Abilities Centre

Director of Business Development

Allstate Canada

Demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional growth and impact - receiving a promotion from Agency Sales Manager (2018) to Regional Marketing Manager (2019) to Agency Manager (2020 – current.)

Provide dynamic leadership and coaching for a high-performing team of 9-13 sales professionals, motivating the team to reach ambitious sales targets and personal goals. 

Directly accountable for managing a multi-million-dollar agency business portfolio encompassing finances, operations, recruitment, and marketing strategies - delivering a 10% increase in revenue YOY.

Foster a highly collaborative, culturally diverse work environment in which all members are encouraged to idea share and make recommendations for process improvement.

Engage internally with cross-functional teams to implement Net Promoter Score across the organization.

Recognized for playing an instrumental role in navigating the team through significant corporate change management and implementation of a continuous improvement strategy, ensuring cohesive understanding amongst all parties. 

Conceptualized and launched several innovative multi-layer marketing campaigns, elevating the community brand and significantly elevating Google reviews.

Produced an online digital marketing forum with 107 agents to help position Allstate's competitiveness and value proposition.

Agency Manager

BzzAgent

Recruited to head Canadian national sales efforts for a former Boston-based Social Media Influence Marketing company until it was acquired/downsized by a Chicago-based agency with all international offices closed.

Solidified Bzz’s Canadian presence by cultivating, growing, and maintaining new business relationships via prospecting LinkedIn Sales Navigator, Salesforce, cold calling, networking, and RFP response.

Networked with executive-level clients to determine business challenges and present tailored solutions, cultivating strategic partnerships with Canadian Tier 1 & 2 clients resulting in over $150K in new business revenue.

Director Of Business Development, Cdn Country Lead

TC Media

Promoted to National Sales Director for a leading Canadian investment products publication following 2.5 years of exceeding sales targets, effectively maximizing client investments by utilizing a consultative sales style. 

Retained direct oversight for a diverse six-person sales team, advancing significant financial institution clients.

Succeeded in driving Sentry Investments to $300K in 2016, surpassed annual sales objectives YOY by 23% for 2015 and 4% for 2016, and yielded 30% gross profit through the effective launch of a new multi-media channel.

Director, Sales - Business Solutions

National Account Executive

QMI Sales 

Exceeded total revenue within account base by 34% YOY for 2012 and 30% for 2013. Maximized revenue potential with clients, including Disney Films, E One, Universal, Paramount, Mongrel Media, Sears Canada, Hudson’s Bay, TD Canada Trust, P&G Canada, and Capital One.

National Sales Executive

Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting US

Actualized a 20% territory growth within assigned geographic region (Toronto to Kingston), establishing and fostering strategic relationships with major accounting firms to provide value-add software solutions. Conducted needs assessment with prospective clients, aligning appropriate SaaS solutions through enterprise agreements.

External Account Manager

Carswell, a Thomson Reuters business

Information Solutions Consultant

With over 15 years of progressive sales experience in various industries, I'm a  driven Agency Manager at Allstate Canada, where I oversee a high-performing team of sales professionals and manage a multi-million-dollar agency business portfolio. I have a proven track record of exceeding sales targets, delivering revenue growth, and cultivating customer loyalty.

I leverage my consultative selling expertise from consumer to enterprise sales, strategic account planning, and online marketing skills to identify opportunities, drive business development, and foster brand excellence. I also demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional growth and impact, having received multiple promotions and recognition for my sales leadership and performance. My goal is to ignite high-energy connections for personal and business success, and to coach and mentor others to achieve their full potential.

Connect and share ideas, feel free to reach out to me at Clevette.coombs@gmail.com

Crack the code to sky-high team success!


A spicy tale of 2 managers that unveils what really powers leadership.

Picture this: 2 managers in the same organization, each steering the ship for 1 standout employee.

First up, Manager 1, shining brighter than a lighthouse on a foggy night:

·      A cheerleader in chief
·      Supportive like a sturdy back brace
·      A wizard at setting crystal-clear goals
·      A human shield against the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune
·      A veritable GPS for navigating the maze of workplace challenges

This leader is essentially the Beethoven of the business world, orchestrating triumphs and making the team's victories their magnum opus!

Under this maestro's baton, employees don't just hit their targets; they vault over them, shattering records and becoming the organization's MVPs.

Cue the dramatic music for Manager 2, lurking in leadership's shadowy corners:

·      A fan of favorites like a biased reality show judge
·      Expectations as clear as a mud puddle
·      Spreads gossip faster than a high school rumor mill
·      Points fingers like a misguided compass
·      As supportive as a broken chair

Their "guidance" is like setting sail without a map, resulting in a once-dazzling star navigating murky waters, pondering a getaway to brighter shores.

So, what's the juicy takeaway from our saga?

The magic of a top-notch manager lies in their ability to transform work into a harmonious masterpiece, blending individual talents into a symphony of success and satisfaction.

Clevette Coombs

Don't know who needs to hear this today...

I know I need this...

• Every day, giving your best will vary.
• Sometimes, just showing up is enough.

The key is consistency.

Image credit: @imageryhustle

4-step process to overcome negative thoughts.


Yes, you heard it right, ANTs - not the tiny creatures, but Automatic Negative Thoughts, a term coined by Dr. Daniel Amen. 

ANTs refer to those invasive, pessimistic, and grumbling thoughts that multiply rapidly and appear unbidden, often going unchallenged. 

Does this sound familiar? 

Let me share my simple, four-step process of how I eliminate these unwelcome intruders when they start to overrun my mind. 

1. Recognize the Thought - Be mindful of your thoughts as if you were a third person. Would you accept negative thoughts about your loved ones?

2. Challenge the Thought - Determine if your fear is fact-based or a distortion of reality. Don't let unfounded thoughts overpower you.

3. Get Perspective - Assess the mental space you're giving to ANTs. Remember, your thoughts only take up as much space as you allow; focus on meaningful and truthful thoughts instead.

4. Replace the Thought - Swap any ANT with a PAT - Positive, Affirming Thought. Instead of "I'll never get that job," think "My skills match the job requirements, making me a strong candidate."

Choose PATs over ANTs.

P.S. Ready to squash your ANTs? Comment below your methods!

Hold onto your coffee—here's the leadership twist you never saw coming.


Ah, the rollercoaster of toxic leadership – thrilling yet not the kind you'd want a season pass for. 

Let's dive into this week's agenda from the leadership hall of horrors:

Monday Mood: 
"We're your rock, harbor in the storm! Take your time... but hurry up, okay?"

Terrifying Tuesday: 
"What's that? You had a whole day and all we got is this? Detail every blink and sigh while you're at it. Deals? Oh, I'll know 'the number' when the magic 8-ball says so."

Wobbly Wednesday: 
"Feeling the love and support? Great! Now, exactly how can I 'help' without really changing anything?"

Threatening Thursday: 
"Feedback, schmeedback. Who needs research or insights? Just dial away! Understanding? Optional."

Freaky Friday Morning: 
"You're invaluable to us! But have you tried being more like Stacey? Just a thought."

Frightful Friday Afternoon: 
"Improvement or else! Because vague threats are how we inspire greatness, right?"

This whirlwind isn't just bad leadership; it's a masterclass in what NOT to do!

Here's a quick recap of the don'ts and dos for the leaders out there:

->Micromanagement? More like creativity's worst nightmare. Trust your team, and watch innovation bloom.
->Lack of Transparency: The only thing it breeds is a whole lot of confusion and eye-rolling.
->Ignoring Feedback: Remember, a team that feels unheard is a team that's halfway out the door.
->Favoritism: The quickest route to turning your team into the cast of a bad reality show.
->Abuse of Power: Nothing screams "I'm a villain in a superhero movie" louder than this.

Flip the script for leadership success:

->Empowerment: Give them wings, not weights.
->Transparency: Be as clear as a freshly cleaned window.
->Active Listening: Because sometimes, silence is truly golden.
->Equity and Fairness: The real MVPs of team spirit.
->Respectful Leadership: The kind of leadership that makes everyone feel like they've won the lottery.


70% of people are effected by imposter syndrome!

I was one of them. 

This powerful image reflects the struggle many face with imposter syndrome. 

But here’s big the truth: you are more capable than you think. 

Like a pawn seeing a queen in the mirror, your potential is immense. 

It’s time to embrace your strengths and lead with confidence. 

Remember, leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. 

So, step up to the board of your life. Make the moves!

Image credit: @thevisualbytes

Great leaders provoke thought, not control!

·  They don't spoon-feed answers but provoke thought and challenge beliefs. 
·  Serving as cheerleaders, not judges, supporting your self-driven development journey. 
· These leaders don't manipulate you like a puppet, rather they provide the tools and encouragement to showcase your potential. 
·  As an individual, you're given the space and guidance to grow and improve at your own pace and ambition. 

You are not a marionette, but a self-made individual who's ready to face challenges and seize opportunities. 

In the path of self-development, you are not:

·      Controlled 
·      Micromanaged

INSTEAD:

·      Encouraged
·      Supported
·      Empowered 

Always remember, you're not a puppet, your growth is yours to shape!

The currency of life isn't just money!

 Instead, it's a combination of:
- action, 
- behavior
- knowledge

Invest in these, and you'll be rich in ways beyond measure.

I'm sorry...who are you yelling at?




It is NEVER appropriate to yell at employees.
 
 Well, unless there's a life-threatening situation. 
 
Beyond that, yelling at an employee is NEVER okay and it's certainly not acceptable. 
 
We teach our children to use their words, so why can't we, as adults, do the same?
 
Regrettably, I've heard tales from numerous professionals at the start of their career journeys. 
 
·     Receiving passive-aggressive "feedback" emails from managers instead of proper, face-to-face, constructive feedback. 
·     Left in the dark with no guidance, yet they're expected to deliver perfect results. 
·     To add insult to injury, these managers resort to yelling, belittling these employees. 
 
I'm sorry, but this is a clear-cut case of POOR leadership! 
 
A leader should inspire and guide, not intimidate and belittle. 
 
Let's aspire to be better!

Let's strive to create a more: 
 
·     Positive 
·     Supportive 
·     Encouraging environment 

So, employees grow and thrive in. 
 
After all, good leadership is about elevating others to their highest potential. 
 
So, let’s put an end to the yelling, and start leading with compassion, understanding, and respect.


My Dad told me “Stop selling” - Best career advice I never took!

Sitting in my parent’s living room, 17-year-old me, awaiting the parental verdict for some rule violation. I didn’t get into trouble often but when I did, I made it worth it. Yet, I did have a knack for turning situations around with well-crafted questions and a bit of logic.

My strategy was simple yet effective: 
 
·      understand the impact of my so-called "offense," 
·      demonstrate its unintended benefits,
·      question (subtly) the real impact of the punishment. 
 
It was a foolproof plan, or so I thought.
 
This time, my dad, wise to my tactics, simply said, "Don't speak... you always negotiate your way out of trouble. You’re going to sit and listen, no questions, no talking." 

I sat there speechless! 

“You’re grounded”, though, I still managed to negotiate the terms of my grounding.😉

This childhood episode was more than just a memory; it was the foundation of three pivotal sales insights that I carry in my professional life today:

Understand Your Audience: Just like how I gauged my parents' reactions, successful sales start with understanding your client's needs and motivations.

Perceived Value is Key: Demonstrating how a situation (or product) benefits someone is crucial. It's about showing the value, not just selling a product.

Negotiation is an Art: Every conversation is a negotiation. The ability to listen and then speak, to understand and then respond, is the essence of sales.

Reflecting on little moments of childhood moments like this, you realize you had the seeds of selling. We just overcomplicate it with life.

Celebrating gratitude because who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too?

March has samba’ed away, taking with it my month-long birthday fiesta (yep, I’m that person). 

But here’s the twist: my celebrations weren’t about splashing cash. 

They were about enriching the connections had and developing new ones. 

I’ve spotlighted the stellar women who’ve sprinkled magic into my life, and now it’s time to tip my hat to the gents from whom I’ve learned, both near and afar (hoping to bridge that distance soon).

Dominick Namis 
Tobi Oluwole 
Claudio Meidler 
Jordan Murphy 🧠🦍 
Noah Little 
Uchenna Opara 
Mark Makin 
Nat Berman 

This list could go on for days…literally!

So, yes, I party all month long, and Saturday was the grand finale. 🎉

Thankful for the those I’ve had the pleasure to learn from and continue to do so and those that I will meet. 

P.S. How do you roll? Birthday bash for a day, a week, or are you on the month-long extravaganza team like me?

We're all PROS at something! 



The question is: which 'Pro' are you?

—PRO-ductivity or PRO-crastination? 

Here’s how to ensure you're wearing the right hat:

Break It Down: 

1. Chop up your tasks into bite-sized pieces. It's easier to start a nibble than to devour a whole feast at once.

2. Set the Stage: Create a workspace that cues your brain for action, not relaxation. Yes, that means maybe moving away from the couch.

3. Reward the Win: Give yourself a small reward for completing tasks. Coffee after a report? Sounds like a plan.

Let's turn our 'PRO' status into productivity gold. 


P.S. - What's your top tip for staying on the PRO-ductivity track?

Image credit: Half Baked

Woohoo! Incredible news! 


I've been recognized as a LinkedIn Top Leadership Development voice! 

To say I'm exhilarated would be an understatement- 
I'd be doing backflips if I could 🤣 

The journey of learning, growing, and most importantly, networking with many remarkable professionals on this platform has been genuinely exceptional. 

Transitioning from a silent observer to an engaged participant was undoubtedly the best decision I made in my professional development journey.

LinkedIn is a goldmine of opportunities for professional growth. 

Take full advantage of it, engage, share, and keep learning. 

After all, growth is a never-ending journey. 

Cheers to continued growth and success together on this platform! 🥂 

5 Effective tips to grow self-confidence.

5 Effective tips to grow self-confidence

Silence is golden. 


Or is it a red flag?

Ever noticed how the best teams sound like a buzzing beehive.

While the not-so-great ones could be mistaken for a library.
  
Why?  

It's not about being the loudest voice in the room or the silent thinker in the corner; it's about ensuring that everyone has had their moment, their input. 

Because it's in those moments of shared purpose and understanding that silence becomes a powerful tool, not a barrier.

The key? 

Make sure that when the room goes quiet, it's not because voices are missing.

Instead, it’s because they've already woven together a shared vision strong enough to carry the team through to victory.

So, next time you’re in a team, listen. Is it a beehive or a library? 

Great leaders, a message for you. 


Embrace the sunrise. 

Reset, 
Restart, and 
Redefine what it means to lead. 

Each sunrise is a reminder: we have the power to begin anew. 

Forget yesterday’s missteps. 

Today is uncharted territory, ripe for your leadership.

Make it count!


Photo credit: my daughter 😉

"Communicating for corporate purposes should not require access to all your social media."

This was a conversation with a friend of mine who's boss regularly likes to message their team via WhatsApp.  Yes, the organization has Teams and email however, this manager insists on communicating via WhatsApp.

Trying to understand how most organizations and team communicate quickly and effectively with each other.

Taplio

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