Coaching firm agrees Sage partnership

A North East executive coaching firm is set to support the next generation of technology leaders after securing a six-figure partnership with an international software company.

Newcastle-founded Sage has appointed Is This You? to design and deliver coaching for its new High Performance Programme within the company’s IT division.

The 12-month initiative will support senior leaders and emerging directors through personalised development planning, one-to-one coaching and structured leadership support, with a focus on strengthening Sage’s future leadership pipeline.

Is This You?, which is headquartered at the North East BIC, in Sunderland, has also developed a digital platform to underpin the programme, giving participants and the wider organisation greater visibility over development priorities and progress throughout the scheme.

Unlike traditional leadership training programmes, the initiative has been designed to support long-term leadership development and succession planning, helping Sage prepare future director-level talent for senior positions as opportunities arise.

Alongside coaching support, participants will gain exposure to Sage’s wider strategic projects and initiatives.

Kerry Sinclair, executive vice president of Sage IT, said: “Our development programme brings together business skills, technology skills and Sage mastery for emerging and newly appointed leaders. 

“Finding the right coaching partner was an important decision for us. 

“We wanted a partner who could offer personalised, confidential development, and Is This You? stood out for their lived experience, professional approach, and their ability to balance one‑to‑one coaching with cohort learning.”

Phil Gray, co-founder and chief executive of Is This You?, added: “We’re proud to be partnering with Sage on a programme that invests in the next generation of leadership. 

“For us, this is about helping people grow with clarity, confidence and measurable progress, while supporting organisations to build leadership strength for the future.”

The partnership represents a significant milestone for Is This You?, which has built its reputation around combining entrepreneurial experience with corporate coaching expertise.

The firm has also received support from the North East BIC, which has provided mentoring, strategic guidance and access to regional networks as the business has grown.

John Forth, co-founder and chief operating officer of Is This You?, added: “This is about developing leaders who are capable and prepared, not just in title, but also in mind-set and capability. 

“We’re excited about being able to deliver a programme that will make a sustainable difference to all parties involved.”

John added: “The North East BIC have been instrumental in supporting our growth. 

“We have been challenged and supported by them, and they’ve helped us think bigger as a business. 

“I believe that their backing has certainly been important in allowing us to reach this point.”

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