Client Testimonials
Rod Butler –
Regenerative Farmer
I have been fortunate to care for and manage a property near Perenjori in the northern agricultural region of WA. Years ago I started farming differently, wanting to understand and restore natural function as the land was demanding kinder practice. We made many mistakes and learnt much along the way.
We did the Savory Institute’s course on Holistic Management with Bruce Ward and then recently I became a trained facilitator myself. Now our farm is a Savory Hub and it will be a demonstration of holistic/regenerative practices in action.
My wife Katrina and I have been talking about working together to deliver holistic management courses in WA for a while. Even though we often work together on the farm, it is a big step for us to work together in a business. We were hesitating to get started.
Late in 2020, we were invited to participate in the leadership development program offered by the Institute of Regenerative Leadership, and we saw an opportunity for ourselves. For the past six months, I have worked with Barb and this has given me the confidence I needed to see that we can do it. Barb’s guidance has helped me clear the blockages as they have come up and kept me moving forward toward what I am committed to.
I am now much clearer about what our future looks like. The workshop was great because I met some new people, who spoke honestly and openly about their dreams for their future. We chose to participate in further coaching which has really made a lasting impact. I have learned from working with Barb that whatever I want is possible if I am willing to shift my mindset and do the necessary work. Barb’s passion, support and leadership has developed my skills and secured my belief that we can create the future we want.
Fiona West –
Shire of Broome Councillor
As a 4-year-old, I could see the homeless man’s broken heart crumpled on his face. It was my first memory of wanting to help others. But for 40 years, I didn’t have the confidence that I could make a big difference in our world.
Naturally shy and gentle, I certainly never saw myself as a leader. I needed guidance to understand myself as a leader, so that I could step into a space to effectively help others. That’s when I met Barb Howard, co-founder and director at Be Exceptional Business Consulting and Coaching, who helped me unlock my leadership potential.
Barb, with her reasoned and perceptive approach, guided and challenged me to understand my leadership strengths and recognise and address my blind spots, so that I could take the next step in contributing to a better world. Particularly transformative for me, was the insight that an effective leader can still be soft-hearted and kind; indeed, some of the best leaders are just that.
After working with Barb to hone my self-awareness through skills coaching and practical challenges, I made a decision to run as a candidate to become a local government elected representative. I was successful and now, in the role, I can listen to, and help, the wider community in a more powerful way. Confidence grows from really knowing yourself.
In my personal capacity, it is with confidence that I highly recommend Barb and Be Exceptional Business Consulting and Coaching. Thank you Barb, for helping me step into my authentic style of gentle leadership from which I can more powerfully bring societal, environmental and economic healing to our world.
