Graham Quinn
A little bit about myself:
In the last eleven years of working in the saas technology space, specifically in Customer Success organizations, I have spent ten years managing functional departments and working directly with team members in their professional development. It is the most rewarding part of my work and has inspired me to make it a more significant part of my day-to-day. Having transitioned early in my career from an individual contributor to a manager (of that same team), I understand how difficult that journey can be. Most organizations lack the resources and time to dedicate to new managers. This is no fault to these organizations; there are simply too many conflicting priorities and goals to hit, and this has implemented a “build the airplane as you fly” mentality. In my journey, I outsourced this assistance. Working with different coaches, leadership organizations, and educational programs helped shape my journey and develop me into the leader I am today. I understood that my direct managers, who have been highly skilled and fantastic developers, are only a portion of the perspective and influence I needed to be most successful in my career. I have been lucky enough to work in organizations that understood that belief and advocated for multiple channels of learning and mentorship.
I specialize in working with individuals hoping to step into leadership roles for the first time and new managers navigating their initial year in management. I address common pain points such as building confidence, managing team dynamics, and aligning individual goals with organizational objectives. My tailored approach ensures that each client receives personalized strategies to succeed in their roles while fostering a sense of trust and collaboration within their teams. My coaching philosophy is rooted in empathy, practical strategies, and actionable feedback, ensuring my clients are equipped to face the challenges of leadership transitions.
Throughout my career, I have held pivotal leadership roles that solidified my passion for mentorship. Leading cross-functional teams and large organizations has allowed me to manage almost 300 individual contributors and 30 managers directly. Most of these managers earned promotions from individual contributor roles and took over functions they previously worked within. This hands-on experience gave me a deep understanding of the challenges faced by team members and managers alike, shaping my commitment to impactful leadership development.
My coaching sessions focus on actionable outcomes. They help clients develop essential skills such as effective communication, conflict resolution, and team building, driven by curriculum-based learning and on-the-job scenarios. I plan to build a supportive environment for my clients, complementing their partnership with their direct manager, to empower them to embrace change, overcome obstacles, and lead authentically. I aim to ensure that every team member and manager I mentor can confidently contribute to their organization’s success.
I graduated from Gonzaga University with a degree in Economics and Finance before obtaining my Masters Degree in Management Science from the University of Strathclyde. I have worked as a leader at Vertafore, Comcast, Smartsheet, Podium, and NexHealth. These pursuits have presented opportunities to participate with the University of Washington in a leadership development certificate and with Vista Equity’s Leadership Development program. This background has driven my commitment to empowering others through this similar journey and fostering the next generation of leaders, both in and out of the workplace.