About Michael McDonald
Michael’s coaching practice focuses on women in the legal, business, financial services, sport and charitable sectors. Michael offers his clients the benefit of over 25 years of experience practicing as a leading corporate lawyer, including various senior internal and external roles. Michael has had a meditation and yoga practice for a number of years and brings a calm and mindful approach to his coaching practice.
Experience
Business coach 2019 to present.
Cleary Gottlieb, corporate partner 2006 to 2018
Allen & Overy, corporate partner 2001-2006, corporate associate 1997-2000
Torys, corporate partner 1999, associate 1991-1996 (Toronto)
Qualifactions and Related Activities
B.A. Dalhousie University 1991
J.S.D. (Doctorate of Laws) Dalhousie University 1991
B.A. (Psychology) University of Alberta 1986
Mastered Program, Meyler Campbell 2020
Horizon mentor for disadvantaged law students
NHS responder UK Royal Voluntary Service
Recent Coaching Clients
Director at major investment bank on navigating her path to promotion to M.D.
Senior operating officer on dealing with the challenges of her expanded role at an educational charity
Recently promoted partner at a major law firm on expanding her goals as a partner
Private banker on achieving her goals upon re-entering the workforce
Senior IP lawyer at boutique law firm
Senior associate at major law firm on moving towards becoming a partner candidate
Testimonials
“Michael’s guidance and expertise over the past year has been invaluable. Ultimately what Michael has helped me realise is that there is no time like the present and however awkward and uncomfortable certain conversations can be, I must tackle them head on. He has also helped me dispel feelings of imposter syndrome and to realise that my journey has provided me with a unique set of experiences which allow me to excel in my role and achieve my goals.”
“Our sessions gave me the space to reflect on my current career trajectory and, through constructive challenge to some of my long-held assumptions, to hone in on my long-term ambitions, both in and outside of my career. They also provided me with a clear framework to identify the concrete steps I need to take to achieve those ambitions and to monitor my progress towards them. I now feel much more in control of my own destiny”
“Michael asks the right questions prompting further thinking about my behaviours and actions. I gained a lot from our sessions not only professionally but also personally and now feel much more comfortable in my ability to respond to challenging situations and balance work and life priorities.”
“Michael has all the qualities you would expect from a coach – he is a good listener, thoughtful, practical, and helpful. In addition, Michael has a great ability to get to the crux of the matter, and help you get there, in a manner that is true to yourself and feels very natural and logical. Michael’s approach helped me take ownership of the solutions, with far better results than might otherwise have been the case.”
“I worked with Michael through a time when I was changing organisations and roles. I found it really energising to have someone willing to sit down and help me think through both the bigger picture and the details of how I wanted to hit the ground running in my new role, as well as to help me deal with challenges when they arose. Michael is great at gauging the right level of challenge / empathy needed in any situation, and has helped me to re-frame how I think about some of my working interactions more positively. I find myself thinking “what would Michael reckon about this?” – which usually leads to me taking the harder, but better, approach to whatever I’m dealing with. If that isn’t the mark of a great coach, I’m not sure what is.”
“Michael has guided me through exercises to distill what it is that motivates me and what I wish to gain from my career in light of my wider priorities in life – things that we often do not take the time to stop and assess. He has also equipped me with tools to ensure I keep my goals in mind when making career decisions. I have benefitted enormously from my sessions with Michael and would strongly recommend his coaching. I am at a relatively early stage in my career but nevertheless wish I had had the benefit of coaching much sooner. “
Interests
Michael has competed provincially, nationally and internationally in golf, basketball, baseball, ice hockey, cycling and triathlon. Other interests include yoga, nutrition, tai chi, meditation, live music, jazz, opera, theatre, guitar, sailing, motor skill learning, photography and skiing. Michael is also a Mindfactor golf mental performance coach.