Independent digital agency Sparro has hired accredited executive coach Andrew Sherman as a Development Coach.
The appointment follows a rapid phase of growth for Sparro. Since June last year, the agency has more than doubled its team to more than 75 people and is showing no signs of slowing.
Co-founder Morris Bryant says it's important the 8.5-year-old agency provide an environment to challenge and develop employees of all levels, particularly senior staff.
“We’ve always hired for a growth mindset and the desire to ‘expect more’ of ourselves. We invest a lot of time internally in coaching and training, but it was clear we needed a new, external view,” he says.
“Andrew opens the door for employees of any level to access world-class coaching and take their next career steps.
“There’s also a clear link between staff development, retention and productivity. We’d questioned how much impact we could have as a business if we unlocked even just 5% more efficiency. At 75 people? It’s huge.
“The Development Coach is one of the amazing roles we’ve been able to open as we’ve scaled, and we’ve definitely got the right person. Andrew cares so much about the team and just gets it. He knows what we’re trying to achieve and is really invested in bringing up the next leaders in our business and industry.”
Before founding the Transition Coach, Sherman spent a decade as COO and partner of media agency Zenith Media and before this, he was founding director of M&C Saatchi in London.
At Sparro,Sherman will provide one-on-one, group and team programs. These will include supporting people as they move into a new role and providing developmental coaching to help fast track an individual’s career progression.
“I joined Sparro attracted to the agency's people-first approach and positive organisational culture. I also loved the founders’ practice of servant leadership and, of course, their commitment to learning and development,” Sherman says.
“I have been blown away by how quickly the team has embraced coaching, but also how staff are encouraged to spend a third of their time on learning and development, which is an extraordinary commitment by the agency."
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