What happens when brilliance outpaces connection? That was the core question Ted Witherell, TLD Group Faculty Member, set out to explore with one of his recent coaching clients—a high-performing scientist at a Boston-based pharmaceutical organization, whose strategic mind had carried him far but whose interpersonal approach was holding him back. In this edition of our Faculty Highlight Series, we dive into how Ted helped this leader evolve from an individual contributor with vision into a senior executive who could inspire, influence, and elevate others across a rapidly expanding organization.
A Shift in Identity: From Head-Driven to Whole-Self Leader
The client came to coaching with clear feedback from a prior 360 assessment—he needed to lead more inspirationally, manage conflict with composure, and temper his visible frustration when colleagues didn’t meet his high standards. But early in the engagement, those goals deepened. He reframed them, shifting from self-correction to a larger ambition: to increase his impact by cultivating a culture of “Collaborative Success”.
Ted’s approach was rooted in curiosity and adaptability. He introduced a variety of frameworks, but one stood out: the Head-Heart-Gut model. “He was naturally grounded in the Head—he could analyze, hypothesize, and model complex systems like few others, he could see around corners,” Ted shares. “But in moments of emotional tension, especially when integrity was compromised, he’d struggle to engage from the Heart.”
Together, they practiced moving between those internal spaces—learning to manage emotional responses in real-time and use instinct not as a fallback, but as a strength.
Measurable Change, Meaningful Progress
Rather than rely solely on quantitative assessments the client had used in the past, Ted guided him through a 360-interview process designed to yield richer, more nuanced feedback. The insights were immediate—and so was the impact.
He changed the way he showed up. He listened more. He stopped leading from the front of the room and started sitting with his team. He picked his moments: when to challenge ideas, when to stay silent, and when to lean in one-on-one. His political savvy matured alongside his empathy.
When the organization later experienced significant layoffs, the client’s growth was put to the test. He became a stabilizing force, assuming the roles of departing leaders and offering teams clarity, calm, and focus. His influence expanded—not just in scope, but in depth.
Coaching as a Two-Way Street
For Ted, coaching is never one-sided. “The clients I work with at TLD Group have taught me so much about grit, resilience, and the learning process itself,” he says. “I’ve been fortunate to walk beside them. Their willingness to grow is consistently inspiring.”
Looking Forward: Unlocking Team Potential
While Ted remains focused on individual transformation, he’s energized by what’s ahead—particularly the momentum behind team coaching. “It’s cost-effective, gaining traction, and perfectly suited for the complexity of today’s organizations,” he says. “TLD Group has the talent and the approach to do it in a way that’s truly transformative.”
Ted’s work exemplifies what coaching at its best can achieve: deeper self-awareness, bolder leadership, and a ripple effect that strengthens organizations from the inside out.
Interested in learning more about TLD Group's leadership work? Reach out to work with TLD Group today!