In Aussie Agency First, Sparro Brings Internal Development Coach On Board

Sparro has taken new leaps in progressing the careers and professional development of its team with the permanent hire of executive coach Andrew Sherman as a development coach.

The appointment is believed to be an Australian agency first and follows a rapid phase of growth for Sparro.

Since June last year, the agency has more than doubled its team to more than 75 people and is showing no signs of slowing.

Sparro is renowned for its people-first approach, with the team working at 65 per cent utilisation to provide opportunities for mentorship and training.

However, after a number of senior hires and 19 staff promotions over the past year, co-founder Morris Bryant said it was important the 8.5-year-old agency could provide an environment that continued to challenge and develop employees of all levels, particularly senior staff.

“We’ve always hired for a growth mindset and the desire to ‘expect more’ of ourselves. We invest a lot of time internally in coaching and training, but it was clear we needed a new, external view,” Bryant said.

“Andrew opens the door for employees of any level to access world-class coaching and take their next career steps.”

“There’s also a clear link between staff development, retention and productivity. We’d questioned how much impact we could have as a business if we unlocked even just 5 per cent more efficiency. At 75 people? It’s huge,” he continued.

“The development coach is one of the amazing roles we’ve been able to open as we’ve scaled, and we’ve definitely got the right person. Andrew cares so much about the team and just gets it. He knows what we’re trying to achieve and is really invested in bringing up the next leaders in our business and industry.”

With more than 20 years of media experience, Sherman is the perfect fit to develop staff individually and as a team. Prior to founding the Transition Coach, Sherman spent a decade as COO and partner of media agency Zenith Media and before this, he was founding director of M&C Saatchi in London.

Sherman combines an evidence-based method to coaching, with the benefit of practical leadership and media experience. He takes a developmental approach to career progression, through positive growth and purposeful change.

As Sparro’s development coach, Sherman will provide one-on-one, group and team programs. These programs will include supporting people as they move into a new role and providing developmental coaching to help fast track an individual’s career progression.

“I joined Sparro attracted to the agency’s people-first approach and positive organisational culture. I also loved the founders’ practice of servant leadership and, of course, their commitment to learning and development,” Sherman shared.

“I have been blown away by how quickly the team has embraced coaching, but also how staff are encouraged to spend a third of their time on learning and development, which is an extraordinary commitment by the agency.”

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