Relationships with Vision

Relationships with Vision

A garden designer gets his business, relationships, and himself back on track.
Relationships with Vision

Pierre Duranleau’s
strengths as a garden designer lie in his ability to capture, translate, express, and facilitate his customers’ visions from the initial information gathering and conceptual phases to the actual realization of the final product, while always respecting his customers’ intentions, needs, goals and budgetary requirements. High on Pierre’s priorities is the broader context of creating projects that are as environmentally sustainable as possible, utilizing local resources and services while also employing seasoned, experienced, and professional local experts and suppliers
Seven years after launching his dream business, Pierre Duranleau felt he’d hit rock bottom. His business as a garden designer was going nowhere. His business partner routinely belittled his ideas and efforts. His customers constantly flip-flopped on requirements and welshed on agreements. Worst of all, Pierre was stuck on a treadmill of projects that neither interested nor inspired him. “It was sucking the energy out of me, my family, and social life – my whole sense of self. I just wanted out.”

Coaching offered Pierre a space to step back, reconnect with what really mattered to him, and take concrete measures to regain control over his situation. “In my very first session, I saw that I’d been dumping a lot of responsibility onto those around me. I’d become so busy building up my “hapless victim” story that I’d given up taking action to turn things around. From that point on, my goal in coaching was to make a difference in my situation. To rekindle my original vision and enthusiasm for my business.”

Much of the work Pierre took on in coaching centered on communication and relationship-building. “Before I started coaching, I’d come to see my role as mainly technical. Come up with the right design. It was up to everyone else to live up to their part of the bargain. I came to see that my real challenge was in expressing my own expectations and needs. To set clear commitments with the people I was doing business with. Technical expertise is just the tip of the iceberg when running your own business.”

Today Pierre runs his business very differently, with strong relationships and shared goals providing the foundation for every new project. Customers recommend him for the conscientious, accommodating, knowledgeable, and creative professionalism he provides each step of the way.

Since finishing up coaching, Pierre has been the annual recipient of Best of Houzz awards for design and client satisfaction, with his work featured in Fleurs Plantes Jardins magazine. “It’s amazing – I’m getting exactly the recognition and work I’ve always wanted – all because I’m clear on what I’m out to achieve and sticking to that vision.”
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Testimonials from My Clients

I highly recommend Robert as a Life Coach. He provided value in his ability to assess situations quickly and offer tools to achieve greater balance in my life. He made it clear for me to choose a course of action to gain positive change in my daily life. Robert is reliable, friendly, professional and a great listener. Working with Robert was a wonderful experience.

Noémie Dupuy
Co-Founder & Member Board of Directors, Budge Studios
Robert is an absolute delight and wonderful coach to work with, he is extremely professional and insightful. He helped me overcome many hurdles and see things in a new light. He is very positive, patient and resourceful. He brought plenty of humor into our sessions, I am forever indebted by his kindness. Please do not hesitate to engage him as your coach. I highly recommend him.

Sophiya Varghese
Senior Manager, Data & Analytics,
TD
During a big transition time in my life, I started working with Robert to gain clarity and perspective to help me make some important decisions. He was instrumental in helping me structure my thoughts and ideas, refine my identity and move forward on my journey with certainty. Robert has an incredible ability to get to the source of a situation or dilemma, and has a knack for helping people exploit their own creativity and approach to solutions!

Justin Svatina
Co-Founder & Creative Director, DOMREBEL
After a difficult period with my business and personal life, Robert was extremely helpful in guiding me to find joy in my work and peace with myself. He opened my eyes about a lot of ways to lead and to trust. When I think back on how I felt when I first walked in compared to one year later, I am impressed at how much change a person can go through when they are being guided by the right person.

Patricia Godley
Sustainable Living Activist & Founder - La Fondation Godley
Robert is a great life coach. I contacted him when I wanted to transition professionally. He was present to walk me through my options, provide guidance, and support my decisions. He is a very good listener and actively engages to give you just that other perspective or option, share real-life examples, and make you feel your dreams can come true. I came out of each session optimistic and energized - I felt grounded but reached for the stars.

Cecilia Thompson
Senior Human Rights Consultant

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