Beyond High Performance

From High Performer to Transformational Leader

Sep 30, 2025
Jeff McMartin, President of Pliant Plastics, shares his transformative journey from a result-driven leader to one focused on vulnerability and authenticity. He reveals the hidden costs of high performance and how coaching helped him reclaim his agency and improve company culture. Jean-Marie Jobs, his executive coach, underscores the importance of mindset shifts and personal awareness in leadership. Their discussion highlights vulnerability as a leadership tool, the role of coaching in cultural change, and practical strategies for sustainable growth.
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ADVICE

Bring Vulnerability Into Coaching

  • Confide your real struggles and ugly thoughts to a coach to get maximum value from coaching.
  • Avoid using coaching sessions as a place for validation; bring vulnerability instead.
INSIGHT

Name The Inner Taskmaster

  • Jean‑Marie named Jeff's internal high standard "Fantastical Jeff," a taskmaster of impossible shoulds.
  • Naming that voice allowed Jeff to notice it without self‑shaming and choose different responses.
ADVICE

Notice Shoulds, Don't Fight Them

  • Notice unrealistic "shoulds" instead of waging war on them; treat them like a cat in the room and choose a different response.
  • Use observation to reduce shame and make better decisions under pressure.
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