
Beyond High Performance From High Performer to Transformational Leader
Sep 30, 2025
Jeff McMartin, President of Pliant Plastics, shares his transformative journey from a result-driven leader to one focused on vulnerability and authenticity. He reveals the hidden costs of high performance and how coaching helped him reclaim his agency and improve company culture. Jean-Marie Jobs, his executive coach, underscores the importance of mindset shifts and personal awareness in leadership. Their discussion highlights vulnerability as a leadership tool, the role of coaching in cultural change, and practical strategies for sustainable growth.
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Servant Leadership Shaped His Path
- Jeff describes a 30+ year career shaped by servant leadership and operational focus learned early at Prince Corporation.
- That foundation shifted him from engineering into general management where he found purpose in developing teams.
From Validation To Vulnerability
- Jeff first pursued coaching for consulting and validation rather than vulnerability and growth.
- After training and experience he became more coachable and gained deeper, lasting benefits from coaching with Jean-Marie.
Bring Vulnerability Into Coaching
- Confide your real struggles and ugly thoughts to a coach to get maximum value from coaching.
- Avoid using coaching sessions as a place for validation; bring vulnerability instead.



