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Public Sector Excellence Through Intentional Leadership

I’m Simona Dinu, and I help public-sector professionals lead with intention and in alignment with their values.


Through coaching, I support individuals in building self-awareness, strengthening their mindset, and developing emotional agility, so they can gain clarity and take aligned action.


Together, we build practical systems that turn intention into meaningful, sustainable results for themselves, their teams, and their communities.

WHY I BECAME A COACH 
& CREATED CONNECT TO GROW

After years of working in public service and observing highly capable, values-driven professionals who already had the knowledge and technical skills to do their work well, I realized something was missing. They didn’t always need more training or another leadership course; they needed a space to pause, reflect, and grow from the inside out.


Connect to Grow was created to hold that space: a space where people can slow down, reconnect with themselves, and develop the inner capacity to lead with intention and in alignment with their values, especially in complex public-service environments.


Through my work, I add value to public sector professionals and organizations through a focused set of services designed in a holistic way. I combine my experience, education, and eclectic skill set to support lasting results by working with people from the inside out:  building clarity, resilience, and mental and emotional strength.


The people I work with have the technical skills. What they need is the space and support to become attuned to their body, mind, and inner experience. From that place, they embody leadership through values-aligned behaviours and actions, creating environments where people thrive:  at work, in their families, and in their communities.


Using my framework, I help my clients gain clarity and take aligned action by focusing on three foundational elements: self-awareness, mindset, and emotional agility. Together, we build systems that create results.

I COMBINE THE FOLLOWING IN EVERYTHING I DO AND THE RESULTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES:

Business education with an emphasis on operations management and human resources. Action through consistent discipline is something I live by.

Public administration education and a strong connection to the local government community including being a contributor to a soon to be released book.

Over two decades of experience leading large teams in municipal government, working collaboratively with partners and consistently achieving strategic priorities.

Teacher at an academic institution delivering an online course on library financial management.

Certified Executive Coach and member of the International Coaching Federation with a consistent coaching practice.

Certified NeuroTransformational Coach and Mindfulness Facilitator.

A strong understanding through formal and informal education in the areas of psychology, neuroscience, spirituality, mindfulness, neurodiversity and trauma.

Experience in designing and delivering sustainable learning initiatives

1-ON-1 COACHING

Coaching is a partnership between the client and the coach with the goal of inspiring the client to maximize their personal and professional potential.​ As an Associate Certified Coach (ACC), I abide by the International Coaching Federation Code of Ethics. Visit the ICF page to learn more about coaching.

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Coaching assumes the client has all the knowledge, skills, abilities and resources to make things happen.

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Coaching is about long-term excellence. It leaves the client equipped with the tools to deal with situations that arise after the coaching relationship has ended.

 

Coaching builds clarity, capacity and effectiveness.

Coaching is for you if:

You feel stuck. You are unsure of what’s next for you.

You’ve tried to break bad habits or build new ones, but have been unsuccessful.

You are in transition or are thinking about an upcoming transition.

You are on the edge or already experiencing burnout.

GROUP COACHING

Group coaching brings together a group of individuals who are working towards their own goals and share an interest, challenge or are in similar stages of their lives. The group coach creates a safe and brave environment in which all group members can evolve, helps them define individual objectives, harnesses collective wisdom and guides the process with the ultimate goal of having each participant reach their identified growth objectives. The coach also encourages peer coaching to allow members to get curious with each other and develop their coaching skills.

What are the benefits of group coaching?

We learn best when we can share ideas, insights and experiences with other people who are facing similar challenges.

Through the support of others and the coach, we increase our confidence and take consistent action towards our goals.

We experience a safe environment and learn the skills required to build one for those we lead.

We develop coaching skills, not by learning about it, but by practicing as participants.

We are inspired by others to be brave and curious.

It provides the opportunity to network and build new connections.

It is more cost effective compared to 1-on-1 coaching.

Group coaching amplifies teaching and training by creating a space for insights and application of the learning. 

WORKSHOPS & WEBINARS

I offer customized workshops and webinars designed to help organizations strengthen leadership capability and navigate complexity more effectively. Each session blends a coach-approach with insights from neuroscience and mindfulness, and is tailored to the needs, challenges, and goals of your team.

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

Participating in the Intentional Leader Coaching group was an admirable experience. As someone who thrives on continuous learning and professional development, it equipped me with the practical strategies and leadership tools to lead diverse teams with greater intentionality and purpose. The opportunity to network with like-minded leaders inspired me to build stronger connections, communicate with impact and embrace challenges with confidence. This experience reinforced the power of proactive preparation, and for that I am grateful.
Natalie Tamba, Group Coaching Participant
I love that Simona’s coaching is given through a public service lens. It seems that many coaches are coming from an entrepreneurial point of view, which doesn’t always translate to public library work. Simona understood the administrative challenges that I was describing and was able to give me excellent insights on practical ways to move through the productivity roadblocks that I was experiencing. My 1:1 time spent in her coaching sessions was well worth it!​​​​​​​​
J.B., Deputy County Librarian
Executive coaching has been a new experience for me. Simona has made the whole process very comfortable, meaningful and rewarding. Through guided practices and coaching, Simona has helped me identify and achieve personal goals. Simona is kind, thoughtful and not afraid to challenge her clients. I also appreciate that Simona has direct experience working in local government, so she can bring that understanding of the work of her clients.​​​​​​​​​
Olivia, Local Government Employee

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