About me

I grew up in Surrey with my parents, a police officer and a veterinary nurse. Attending a private school, I often felt a sense of imposter syndrome since most of my peers came from more affluent backgrounds. This feeling followed me into my professional life, where I constantly felt the need to prove myself to be seen as an equal. It took me years to recognise my own worth and appreciate my value. So, who am I now?

Now in my mid-forties, I’ve raised a family, earned qualifications in HR management and spent most of my 25-year career in people-oriented roles. This was predominantly within the tech sector, including working with several start-ups and a large corporation. I also ran my own recruitment business for seven years, which I sold in 2017. Throughout my journey, I’ve learned that developing self-worth and building confidence don’t automatically come with time. Professional life has twists and turns. It takes perseverance and dedicated effort to grow along the way!

My leadership journey has taken me from an inexperienced line manager in my early twenties to a Director-level role in a private equity-backed tech scale-up, overseeing diverse operational areas. Along the way, I’ve encountered both effective and ineffective leadership, realising that a key aspect of good leadership is simply the ability to inspire others to follow you. How you achieve this depends greatly on your personality and unique skills. I’ve leveraged my natural communication and people skills to inspire confidence, and have worked on improving areas that didn’t come as naturally to me, such as strategic thinking, executive presence and time management—all of which are vital for effective leadership.

I've been coaching professionally for 10 years, most recently within a technology company where I was Global People Director for 5 1/2 years. I'm a member of the International Coaching Federation and have been a certified Gallup Strengths Coach since 2016. I've completed a Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching (and ICF accreditation) as well as a PGCert in Coaching for Behavioural Change at Henley Business School, part of The University of Reading.

My goal now is to pass down my experience as a leader and business owner to help you succeed in your career/business.

 

My coaching philosophy

 

My coaching style is rooted in person-centred and positive psychology principles, focusing on leveraging clients' innate strengths and creating a safe, trusting environment. I prioritise active listening and presence, enabling clients to explore their thoughts and uncover their own insights and solutions. 

 

My coaching philosophy and principles include: 

 

• Empowerment through Strengths: I believe in helping clients harness their inherent strengths to navigate challenges and achieve their goals, fostering a sense of empowerment and confidence.

 

• Client Autonomy: I emphasise the importance of clients taking the lead in their own development, ensuring they feel ownership over their progress and outcomes.

 

• Reflective Inquiry: By asking insightful, reflective questions, I encourage clients to delve deeper into their thoughts and experiences, guiding clients towards meaningful and sustainable growth.