Candice Helm

“This work was a true turning point in my leadership journey, helping me grow from a director to a vice president and laying the foundation for my transition into the CEO role when I started my own company.

When I first met Cindy, I was focused on being a strong individual contributor and had no desire to manage people. But the combination of individual coaching and group work with peers sparked the beginning of a leadership journey I never saw coming.

What set this work apart was how deeply practical it was. Cindy didn’t just offer ideas or inspiration, she gave us tools, frameworks, and the space to practice and develop new competencies. I still remember the power of practicing difficult conversations with my peers, preparing for high-stakes annual reviews, and working through how to deliver hard truths while building trust. These weren’t just skill-building moments, they were breakthroughs.

A pivotal chapter was when I transitioned into a new department, one where I was the ‘outsider’ joining a close-knit group that had worked together for decades. Cindy helped me move from my ‘guns blazing’ approach to a more grounded and democratic leadership style. I learned to slow down, listen, ask better questions, and show up in a way that built credibility, connection, and long-term influence.

Over time, I became known not just as a strong operator, but as a respected team player and someone capable of driving meaningful organizational change. That shift, and so many others, became the foundation for leading bigger teams and scaling impact across three large, private equity-backed tech organizations.

Every stage of my growth has Cindy’s fingerprints on it. Her insight, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to human-centered leadership shaped not just how I lead, but who I am. It gave me more than promotions and titles—it gave me a new way to see myself, my work, and what’s possible."

— Candice Helm, BS - CEO, Hatch Credit