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Testimonials

Elaine is invested in the success of her clients, which creates trust.

Logo of The Smart OBM client CONNECT RP

I needed better communication systems and support with organisation as I was juggling too many balls in the air and needed more clarity on how and where I invested my time. Elaine is very organised, thorough in committing to actions we agreed on and it was crystal clear how invested she is in the success of her clients, which creates trust between her and them. Introducing me to my new VA offered sustainability and ongoing support for the growth we were planning. Understanding how I could organise my communication systems and getting clarity on my obligations when leading others on my growing team. Working with Elaine provides a nurturing support to her clients – more clarity and structure to improve what and how they were working within their business and ultimately she gives the gift of time – our most precious resource of all.

Michelle Stowe

Elaine drafted an excellent plan to streamline my business.

Headshot of The Smart OBM Client Liam Taaffe of EMEA Legal
My business was at a stage of unprecedented growth where I needed to structure and streamline the back office and IT systems. I knew Elaine was the perfect person to help. I was extremely impressed by her ability to understand the numerous stumbling blocks I was faced with and she offered an array of pragmatic solutions. Elaine drafted an excellent plan to streamline my business and it was very evident that she relished the challenge too. 
What really impressed me most was Elaine’s ability to source very impressive freelancers. I was also amazed by her ability to support and lead on ways to find effective long-term solutions. She gave me invaluable new tools and skills which have played a fundamental role in helping me achieve a new direction for the development of my business. I really can’t recommend Elaine enough, she has so much knowledge to share and is great fun with lots of positive energy, which makes the whole experience very refreshing and rewarding. 
Liam Taaffe

Elaine helped us to see a bigger vision and realise the values of our centre.

ANU Centre for Wellbeing logo

We have a lovely counselling centre in the centre of Dublin city. Following Covid, our business declined and we needed to generate new revenue streams. Elaine looked at our business from the bottom up and motivated us to reflect seriously at what was not working for us. She encouraged us to take steps necessary with her support. We are now more proud of our centre, new brand and the added enquiries for room rental. Working with Elaine was a challenge in time and effort, she asks pertinent questions and invites you to think differently about your business. We are already seeing an improvement in our business. Elaine builds up a relationship with you that invites you to trust her with issues that deeply impact your business and provides an environment that allows lots of exploration of what is possible.

Rhona Clarkin & Mary Scarff

A wonderful collaborative relationship!

Headshot of The Smart OBM client Rachel Doogue of Rachel Doogue Coaching

What I really appreciate is that this is not about passing the buck to Elaine, it is about working with someone who will care about you and your business and work as your partner on key projects and systems to allow you to do your best work. Elaine is so professional and reliable and offers such clear thinking on key issues. Coming from a coaching background, I believed she would understand the challenges I faced. She provides a very systemised approach to establishing effective business processes. She has excellent communication skills and an amazing ability to make complex areas understandable. She helps me at critical times in the business and these are hugely significant wins for me. All of which is led by Elaine, who provides a clear focus for me on what I need to do to ensure they happen.

Rachel Doogue

Elaine won’t stop until the problem is solved.

Headshot of The Smart OBM client Anne Tannam of Creative Coaching

I felt there were systems and processes within the business that I didn’t have a handle on. It felt like a tangle of Christmas tree lights and I knew I couldn’t unravel them on my own. I needed a calm expert. From start to finish I knew I was in safe, competent hands. Elaine won’t stop until the problem is solved and the challenge surmounted. She dives right in and sets to work untangling the issue, step by step. And she kept me in the loop at all times, so I knew where the project was at too, and that gave me great peace of mind. If you’re looking to work with someone who understands how complicated and messy the back end of your business can get, and who knows exactly how to streamline it, then Elaine is the woman for the job!

Anne Tannam

Elaine creates the environment that ‘we are in this together!’

Headshot of The Smart OBM client Vincent Byrne
My time and focus were on my coaching and the other aspects of my business were not getting the attention they needed. Somewhat ironic for someone who coaches business owners! Elaine introduced a number of very effective systems that brought much-needed organisation to my way of working. She has a very collaborative working style and is really helpful in holding me to account. She is clued-in, thorough, supportive and helpfully challenging. She does whatever she commits to and checks in to ensure that I am fulfilling my commitments too. Elaine is a valuable team member rather than a detached service provider and creates the environment that ‘we are in this together!’ The main win for me has been Elaine’s recent support in pivoting the focus and direction of my business.
Vincent Byrne

Elaine is a trusted ally!

Headshot of The Smart OBM client Jasper Walshe, Executive Coach
Elaine thinks in a unique way. She’s very logical, but also compassionate and caring. She goes the extra mile when necessary, without being asked. Yet she’s assertive about her ways of working so there’s no confusion. She brings structure and clarity to things which frees up my time, headspace and creative powers! She takes the initiative in the areas of business I find draining (operational strategy, tech, systems and controls), but keeps me informed and educated so I can be responsible for all decisions made. She also challenges me in the areas I enjoy but am still a relative novice, like marketing and automation. Elaine does all the heavy lifting in the background, then summarises the complex into something straightforward for me to understand. Elaine and I have always had a laugh, we enjoy each other’s company and sense of humour.
Jasper Walshe, Executive Coach

As expected, Elaine has knocked it out of the park!

Headshot of The Smart OBM client Liz Barron, Principal Coach, Realize Coaching

I felt that my business systems were not necessarily optimised and integrated. I also wanted to ensure compliance with GDPR and other regulations. Elaine asks exactly the right questions, she develops a keen understanding of your business, how you work best and what you want to achieve – she works with you to design a practical and pragmatic solution and, if necessary, will help you get there. As expected, Elaine has knocked it out of the park in terms of being organised, knowledgeable, telling me exactly what I needed to do and when. Elaine’s training as a business coach means that she always asks the right questions! She can solve any problem and you can trust her to deliver on commitments.

Liz Barron, Principal Coach

Elaine played a key role in our growth.

Michael Stafford headshot - President ICF Ireland 2020-2021

Elaine came to work with the board in 2018 and has been a fundamental support for the ICF Ireland team during that time, bringing the Chapter to an operational level that is thriving and is now at a place where it can focus on driving its strategic objectives and continue to bring value to the coaching community in Ireland. Elaine played a key role in this growth. She is a pleasure to work with and somebody who is so dedicated to the work that she does, working in the background with diligence, professionalism and pride. For example, my best friend has already heard me speak very highly of Elaine, such has been her impact, so onboarding would not be necessary as they would already have the information to make that decision.

Michael Stafford - President 2020-2021

I can always count on Elaine!

Headshot of The Smart OBM Client Jasmine Lazzari

The image that springs to mind is an anchor. Every time I need grounding, guidance and firm action, I can always count on Elaine. That, for me, is so essential, it helps me move to higher levels within my business. Talking to friends about business is not the same as talking with Elaine. You need someone who is professional and can stir you into the right direction and anchor you when you need it. Business is never linear, there are always ups and downs, and it’s important to have someone you can trust 100% and is reliable and effective for when the downs are looming. Awareness in business is so much more than what we think of, and Elaine carries emotional intelligence with her to all our meetings. A big win for me is being able to disconnect from my role and focus on the business side (which is immensely creative and lucrative), which allows me to create new business concepts which will enable new streams of revenue.

Jasmine Lazzari

Elaine is great to work with!

Headshot of The Smart OBM client Siobhan Boucher - Co-president of ICF Ireland 2018-2020

We knew instantly that Elaine would bring her development and strategy skills to the board and support us in the way that we needed. Elaine’s coaching background meant that she understood the industry. We are delighted with the progress of the Irish Chapter; Elaine’s contribution has been invaluable. Working with Elaine allows us to strategise and work on ways to improve on the director roles within the Chapter, connect with our membership and build corporate relationships in the coaching industry. Elaine is a great person to work with, she is direct, communicates clearly and is fun. She knows when to step back and most importantly she keeps the team on track and helps us to be accountable for our individual roles. I know Elaine will continue to provide strong succession planning as the composition of the board changes annually.

Siobhán Boucher, Co-President

Elaine takes the fear out of things!

Headshot of The Smart OBM client Margaret Kennedy, VA

Working with Elaine, I felt I was in safe hands. Her depth of knowledge, experience and patience brought structure and clarity to my project, but also instilled a passion and excitement in me that drove me forward at an accelerated pace that I would never have achieved working alone. I was starting an online business from scratch and was finding it difficult to take the first steps. I was feeling overwhelmed and had a complete lack of vision in terms of what results to expect and when to expect them. I’m now doing work with clients that I enjoy and creating a great work-life balance. Elaine gets results. She cares and is very patient. She takes the fear out of things, leaving you to feel that anything is possible if you put the work in. She helps you see and develop your own skills.

Margaret Kennedy

I was blown away by Elaine’s clarity in vision and direction!!

Headshot of The Smart OBM client AdeOla Fadumiye

It was amazing working with Elaine and I would do it again. She helped me be more ‘client-focused’ and that shift was magical in pulling together an offering that resonates. Elaine is a strategist, a thought provoker and a cheerleader. These traits have been powerful in shifting my perspective while helping me to understand my values as it pertains to work and life integration. She has been invaluable in my quest to attain clarity as I transition in my business. Elaine is truly a master at leading to clarity of purpose, desire and direction.

AdeOla Fadumiye

I enjoy working with Elaine!

Headshot of The Smart OBM client Sam Neffendorf

I am full of good ideas, but not always so hot at the execution. I found Elaine to be very knowledgeable about the kind of online business that I wanted. She was able to offer great suggestions. I also felt that she would be able to keep me on track with what I needed to do. Elaine is also a great mix of friendly, approachable and professional and I felt I could confidently work with her. She has great knowledge in the online space, really cares about the work she does and provides great feedback on what you are trying to do.

Sam Neffendorf