Maximise your social impact

Coaching involves working with a trained professional on your personal development, or towards a goal you have. It is based on the belief that we are each the expert in ourselves and and our situations, so the client is best-placed to find their way and resolve their challenges. Coaches are skilled at using coaching skills and principles, they are not generally experts in the field their clients work in, and they don’t offer answers or tell their clients what to do.

Mentoring involves working with someone experienced in the field you are working in, or a goal you are working torwards. Mentoring does not generally require specific training or qualifications (though many mentors may have these). A good mentor will listen to what you are experiencing and working towards, and support you to find the best way forward for you, bringing in their own experiences and sharing advice where relevant.

In both coaching and mentoring, the client brings the topic of conversation; something that feels important for them to make progress on. When coaching or mentoring, I use similar skills – such as listening deeply, observing body language, and asking thought-provoking questions –  to guide the client through an exploration of their topic, helping them to come up with new insights and ways forward. Outside sessions it is the client who takes action to make progress towards their goal.

If we haven’t met, the chances are that you don’t yet! It’s a good idea to speak to one or more potential coaches or mentors before deciding who you’d like to work with, as the dynamic between you is going to be important to the success of your work with them. 

To find the right coach/mentor, consider what matters to you, for example: Would you prefer them to have professional experience of working or coaching in a specific field or role? Should they have training in a particular type of coaching? Are you looking for someone who will offer a high level of support, challenge you to think differently, or push you to take action?

I flex my style to match the needs of each client, but in general I’d describe my coaching and mentoring as pragmatic, high-support and medium-challenge. I take a strengths-based approach, which means we start by understanding your strengths and what’s working well, and look to build on these by taking practical action to get to where you want to be. You can read about my qualifications below. 

The best way to find out if I’m the right coach/mentor for you is to book a call.

I am accredited with the International Coaching Federation at ACC Level – to attain this I completed over 200 hours of recognised coach training, 100 hours of coaching practice, had my coaching observed and assessed, and passed a three-hour exam. 

I hold a Professional Coach Diploma from Optimus Coach Academy – a qualification that is recognised by all three of the main coaching bodies (ICF, AC & EMCC), so I’ve been trained, assessed and approved to coach at a Professional level according to all of their standards. Prior to this I completed a foundational coaching course, the MOE Coaching Certificate (a course I now co-lead as a trainer).

I have a particular interest in wellbeing and positive psychology, so I have also trained as a Mental Health First Aider (MHFA England), and a Certified Happiness Facilitator (Museum of Happiness & Complementary Medicine Association).

Absolutely, yes! Leadership is not a job title, it is a set of qualities and behaviours that I believe we are all capable of.

I know it can feel a funny title to apply to ourselves sometimes, but if you are someone who is thoughtful about the path you’re carving in work and life, and wants to make a difference to others in some way, then I consider you a social impact leader and I’d be delighted to work with you.