My Coaching Approach

At first glance, it might seem as if all coaches do the same thing, so it may come as a surprise to learn that each coach has their own unique approach.

For clarity, I have outlined below how I see my approach. These insights are based on personal coaching experiences, observations with other coaches and feedback from clients.

All of my coaching draws on helping you understand what you have to offer now. Of course there might be more in the future but what we have now is always enough. It’s how you think about it that’s important.

The first thing we will do is establish a goal that’s meaningful to you. Subsequently, all coaching conversations are underpinned by that goal. It will keep you and I focused and give you the passion to keep moving towards it.

I will ask you a lot of questions to find out what you are thinking and feeling about the things that are important to you. Some of these questions may feel challenging but it is the power of asking the questions we daren’t ‘ask ourselves that moves us forward.

I will share my insights with you which will help you to see things differently. For example, I can already guarantee that I will see you have far more to offer than you currently think you do!

About Me

I trained as a coach in 2008 after a growing frustration with not really knowing what I wanted to do with my life. I had a feeling that there must be more to it, but couldn’t work out what that was. Experiencing coaching for the first time opened my eyes to the potential I had inside myself, but I hadn’t seen it before because of other influences which were clouding my judgement. Finally taking control of my life involved having to tell people that I no longer wanted to do things their way anymore, and it was hard, but I look back now knowing that it was the right thing to do. I want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to take control of their life and make their dreams come true. That is why I am a coach.

Prior to becoming a coach, I spent many years working for large corporate organisations as a change implementation manager. This experience helped me to realise that the most fulfilling part of my role was helping other people to achieve things that they never dreamed were possible. However, I also learnt that we place around ourselves a number of constraints which prevent us from even seeing our potential sometimes. Since completing my coach training in 2008, I subsequently moved into academia to pursue a PhD in organisational behaviour, a move which I consider gave me more time and space to explore how I can best help people understand what their true potential is.

In addition to coaching with Powerful Dreaming, I am a Lecturer in Organisational Behaviour and lead an employability programme for students. I also work as a volunteer coach at the London Leadership Academy and as an associate coach with Queen Bee Coaching and She Leads Change. I have a PhD in Work Psychology and I am an active researcher in the field of voice and silence.

Why me?

My personal mission is to help you achieve your potential by supporting you to recognise your strengths and working with you to create a life that makes you truly happy. I would not have achieved the things I have in my life if others had not believed in me when I couldn’t do it for myself. I want to be that person who helps others believe in themselves until they find the self-belief to achieve their dreams. As a coach, I can partner with anyone to make changes regardless of circumstances. What is important is that you bring a personal commitment to do what’s right for you, a willingness to be brave, and a readiness to explore the possibilities that you are presented with.

I draw on a range of experience to support you through coaching:

• a combined total of 25 years’ working in operations, management consultancy and academia;

• 8 years of academic research in the fields of work psychology and organisational behaviour;

• 8 years before that as a management consultant working for large organisations as a behavioural change implementation manager;

• 16 years as an executive coach helping individuals and organisations to improve performance and

• 16 years as an organisational trainer and University lecturer educating individuals about coaching, employee and organisational development, leadership & leadership development, employability & career management and upward communication in the workplace.

I am accredited with two International Coaching bodies: the ICF (International Coaching Federation) and the EMCC (European Mentoring and Coaching Council). My accreditations are important to me because they help me show everyone that:

• I adhere to rigorous ethical principles

• I engage in Continuing Professional Development so that my coaching practice is the best it can be

• I am a member of a prestigious and professional coaching body which supports me so that I can support you

I offer coaching anywhere in the world using the internet or telephone.

I am also a keen fell-runner, with two dogs and a cat.