Important Reviews

Sasha

Acting Director of Operations, Management, and Information, Northwest Fisheries Science Center

NOAA's Leadership Competencies Development Program -- Cohort XII

NOAA Fisheries | U.S. Department of Commerce

I signed up for coaching sessions with Paul as part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration (NOAA) Leadership Competencies Development Program (LCDP). This is the premier leadership succession planning initiative at NOAA, and includes up to 10 coaching sessions with certified coaches. I was very skeptical of coaching when I learned about it at the Federal Executive Institute, and initially declined the opportunity. However, after wrapping up an intense temporary assignment I found myself trying to sort out what direction I wanted to go next in my program (and career), and decided to give coaching a try.

Paul has been simply FANTASTIC. Easy-going and kind, but also very diplomatic about keeping within a coaching lane and not crossing into a therapy one. During the sessions we have spent together thus far he has helped me navigate significant career challenges, including stepping into a new role with a disgruntled employee, communicating a reorganization (change management), and finding learning lessons from a failed job interview. With each session he helps me find the right questions to ask myself to get through a current issue I am facing. And I know that I have become a better leader because of this. I have praised Paul’s work with the LCDP program manager and colleagues within the cohort. And I hope that he continues to work with future NOAA LCDP participants!

Tselote,

Health Scientist Administrator- Program Manager of the Network Patient Safety Databases(NPSD) and PSO Privacy Protection Center(PSOPPC) at the Agency of Healthcare, Research and Quality (AHRQ)

Paul is an excellent coach! He helped me think through some tough issues in an especially challenging time in my life. Paul is patient and thoughtful. He asks powerful questions and wasn’t afraid to challenge me on my assumptions. I would recommend him to anyone who is in need of a coach (which is everyone).

Lola, Program Analyst

The direct, probing questions really encouraged me to think outside of the box. He really gave me the space and silence for me to be able to discern my thoughts. He’s always willing to coach me even outside of my training. Thanks so much Paul!

David Cinalli - DHS SES Candidate

Paul Simmons has a nice way about him, extremely patient and always utilized some brain storming options that I did not have thought of. Enjoyed the process and found it extremely helpful as I am currently navigating through the DHS SES CDP program and a full work load at MIA. Plan to continue to use and take advantage of this highly skilled and talented executive coach which we are fortunate to have in TSA.

Joleen NOAA (National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration)

“I had never been in a professional coaching relationship prior to being matched with Paul as I

was cynical of the benefits of coaching. I believed that if I had the answers to my challenges, I

would have found them already, and coaching would be a waste of time. That said, having

scheduled coaching sessions allowed me time to focus on the most pressing issue I was

struggling with. The session or topic usually started with frustration, anxiety, and action

paralysis. Paul’s ability to ask probing questions led me to consider why I may think a certain

way and helped to reframe an issue or potential solution, and ultimately guided me to a place of calm, confidence and concrete action when needed. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Paul as a professional coach. The experience far exceeded my expectations.”

Chris Federal Government Employee

“Paul is a great coach! Superb listening skills and very nonjudgmental demeanor. I highly recommend him to coach any of my peers that require assistance. He’s been a tremendous help to me!”

TSA (Transportation Security Administration) Miami Airport Manager

Paul Simmons has a nice way about him, extremely patient and always utilized some brainstorming options that I would not have thought of. Enjoyed the process and found it extremely helpful as I am currently navigating through the DHS SES CDP program and a full workload. Plan to continue to use and take advantage of Paul, this highly skilled and talented executive coach, which we are fortunate to have in TSA.

NOAA Leader (National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration)

I signed up for coaching sessions with Paul as part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration (NOAA) Leadership Competencies Development Program (LCDP). This is the premier leadership succession planning initiative at NOAA and includes up to 10 coaching sessions with certified coaches. I was very skeptical of coaching when I learned about it at the Federal Executive Institute and initially declined the opportunity. However, after wrapping up an intense temporary assignment I found myself trying to sort out what direction I wanted to go next in my program (and career) and decided to give coaching a try.

Paul has been simply FANTASTIC. Easy-going and kind, but also very diplomatic about keeping within a coaching lane and not crossing into a therapy one. During the sessions we have spent together thus far he has helped me navigate significant career challenges, including stepping into a new role with a disgruntled employee, communicating a reorganization (change management), and finding learning lessons from a failed job interview. With each session he helps me find the right questions to ask myself to get through a current issue I am facing. And I know that I have become a better leader because of this. I have praised Paul’s work with the LCDP program manager and colleagues within the cohort. And I hope that he continues to work with future NOAA LCDP participants!

TSA (Transportation Security Administration) Employee

Paul Simmons was easy to work with coach. I didn’t know what to expect going into the coaching calls. He was attentive and helpful in bringing the answers out of me. He also helped me to formulate a plan of action to get closer to my goals. I would recommend him to other people as a coach.