What's your top tip for building trust and rapport with a new coaching client who's in a leadership position? How do you establish that connection early on?

My top tip for building trust and rapport with a new coaching client who's in a leadership position is to start by showing up with genuine curiosity and a deep willingness to really listen. Leaders are often used to being the ones providing answers and solutions, so offering them a space where they can speak openly-without feeling judged or needing to perform-can be incredibly powerful. In our first conversation, I focus on being fully present and paying attention to not just what they're saying, but also how they're saying it. What themes keep coming up? Where does their energy peak, and where does it dip? I listen for what's being said and what's left unsaid. This kind of active listening helps me understand their world: what drives them, what keeps them up at night, what challenges they're navigating, and where they want to grow. It's about giving them the rare opportunity to just be. At the same time, I believe that trust is a two-way street. While I'm there to hold space for them, I also aim to create a sense of mutual connection. So, I share a bit about myself-whether it's my background, my experiences in social impact work, or even my own learnings as a coach and working Mom. The key is to be real and relatable, not a distant or overly polished professional. By being human and vulnerable, I invite them to do the same, which can break down barriers and set the tone for our coaching relationship. Finally, I acknowledge that leaders, especially in the social impact space, often feel immense pressure and are used to being 'on' all the time. I emphasize that our coaching space is a place where they don't need to have all the answers. Instead, it's a space where they can think out loud, get curious, or even just pause and reflect-something that many leaders rarely get the chance to do. It's about offering a partnership where they feel supported and understood from day one, with a sense of safety and trust to dig deep and grow.