Higher Conversations CoachinG

Qualifications

I am dual-qualified as a certified Senior Practitioner Coach (EMCC accredited certification) and therapist (NCPS-accredited PostGraduate Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy). I am a Registered Member of BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) and BACP Coaching Division and engage in ongoing continuing professional development through professional bodies, including in the areas of neurodivergence, somatics, trauma-informed approaches, and menstrual health. Beyond these professional qualifications, I have extensive experience as a mentor within a range of leadership roles. 

Spanning my academic career, I have developed extensive leadership and mentoring experience through a number of senior and strategic roles including Head and Dean of School, Head of Subject Group, Director of Postgraduate Research, and an Executive Board member for over a decade. I am also Advisory Board Chair for an EU-funded doctoral training programme at an international university and Vice-Chair for an Academy of Social Sciences Learned Society (SHOC – Society for studies in Organising Healthcare). Outside of academia, I am a trustee at a Sheffield-based charity committed to equality of access to low-cost psychotherapy in the South Yorkshire region.

As a Professor of Organisation Studies, I am fascinated with how we experience, make sense of, and shape our working lives. My research and teaching interests in the organisation and experience of work, with a particular focus on workforce issues within health and social care contexts. Undertaking projects in collaboration with clinical, professional and patient representative stakeholders and supported by a range of funders including the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR), the Health Foundation, and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). This has included studies of the factors impacting the retention of the NHS mental health workforce; teamwork in operating theatres and evaluation of a national coaching programme to improve patient flow in care pathways. 

Expertise

My training and expertise is a ‘transformational’ coaching approach, bringing therapeutic and psychologically-informed approaches to coaching to move beyond performance to deepen awareness of inner processes with clients. I draw upon including Gestalt, psychodynamic, inter-personal,  transactional analytic, somatic and creative approaches. I am an integrative practitioner, meaning I draw on tools and approaches tailored to the unique focus and needs of each client in a person-centred way. 

I have experience of working with clients at all career stages and in a range of leadership positions within Higher Education, in addition to externally with professionals across settings such as the NHS, social work and the voluntary and charitable sector. 

I have experience and support clients with a wide range of issues, challenges and opportunities we can all encounter in our working lives including:

• Leadership challenges and identity
• Inner critic, self-doubt and imposter syndrome
• Transitions – or feeling ‘stuck’ –  in work, roles and career
• Development and career progression
• Dealing with change and uncertainty
• Difficult relationships and conflict at work
• Values, authenticity and fulfillment at work
• Stress, wellbeing and burnout
• Changing work patterns and habits
• Managing boundaries and work-life balance
• Equality and inclusion at work

Coaching style

I have first hand experience, professionally and personally, of the power of a helping relationship to support and empower us to bring about changes in our lives. 

My approach is relational and person-centred, creating a non-directive and collaborative space of support and challenge, where you are very much your own expert. We will work together to deepen your awareness and understanding of your patterns, blocks and possibilities for change so that you can make choices and take action towards your goals and realise your potential. 

I am committed to continuing professional development and to the highest professional standards of ethical practice and adhere to the EMCC Global Code of Ethics for Coaches and BACP Ethical Framework. My therapeutic training, experience and professional membership means I am able to work safely and ethically in a trauma-informed way.