiality. Ongoing dialogue with senior leaders ensured the programme continued to evolve in line with organisational needs.

Focus Areas

While the themes explored in coaching evolved over time, common areas of focus included:

• Leadership confidence and presence

• Strategic thinking and decision-making

• Managing competing priorities in high-pressure environments

• Effective communication and influence, including at board level

• Career development and progression

• Personal effectiveness, delegation and workload management

Following the pandemic, coaching increasingly supported leaders stepping into expanded roles, often earlier in their careers, and navigating new expectations in a leaner operating environment.

Impact and Outcomes

Across the programme, coaching has supported leaders to build confidence, clarity and effectiveness in their roles. Reflections gathered during and after coaching indicate improvements in:

• Confidence and self-awareness

• Clarity around role, direction and career pathways

• Ability to prioritise, delegate and manage workload

• Effectiveness of communication and presentations

• Personal resilience during periods of sustained change

Leaders consistently reported feeling better equipped to manage their responsibilities, contribute at a strategic level and maintain performance as passenger numbers and operational demands increased.

Ongoing Partnership

Taylor Clarke continues to work in partnership with AGS Airports Ltd, adapting the coaching offer as organisational needs evolve. The programme has become a trusted source of support for leaders navigating complexity, change and growth within a critical national infrastructure environment.