This study aims to investigate if transformational leadership behaviors required for leaders to drive individual and team performance in Lean can be developed and if leaders can be enabled to develop their self-awareness and achieve their individual leadership goals. A case study of a Leadership transformational coaching program was conducted with 14 senior managers in an Irish Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise, utilising coaching and qualitative interviews to answer the research questions. The study findings demonstrated that leadership competences and self-awareness in terms of transformational Lean change increased, and satisfaction with goal setting, empowerment to reach immediate goals, and future goals increased. The sample size was limited to a specific cohort, and the study’s duration focused on a specific time frame. Future research could explore a more longitudinal study of how Lean adoption was aided by the transformational training. Organisations considering Lean adoption can use the study outcomes to decide whether to undertake transformational leadership training and leverage the learnings from this study in their Lean journey. The study’s findings have social implications, as they contribute to understanding how leadership competencies can positively or negatively influence Lean adoption and success. By optimising leadership behaviours, organisations can potentially achieve higher productivity, leading to economic growth and job creation. This study contributes to the literature by raising awareness of the value of transformational leadership competencies in adopting Lean.