Frequently Asked Questions — Executive Coaching and Facilitation in Montreal
1. What's the difference between an executive coach and a consultant?
A consultant brings answers and recommendations based on their expertise. An executive coach asks the right questions so you find your own answers and build your capacity to decide. The first gives you a plan; the second makes you more autonomous and better equipped for future challenges. At AMIRAL, I combine both roles depending on your need: coaching when you need to develop your leadership, management consulting when you need to structure and decide quickly.
2. What can executive coaching concretely bring me?
Executive coaching helps you gain clarity on your priorities, courage in difficult decisions, and effectiveness in your relationships with your teams, peers and leadership. Managers who work with a coach typically report: more direct communication, less avoidance of difficult conversations, better management of their energy and stress, and increased capacity to mobilize their teams. Results are measurable, but above all lasting.
3. Who is AMIRAL coaching for?
My coaching is for managers, executives and professionals who want to develop their leadership with honesty and rigor. This isn't "feel-good" coaching: I ask uncomfortable questions when needed. My clients include executives at multinationals, entrepreneurs, elected municipal officials and professionals in career transitions. The common denominator: a real willingness to change something, not just talk about it.
4. How does a typical coaching engagement unfold?
A typical engagement begins with a free 30-minute discovery call to validate fit. Then comes a framing session where we define your objectives and progress indicators. Coaching sessions (60 or 90 minutes) are usually held every 2-3 weeks, in person in Montreal or via video conference. A typical engagement lasts between 3 and 9 months, with milestone check-ins to adjust course.
5. What is the EQ-i 2.0 and EQ 360 assessment?
The EQ-i 2.0 is a scientifically validated psychometric tool that measures 15 emotional intelligence competencies, including self-awareness, empathy, stress management and problem-solving. The EQ 360 adds a multi-rater dimension: your colleagues, leadership and teams also assess your competencies, which reveals gaps between self-perception and how others see you. It's a powerful starting point for leadership development. I am certified to administer and interpret both tools.
6. What are your rates?
Individual sessions start at CAD $250 (60 minutes) and CAD $350 (90 minutes) for early-career managers and professionals self-funding their development. Rates for senior executives, directors and corporate engagements are adjusted based on level of responsibility, complexity of challenges and organizational context. For team workshops, strategic facilitation and keynotes, engagements are tailored and vary based on duration, number of participants and level of customization required. A free discovery call lets us clarify the need and propose a clear quote.
7. Do you work with teams or only 1:1?
Both, and often in combination. My offering covers 1:1 executive coaching, team coaching, strategic workshop facilitation, leadership development workshops and conferences. Many engagements start with 1:1 coaching of a manager, then extend to their team as collective challenges emerge. The reverse is also common: a team workshop that reveals a need for individual coaching for certain leaders.
8. How do you facilitate your leadership workshops?
My workshops are not lecture-based training. I create experiential learning spaces where participants practice, question themselves and experiment in real time. Each workshop is custom-designed from your context, your challenges and your culture. Participants leave with concrete tools they can apply the next day, and above all with a lived experience that transforms their leadership practice.
9. Do you offer in-person coaching in Montreal or remotely?
Both. In-person sessions are typically held in Montreal (Verdun, downtown, or at the client's location). Remote sessions happen via Zoom or Google Meet. My international clients obviously work remotely, but many Montreal clients also prefer this format for its flexibility. Coaching quality doesn't depend on format, it depends on the quality of the relationship and the work.
10. What makes AMIRAL different from other coaches in Montreal?
Three things, essentially. First, a rare profile: engineering background with 20 years in executive leadership (notably at Cirque du Soleil) before becoming a coach. I combine analytical rigor and emotional intelligence, which lets me work as effectively with CTOs as with artistic directors. Second, a direct, no-fluff approach: I don't flatter to please, I question to help. Third, a combined offer of coaching + facilitation + consulting that allows intervention at multiple levels within a single organization, from 1:1 to executive committee.