Céline Delacroix’s journey to becoming an equity partner at Ernst and Young (EY), started when she joined the firm in 2013. That intensified considerably when she became part of a ‘partner track’ cohort requiring her to rally senior partners around her business and personal case for promotion. In a client-facing role across EMEIA, Céline was looking for a coach to help elevate her presentation skills and her personal brand.
Practical and impactful
“I was at a 30% Club event where Susan was presenting ‘how to use your voice and breath’. I’d researched other executive coaches, but they didn’t have Susan’s speciality in voice coaching.
We started on my public speaking skills. It was highly practical and immediately impactful: breathing and posture; how you walk onto a stage, sit and stand; how you clearly communicate your key messages and keep your audience hooked; how you handle questions and close out. It made a big difference – Susan is an expert at this.”
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Céline Delacroix, EY
Business acumen in spades
At the same time, Céline embarked on her equity partnership journey, a highly competitive process that requires several role plays, two presentations, reviewing a business case, and convincingly demonstrating you are the best person to deliver it.
“I wanted someone with a business background to coach me on this critical journey. Susan had business acumen in spades but was surprised that she was able to help me the way she did.” Susan offered practical support, working with Céline on the delivery of her presentations but also their contents, to make every message and word clear and punchy.
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A 'winning mindset'
Susan also helped Céline develop a ‘winning mindset’, which resulted in her looking forward to presenting to senior colleagues rather than fearing the overall process. “When I walked into that room, I felt confident and in control. Susan hadn’t just prepared me for that admission centre, she has changed the way I act, think and present, making me more successful and impactful with my clients. I am so grateful for the time I’ve spent with Susan - obviously because I secured my promotion – but also because I’ve changed for the better. Being coached by Susan has been an amazing experience."
Céline Delacroix was admitted into EY equity partnership in July 2019 and is EY’s Global Head of Energy Services and Equipment.
“I’m so grateful for the time spent with Susan on my journey to equity partner. Susan and I have been working together sporadically over the past few years and I can see key junctures in my future where I know I will need her again. It’s the breadth of her knowledge and experience that sets her apart - she’s smart, strategic and highly professional."
Céline Delacroix, EY
Want to communicate with greater confidence, authority and presence?
I offer five online business voice coaching solutions to suit different needs and budgets. All are designed to give you tailored advice and support. Whether you’re preparing an important interview, pitch, appraisal, meeting, conversation, project or presentation, or just want an objective opinion on how you come across, I’ll give you perspective, feedback and practical things you can do straightaway.
