Judith Mackin has built a thriving business from bold design choices. As CEO and Creative Director of Tuck Studio, she has a keen eye for transformation – turning spaces into reflections of the people or organizations inhabiting them.
But when it came to her own business and leadership, she didn’t initially see the value of leadership coaching.
“I always thought, ‘I don’t need coaching,’” Judith admits with a laugh. “And I had no idea what I was talking about.”
That changed when she reconnected with longtime friend and former restaurateur Peter Stoddart. Pete had transitioned from the world of hospitality to leadership coaching by first earning a graduate certificate in executive coaching from Royal Roads University before joining Vision Coaching.
Their catch-up coffee turned into something more – a realization that Judith was at a turning point.
Coming out of the pandemic, Tuck was thriving. But Judith was burning out.
The moment that sparked a shift
“I wasn’t thinking like a CEO – I didn’t even consider myself one,” she says. “I was just grinding, doing the work. When Pete asked, ‘If you could change one thing, what would it be?’ The answer was simple: More time.”
That moment sparked a shift. Over the past two years of coaching, Peter has helped Judith redefine what leadership looks like – not just for her business, but for her life.
Through the coaching sessions, Judith has learned to step back from the daily grind and delegate.
“As business owners, we always feel like we have to control everything. We need to be in the weeds. We need to be doing all the grunt work. We need to control it,” she says.
“But with the freedom that actually comes with learning how to let go and to learn to delegate, two beautiful things happen. One, you end up being able to focus on bigger projects and the bigger picture. And, two, when you delegate and you give that empowerment to your team,” she says.
“Since I've received coaching, I've become a better leader which means that our team have become incredible leaders within the organization. And that to me is gold.”
Seen the impact first hand
The result? A stronger, more empowered team and the best financial year in Tuck’s history.
But the real success? Balance.
“I’ve always been all work, all the time. Now, I make time for myself, my family and even more time for my husband, Robert. I take care of my health, which has improved drastically. I’m in the gym, and I feel better than ever,” she says.
“Coaching isn’t about someone telling you what to do – it’s about having someone beside you, challenging you, making sure you are accountable to your goals and you get where you want to go.”
Judith has seen the impact firsthand – and so have others.
“My friends, other female entrepreneurs, tell me I seem healthier, happier, less stressed,” she says. “And now three of them are coaching with Peter, too.”
To find out more about the power of one-to-one coaching and how it can help you or your organization, reach out to us.