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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INSIGHT

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.
INSIGHT

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.
ADVICE

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.
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