Anne Phillipson, MD Phillipson Performance Partners
Position & Organisation: MD, Phillipson Performance Partners. Working in partnership with individuals, teams, boards and organisations to enhance performance through awareness, training, coaching and development.
Number of Employees: Just two! But I work with other Associates on larger programmes.
Give us an idea about your early life and career:
I was born in NI but raised in Toronto, and I remember in high school many visits to the careers’ office, and every time I went I had thoughts of another career/field I was interested in; social work, architect, journalist, psychology, business…I now realise that I was able to pull all those interests into my career and life! I designed my house, l work with all kinds of businesses, and as a coach I sometimes feel like a therapist! And I love to design learning and experiences for participants on my programmes.
What are the key challenges you face in your role?
I really love my work with clients - the challenge for me is the ‘boring’ bits - expenses, billing, etc. But I have a brilliant accountant who keeps me right and that helps a lot.
After a tough week, what’s your go-to for recharging and staying grounded?
Rioja. And a walk in the forest or beach with my two dogs - Muffin & Margot. Followed by a glass of Rioja in my beautiful garden in summer or by the fire in winter.
What’s the funniest or most unusual thing that’s ever happened in an interview, and what did it teach you?
I don’t have any good interview stories, but I do have a couple of funny ‘pitch’ stories. One time I was trying to get back to a pitch in Dublin from Paris where I had been working. Dublin shut down due to an ice storm. I kept trying to get different flights, from different terminals in Charles de Gaulle, and finally on day two, I got a flight to Belfast. I paid the taxi driver extra to get me to the last train on time, literally jumped on and the doors closed, and then the train broke down just outside Connolly Station. It was a 3-day drama! What it taught me is the power of determination and to keep going - even if your route takes a few detours along the way.
What’s the most important piece of advice you’d give to someone aspiring to your role, especially in today’s fast-changing world?
Human competencies/traits are so important and will be even more important in the future - developing great people skills will continue to serve us well; empathy, listening, curiosity, emotional intelligence and a desire to never stop learning. I genuinely love connecting with people, whether that’s understanding client needs, teaching in a classroom, or in a 1:1 coaching session, and I can’t imagine doing this job if that didn’t come naturally. I think we are in the cusp of a great shift in the world of work with AI, and human connection and communication will be even more precious and valuable.
Imagine HR is a reality TV show—what would the title of your episode be?
The Leadership Challenge: Contestants have to dig deep and compete with external forces to accomplish their mission, bring the team along with them, all while having fun along the way! But you’re allowed to ‘phone a friend’ when you need help - and that’s where I (hopefully) come in!