Higher Conversations Coaching Collective

Qualifications

I am a certified Coach (European Mentoring and Coaching Council Foundation Level EIA Qualification), and a member of the Association of Coaching. I completed a Diploma in Transformational Coaching with Catalyst14 in June 2025. I have 20 years of experience as a mentor, practising as a coach for 3 years, and 150+ hours of coaching practice completed.

I have also completed Foundation Training (Level 1) in Nonviolent Communication, and Nonviolent Communication training for Skilful Conversations around Power and Privilege (Level 2). I have attended a Masterclass on Coaching Neurodiversity and a workshop on tackling racism.

In addition to my academic qualifications (BA, MSc, PhD) I have direct experience as university leader and have been a full Professor since 2014. I have been a Head of Department (for 5 years), Executive Team member (for 10+ years), Director of Teaching and Learning (3 years), and Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

I have a successful research career having published six books and over 45 journal articles. My books include Eco-communities: Surviving Well Together (2025), Eco-homes: People, place and politics (2016), Occupy! A Global Movement (with the Social Movement Studies Editorial Collective, 2015), Anti-War Activism: New Media and Protest in the Information Age (with Gillan and Webster, 2008), Cyberprotest: Environmental activism online (2003). I have also secured external funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), The Leverhulme Trust, British Academy, Urban Studies Foundation (USF), Independent Social Research Foundation (ISRF), Stavanger University (Norway), Flinders University (Australia) and Wollongong University (Australia).

Expertise

I am trained in a variety of psychological coaching approaches (including Gestalt, positive psychology, and embodied methods) and psychometric tools (including Leadership 360 Feedback, strengths calculator, values sorting, and emotional intelligence assessment [EQi]).

I have worked with Heads of Department/ School, senior Professors, senior lecturers, lecturers, postdocs, and senior Professional Services staff in Higher Education, and externally with senior leaders in the English and Wales Cricket Board, McKinsey Consulting, Charity founders, and PWC.

I focus on workplace, leadership, and executive coaching and have particular expertise in:

• Supporting neurodivergence
• Enhancing leadership and management skills
• Building self-confidence and self-belief
• Navigating change and transitions in the workplace
• Preparing for career progression and promotion
• Navigating workload challenges and stress at work
• Reflecting on workplace challenges and relationships
• Enhancing inclusive and supportive workplaces
• Prioritising career development choices
• Working through racism and white supremacy

Coaching style

I employ a variety of non-directive tools, non-judgemental and active listening to challenge coachees to explore and reflect upon workplace dilemmas.

I work constructively to help coachees gain insight into what is holding them back and what would enable them to reach their goals.

I adopt a challenging but supportive approach which is outcomes focused – enabling coachees to find solutions and take actions that improve their daily work lives and careers.