Sam Norman
Managing Director at TOPDesk Canada
I’m Sam Norman, Managing Director for TOPdesk Canada, a software company in Toronto. I moved here from the UK about 18 months ago to take on this role. My journey with Karin began when a colleague recommended her after meeting her at an event. I had been trying to prioritize my personal development for a while, but it kept getting pushed aside. This recommendation was the nudge I needed to finally connect with a career coach.
Initially, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but Karin turned out to be an excellent match for me. The most eye-opening insights came from realizing I wasn’t as self-aware as I thought. Through our exploratory conversations, I discovered things that were holding me back that I hadn’t even recognized before.
What makes Karin stand out as a coach is her natural ability to guide conversations in the right direction, uncovering the root issues behind the initial problems I brought up. Her calm demeanor and excellent listening skills create a relaxing atmosphere. I also appreciate how she shares her own challenges, which normalizes the experiences I’m going through and puts me at ease.
In just a few months, I’ve experienced significant positive outcomes. I’ve gained a major confidence boost in my leadership abilities and feel more self-assured overall. This newfound confidence has made my work feel more natural and improved my decision-making. I’ve also noticed benefits outside of work - I’m calmer and don’t carry work stress into my personal life as much.
Karin has helped me see myself in a new light, making me more comfortable in my own skin. This has had a ripple effect on my work and daily decisions. The time spent reflecting on challenges with her has been invaluable.
If I were to rate my experience with Karin, it would definitely be five stars. I’m grateful for everything she’s done for me and look forward to our future conversations. Her coaching has truly been transformative, both professionally and personally.