“Working with Zakaria was a joy and I’m grateful for his support and mentorship. He created a safe space for exploration where I could fully process and explore my fears and challenges as a leader without judgment. The work we did together bolstered my confidence and I’m heading into next school year with renewed energy and a positive outlook on my ability to handle whatever comes my way. ”

“Coming into a new school in a leadership role has been a steep learning curve and it was so valuable to have this confidential processing space. Zakaria is a great listener and is genuinely open to feedback, which made the experience that much more productive and authentic.”

“Zakaria intimately knows the independent school landscape and brings this wealth of knowledge to each coaching session. He approached the coaching relationship with the perfect amount of empathy and accountability, utilizing multiple approaches to help me feel un-stuck, tackle challenging situations, and make a professional transition.”

“Leadership coaching is part of how we create a more sustainable leadership model for our school. I saw the greatest impact of coaching with administrators of color in our community and with new and emerging leaders transitioning into leadership roles. Our faculty and staff leaders of color, who hold an identity that is underrepresented at the school, benefited greatly from being able to explore in an affinity space. Additionally, new and emerging leaders benefited from Zakaria’s ability to listen and provide space to explore their core values - as a way to keep focus on what is important, when everything feels important.

As our leaders worked with Zakaria, I saw an increased awareness of their own strengths and how these strengths benefited our school and team. I didn’t have to guess what they needed or how I could be a better support to them as a teammate. They told me, which made my role as manager and colleague so much easier. ”

“Phenomenal experience all around. The coaching came at the perfect time and helped me to thrive in my first year as a senior-level administrator. Zakaria’s genuine concern for my personal and professional wellbeing were felt during each session and I have been changed for the best since working with him. He sees my inner light and makes sure to affirm it even when I don’t always see it for myself.”

“My time spent with Zakaria was invaluable. As an individual in a new position, I confronted my fixed beliefs and worked to embrace a mindset full of possibilities and imagination. Our standing conversation was a highlight for me over the course of the semester.”

“Coaching helped me assemble a toolkit of strengths and skills to bring back to my current role, helping me maximize the impact I make within my organization. Working with Zakaria has helped me bring greater intention to how I prepare for collaborating with others. This time to workshop these essential skills has proved invaluable for my practice.”

“The value of my coaching experience with Zakaria cannot be measured or quantified. I feel more confident and more poised when facing adversity, and I am better versed as an action-oriented leader. In a year that has taken some twists and turns, including some unwelcome, really hard ones, Zakaria’s responsiveness, flexibility, and willingness to make some pivots as needed were true gifts in my life.”