Strategic Influence and Organizational Positioning

Advising global institutions through complexity, transition, and change.

About

For more than two decades, I have advised global institutions through periods of heightened complexity, when expectations shift, alignment falters, and direction at the top must sharpen.

What stands out across regions and sectors: the challenge is rarely too little communication. It is the absence of shared clarity, influence, and cohesion among leaders. I help executives and boards build exactly that—strategic influence, leadership alignment, and clear positioning—to navigate transition and uncertainty with confidence.

My experience includes advising institutions across Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe, supporting leaders in moments that shape their future.

Advisory Focus

  • Line drawing of a person with hands clasped before a microphone, sitting at a table, facing left.

    Strategic Direction

  • Two people, a man and a woman, are engaged in a discussion while looking at a tablet, with the man holding a coffee cup.

    Leadership Alignment

  • Line drawing of two hands shaking against a black background.

    Organizational Positioning

  • Line drawing of diverse businesspeople holding hands around a globe, symbolizing global teamwork and unity.

    Crisis and Risk Readiness

  • Line drawing of five businesspeople standing in a row, holding up stars, celebrating success.

    Governance Support

  • A white wireframe illustration of a tabletop archery target with an arrow hitting the bullseye, placed on a black background.

    Executive and Fractional Leadership

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Knowledge

When Silence is Strategy

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Political Communication Risk

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The Rise of the C-Suite Twin

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Testimonials

  • As Chair of the Congress, I was one of the panel of three who appointed Sandra to the position of Executive Director. In 50 years of working at a leadership level within a number of International Civil Society Organisations, I have rarely met anyone with Sandra’s ability to understand immediately the purpose, objectives and structure of an organisation. Within a few weeks she wrote for us a detailed and comprehensive strategy paper pointing the way for the organisation to emerge out of the financial crisis - due to the pandemic - that had overtaken the Movement.

    Peter Luff
    Vice Chair, Coalition for an International Environmental Court
    Past Congress Chair, WFM/IGP

  • Working closely with Sandra Coyle during her tenure as Chief of Communications at KAICIID was both rewarding and inspiring. Her dedication, professionalism, and strategic skills significantly elevated the Centre’s visibility and impact worldwide. Sandra’s contributions were instrumental in promoting KAICIID’s programmes and strengthening its global presence. I remain deeply grateful for everything she gave to our organization.

    Ambassador António de Almeida Ribeiro
    Acting Secretary-General
    International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID)

  • Sandra’s leadership of the American Institute of Architects’ “I Look Up” campaign transformed the image of the profession. Originally a U.S. initiative, it quickly resonated worldwide, generating nearly 100 million impressions. She engaged our Board thoughtfully, grasped the challenges facing architecture, and designed a campaign that helped to reshape public understanding of the profession’s influence on society.

    William Bates
    Adjunct Professor at Carnegie Mellon University School of Architecture
    President, American Institute of Architects (2019), FAIA Emeritus

  • Sandra brought a transformative energy to the International Baccalaureate, elevating our communications and positioning the IB as a thought leader in international education. Her strategic insight and ability to translate complex ideas into compelling narratives strengthened our voice with schools, governments, and international partners. Sandra’s leadership extended beyond communications - she fostered collaboration across teams, built strong relationships, and ensured our work resonated with educators worldwide. Her impact was felt not only in the visibility of the IB, but in the confidence and clarity with which we told our story. She is an exceptional leader and trusted partner.

    Anthony Tait, Professional Development Director (Retired), International Baccalaureate

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