From Subject Matter Expert to Enterprise Strategist: Supporting Leaders Through Major Role Expansion
Leadership transitions are rarely just about a new title. They often require redefining identity, reshaping teams, and building confidence in unfamiliar territory. At The Leadership Development Group (TLD Group), we partner with leaders navigating these pivotal moments. Recently, TLD Group coach Stacy Melvin, MBA, PCC supported a corporate leader in a large healthcare system who stepped into a newly created senior role with significantly expanded scope.
Previously responsible for several enterprise shared services, the leader was promoted to oversee both shared services and division-level field resources. The move was intentional, positioning him as a successor to his executive leader who was nearing retirement, and it required a rapid shift from operational expertise to broader enterprise leadership.
Redefining the Role and Building a Reliable Leadership Team
With the promotion came three core priorities. First, designing the new role for sustainability, including redistributing resources and managing expectations within a newly formed leadership structure. Second, creating a highly reliable team. As he moved a level above his former role, it was essential that the leaders beneath him rose to fill his operational footprint so he could focus on the broader scope. Third, developing next-level confidence in uncomfortable situations, particularly as he stepped into a more driver-like role with the executive team and board as a strategist.
While he had earned credibility as a subject matter expert, this transition required him to show up differently: with greater presence, confidence, and strategic voice at the highest levels of the organization.
A Coaching Approach Centered on Values, Insight, and Reflection
Stacy began the engagement with an on-site visit, interviewing the leader’s direct reports to understand the climate, culture, and how he was perceived across the organization. She led with a values alignment activity, helping him connect the expanded role to his personal values and identify character strengths he could lean on during the transition.
To deepen insight into strengths and development areas specific to the new scope, Stacy incorporated DiSC and Emotional Intelligence assessments. Coaching sessions were held biweekly and supported by a weekly journaling practice, where the leader reflected on the week past and set intentions for the week ahead. He embraced this process, creating a consistent cadence of reflection that helped build momentum both in and between sessions.
Throughout the engagement, Stacy aligned closely with the leader at the beginning, middle, and end of the process to ensure clarity, shared expectations, and sustained progress.
Measurable Progress and Practical Impact
Over time, the leader reported increased confidence, especially in interactions with the CEO and Board. He gained approval for the organizational structure he proposed, enabling him to better support his expanded responsibilities.
He also created and maintained an executive weekly rhythm, an intentional schedule designed to sustain high energy and engagement at work while remaining present at home. Together, these shifts supported his evolution into enterprise leadership and strengthened the foundation for long-term success in the role.
Reflections on the Coaching Experience
The leader shared that he chose Stacy because he wanted coaching that would feel both challenging and supportive, and he sensed she would bring a sense of fun into the process. At the conclusion of the engagement, he reflected on how much they laughed together, even during the toughest sessions, highlighting the importance of connection alongside growth.
Stacy values TLD Group’s outcome-oriented framework, meaningful leader alignment, and flexibility, noting that it allows her to bring creativity into each engagement while maintaining a high standard of quality.
Looking Ahead
Stacy is especially drawn to helping leaders tap into their inner creativity and align their values and interests to shape careers and lives that feel meaningful and sustainable. She is energized by work that centers creativity, resiliency, and connection, particularly in times of uncertainty.
At TLD Group, we support leaders as they expand their impact, clarify their purpose, and build sustainable ways of leading that serve both their organizations and their lives.
Interested in supporting your leaders through moments of growth and transition? Connect with TLD Group today.
