For almost three decades, I have worked in international organisations, leading across countries, cultures and complex environments.
Today, I bring that experience to my work as an executive coach, systemic team coach and organisational development consultant — helping leaders and organisations see differently, navigate complexity and move forward with greater clarity and impact.
I started my career close to programme implementation, working as a Programme Director and leading projects and programmes on the ground. It gave me an early appreciation of what it takes to turn strategy into action — often in contexts shaped by political volatility, fluctuating resources, cultural complexity and realities that don't always follow the plan.
From there, my career evolved through progressively broader leadership roles:
Programme Director
Programme implementation & delivery
↓
Country Director
Mauritania & Senegal
↓
Regional Director
West & Central Africa
↓
Global Vice President
Faith & Development
↓
Founder & Principal Consultant
Lehmann-Sow Coaching & Consultancy · 2022–present
Each role brought a different perspective on leadership — from getting things done on the ground to navigating complexity across countries, cultures and organisational systems.
In 2022, I brought these experiences into my own practice, founding Lehmann-Sow Coaching & Consultancy, where I now work with leaders, teams and organisations through executive coaching, systemic team coaching and organisational consultancy.
Alongside my professional journey, I was also raising my three children, moving countries and building a family life while navigating many of the same uncertainties and transitions that shape organisational life.
These experiences continue to shape how I work today: with curiosity, pragmatism and a deep respect for the realities people and organisations face.
Esther Lehmann-Sow is an Executive and Systemic Team Coach, with PCC and ACTC credentials and almost three decades of senior international leadership experience with World Vision International, including roles as Country Director, Regional Director and Global Vice President.
Over time, I became increasingly interested not only in what leaders do, but in how they see, think and make choices — and in what becomes possible when they have the space to step back and reflect.
In 2022, I founded Lehmann-Sow Coaching & Consultancy, bringing together my leadership experience with my training and practice in executive coaching, systemic team coaching and organisational development.
Today, I work with leaders, teams and organisations in different ways — from creating space for reflection and development through coaching, to analysing organisational challenges, designing solutions and facilitating processes that lead to practical action.
Whether I'm coaching, facilitating or consulting, I bring curiosity, challenge and practical expertise — adapting my role to what the situation requires.
EXPERIENCE → PERSPECTIVE → IMPACT
I have led in complex international organisations, from programme implementation to country, regional and global leadership. I understand the realities between strategy and implementation — aligning global direction with local context and culture, navigating competing priorities and resources, and working with the formal and informal dynamics that shape organisations.
Moving from management into leadership requires more than taking on greater responsibility. It means shifting from managing tasks and resources to influencing people, engaging boards and senior stakeholders, reading the wider system and developing the political savvy to lead effectively.
I understand organisations from the inside — how structures, processes, culture, capabilities, relationships and external context interact. This helps me look beyond the presenting issue to understand what may really be enabling or constraining progress.
I bring professional coaching expertise to help leaders and teams think more deeply, challenge assumptions and move forward. When consultancy is needed, I also bring practical expertise — analysing, advising, designing and developing solutions that organisations can use.
My coaching practice is grounded in professional ICF credentials and extensive leadership experience.
Living and working across countries and cultures — while raising a family along the way — has shaped how I see people, leadership and organisations.
I am naturally curious and enjoy discovering what lies beneath the obvious: different perspectives, the stories people bring, and the possibilities that emerge when we look at familiar challenges differently.
I value meaningful conversations, learning, humour and a good dose of pragmatism. And I believe that even difficult leadership challenges can be approached with both honesty and humanity.
“Esther is a thoughtful and supportive coach, offering wide range of perspectives from her international and executive experience spanning diverse settings. Her gentle but astute questioning style stimulates problem-solving with results.”
Lisa O'Shea
World Vision International
Esther Lehmann-Sow, Coaching & Consultancy
Executive & Systemic Team Coach · PCC · ACTC · Mentor Coach
English · French · German
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