Bhama Cairns - Government Finance Leader
The Problem
Bhama had been in leadership roles for years. On paper, she checked every box. But internally, there was still a disconnect. Despite training after training and bookshelf after bookshelf of leadership titles, the clarity wasn’t there. The models and examples she encountered never quite fit. They felt more like performances to copy than truths to lead from.
“I always had doubts when it comes to leadership. I did not know what leadership really meant. I had taken countless training sessions, read numerous books, and always felt like there was a disconnect.”
The Shift
The breakthrough came from going inward. Bhama worked with me to strip away the noise and start with a simpler question: Who are you, really? What’s underneath the title, the experience, the external definition of success? We went deep, not into tasks, but into values, identity, and presence.
“Unless you know who you are, you are not going to be able to lead others... you’re going to be all over the place trying to figure it out as and when you go.”
The Strategy
This wasn’t about defining a new leadership persona. It was about uncovering what was already there. Together, we took apart the years of external expectations and rewired the center from which Bhama led. We made space for reflection. We clarified her values. And we stayed with the process long enough for real change to land.
“Heidi took me on a self-discovery journey... This wasn’t based on the titles or positions, or roles I had played previously. It was truly based on what motivates me.”
The Impact
Bhama’s relationship with leadership shifted from pressure to possibility. She developed a deeper understanding of styles, roles, and situations, and stopped clinging to one-size-fits-all answers. She found language and clarity around her instincts. Delegation, collaboration, and decision-making weren’t points of stress anymore. They became choices, not reactions.
“Heidi teaches you how to be centered, and then you kind of step into your power.”
The Takeaway
What Bhama discovered from my program was a new way to lead. One that started from within. The focus was to reconnect her to who she already was. I am pleased to say that Bhama is thriving in her current career and uses these insights daily.
“Heidi put in a lot of time researching and coming up with the unique way of teaching how to lead... It’s truly a wonderful program.”