coaching

Teach them how to fish

Human beings are more likely to commit to and remain loyal to decisions they make for themselves, rather than following instructions imposed by others about what they should do, think, or feel. That's why I don’t give my clients advice, I prefer to metaphorically teach them how to fish, rather than simply handing them a fish dinner. True empowerment comes not from showcasing my own intelligence, but from leveraging my curiosity to deeply explore their challenges.

““Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.””
— Unknown

Trust yourself

The certainty I have as a coach is grounded in the curiosity I bring to my questions. My coaching language is intentionally simple, inspired by childlike curiosity, and supported by a deep understanding of human behaviour. I believe there is no problem I cannot help my clients navigate because the answers already reside within them. With millions of people facing millions of challenges, it’s not my role to provide solutions but to empower clients to uncover their own. My calmness in coaching stems from this belief—that whoever holds the problem also holds the solution. This perspective is profoundly liberating, as it allows me to approach every session with curiosity, guiding clients through thoughtful questions that lead them to discover their own answers.

If you're ready to unlock solutions to your challenges and gain clarity through meaningful conversations, I invite you to book a free 30-minute discovery meeting with me via email. Let’s explore how coaching can support your growth and success.

It's a niche market

As we approach 2025, the leadership coaching industry is experiencing significant growth and transformation. The number of certified coach practitioners worldwide surged from 71,000 in 2019 to 109,200 in 2022, marking a 54% increase. This expansion underscores the importance of clear positioning in a competitive market. My focus is on delivering unique value that resonates with clients seeking distinctive solutions and I invite you to join the conversation.

Let's discuss the challenges you face and explore various approaches to leadership development. Together, we can evaluate the pros and cons of each method to determine the best path forward. This isn't about prescribing solutions; it's about engaging in meaningful dialogue and sharing insights that matter. Your perspective is invaluable as we navigate the evolving landscape of leadership coaching. Contact me via email for a “free” 30 minute discovery meeting.

Language is vital

Curiosity becomes even more powerful when paired with knowledge. I mean the knowledge of how the brain works, how humans form beliefs, how trauma can be released from the body, and how conflicts of values and identities can be resolved. In my coaching sessions, I build on this foundation of curiosity by layering high-level questions as I believe this is where real transformation happens. People’s beliefs often reveal themselves through their language although most of the time, they don’t even notice it. That’s why I focus on active listening. I just let go of any attachment to what I think I might need and simply stay present. And when I do, the words my clients speak naturally guide me to the next question, the one that could change everything.

A good asking machine

I don’t know anyone who’s afraid of their ability to be curious, but I do know plenty of people who fear not having all the right answers. The power of coaching lies in curiosity, because coaching isn’t about having answers; it’s about asking questions. I think the best coaches are not the ones with the best answers, they are the ones with the best questions. That’s why I don’t want to be an answering machine, I prefer to be a good asking machine.

Find your way forward

Feeling stuck often stems from a lack of direction or purpose. When this happens, I think it’s worth reflecting on key areas of personal growth that might need attention:

  • Confidence – Do you believe in your abilities and decisions?

  • Mindset – Are your thoughts supporting or hindering your progress?

  • Boundaries – Are you protecting your time, energy, and values?

  • Discipline – Are you consistently showing up for your goals?

  • Communication Skills – Can you effectively express yourself and your needs?

  • Self-Respect – Are you treating yourself with the dignity you deserve?

If you’re ready to explore your next steps, contact me via email to arrange a free 30-minute discovery call.

Direct and decide

c/o Shutterstock

There are moments in life when we become deeply aware of the direction we want to take. It’s in these moments that we commit to action, deciding to move forward with intention. While no one can provide a universal framework for what is true or important to you, I can offer a starting point to help you decide where to begin.

When making career decisions, consider these four key determinants:
1.     Leverage – What resources, skills, or connections can you utilize?
2.     Ease – How accessible or straightforward is this path?
3.     Risk – What are the potential downsides or uncertainties?
4.     Return – What is the reward, personally or professionally?

If you’re ready to explore your next steps, contact me via email to arrange a free 30-minute discovery call.

Let go in order to grow

In life, we accumulate lessons, stories, mindsets, and skill sets that once served us. We often believe we need to carry them with us indefinitely, just in case they prove useful again. This baggage - both mental and emotional - becomes a shield, keeping us guarded and blocking out new opportunities or perspectives. We tell ourselves, "It wasn’t true back then, so how can it be true now?" As a result, we hold onto outdated mindsets, strategies, and ideas that no longer serve our present or future selves. We cling to remnants like old worksheets or unnecessary packaging, thinking, "Maybe one day I’ll need this." Growth requires us to let go and by releasing what no longer matters, we make room for new experiences, insights, and opportunities to take root.

““In the end only three things matter. How much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.” ”
— Buddha

Bump and hustle

You can’t grow yourself until you know yourself, and self-awareness is the foundation of personal growth. It’s difficult to improve without understanding who you are and where you stand. Much of my own self-awareness came from people who cared enough to point out areas where I needed to make changes in my life. I’ve learned that self-awareness is a continuous process, one that requires regular reflection. I often ask myself, what am I optimising for? The answer can vary for everyone, and it shifts over time as our goals and priorities evolve. This is why it’s crucial to revisit this question periodically to remain aware of how you’ve changed and whether your current habits can carry you toward your desired future. Sometimes, the habits that served the “old you” won’t be enough for the “current you.” When what you’re optimising for shifts, your habits must shift too. I find it helpful to have a regular process of reflection and review to stay self-aware, identify changes, and adapt my habits to align with my evolving goals.

Growing up is a choice

Growth and development are continual processes that require us to evolve beyond where we are today. True growth happens when we pause to reflect on our experiences and transform them into valuable insights. This process allows us to recognise that the tools, habits, and strategies that got us to our current level of success are often not sufficient to take us to the next level. As we embrace this truth, we open ourselves to new possibilities, learning, and opportunities for improvement. Life becomes much easier once we understand that growth requires change, and with every step forward, we must adapt, refine, and level up. By committing to reflection and learning, we ensure that our experiences are not wasted but instead serve as stepping stones toward continuous personal and professional development.

The DOUSE model

The DOUSE model, designed by Karen Foy and Suzanne Hayes-Jones, is a structured approach to ending a coaching conversation with a well-formed outcome aligned to the agreed goal.
The acronym stands for:
Double check the goal
Obstacles
Uncovered
Support
Ending
As we conclude a coaching session, the aim is to do so purposefully, supporting the coachee to design actionable steps, consolidate their learning about themselves and the situation, and feel empowered to move forward with clarity and confidence. Additionally, we want to ensure the session ends in the spirit of partnership, just as it began.

The STOKERS model

The STOKERS model, adapted from Claire Pedrick of 3DCoaching.com, emphasises starting a coaching session with the end in mind. The term "stoker" originates from tandem cycling, where the stoker (the person at the back) provides power to the ride, while the captain (the person at the front) sets the direction. Similarly, in coaching, the coach provides structure and energy for the conversation, while the client determines its direction and focus.

The STOKERS model provides a simple framework for shaping coaching conversations:

  • Subject: What do we need to think about today?

  • Time: Given we have X minutes, what about that should we focus on?

  • Outcome: What would you like to be different by the end of our session?

  • Know: How will you know you’ve achieved what you needed from this time?

  • Essence: What makes this meaningful or important? What is at the heart of this issue?

  • Role: How should we approach this together?

  • Start: Where shall we begin?

This model helps create clarity and momentum, ensuring both coach and client stay aligned and purposeful throughout the session.

Fighting the war within

Everyone is fighting an internal battle, whether it’s in their relationships, mental health, or finances. That’s why showing a little more compassion every day is so important as we rarely know what others are going through. It’s easy to be critical or judgmental, especially when someone has different political views, opinions, or even behaves rudely. I think choosing kindness may make a bigger difference than we realise.

““Do not assume you’re smarter simply because you’re older.” ”
— Rastafarian Movement

Moving the needle

I work with leaders and senior executives to help them effectively lead employees from marginalized and underrepresented backgrounds. My approach is not about quick fixes or performances, it's about authenticity, connection, and transformation. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been deeply curious about people. This curiosity has shaped my career in learning and development, from consulting on DEI initiatives to coaching leaders. My goal has always been to create meaningful impact.

As a coach, I provide a safe space for leaders to take off their masks and share what’s truly on their minds,without fear of judgment. It’s in these honest conversations that real growth happens. If you’re ready to deepen your understanding, embrace inclusion, and create a workplace where every team member feels seen and valued, let’s talk. Contact me via email for a confidential meeting. Together, we can build stronger, more connected teams and lead the change that matters.

Kindness is the answer

My goal is to work with leaders and senior executives, helping them lead employees from marginalised and underrepresented backgrounds. Curiosity about people has shaped my life, and I create deep connections because I care about learning and understanding the people I work with. I’ve been fortunate to work in learning and development, consulting, implementing DEI initiatives, and coaching. I create a safe space where individuals can remove their masks, speak from the heart, and trust that I will never judge them. Contact me via email for a confidential meeting.

Supporting skills

Human beings naturally seek to understand their social status in relation to others. I think acknowledgement and recognition are powerful tools for enhancing status and fostering supportive behaviour. However, when people are uncertain about what to expect, they tend to become defensive. To create a sense of safety, it’s important to provide clarity about what they will experience. When coaching, understanding my own behavioural patterns helps me relate more effectively to my clients.

Myth busters

Here are three key myths busted:

  1. Coaching is about growth and performance, not problem-solving. It’s designed to help you reach your potential, not to address issues.

  2. Coaching is often mistaken for consulting or mentoring. The difference is in the approach: consulting and mentoring rely on external expertise, while coaching helps you tap into your own insights as the expert in your journey.

  3. Coaching is confidential, even when it's sponsored by your employer.

Let's have a meeting

I work with C-suite executives, business owners, and senior managers to unlock their full potential. I think meaningful change starts with transforming the way we think. To act differently and develop new behaviours, we first need to shift our thoughts. Rather than teaching new skills, I help my clients recognise and leverage the abilities they already possess. By gaining new perspectives, they can use these skills in more effective ways. My approach focuses on enhancing self-awareness, clarifying goals, and developing leadership and management skills, equipping my clients with the tools to solve their challenges confidently and effectively.
Interested? Contact me via email and let’s have a meeting.

Everyone can be better

The core model of coaching focuses on raising awareness and setting clear, positive goals. To do this effectively, it is crucial to establish a genuine connection with the client, demonstrating care for both the client and the process we are engaged in. A key responsibility of the coach is to help the client gain clarity—about what they want, their current situation, their goals, and the factors that will support them throughout the process. Curiosity is a powerful motivator for a coach; being genuinely curious about the client’s journey enhances your ability to guide and support them effectively.

 

Challenging the client’s thoughts and holding them accountable as they make progress is also essential. Confidence in the coaching process, belief in the client’s potential, and a guarantee of confidentiality are all critical to a successful coaching relationship. Both the coach and the client must be committed to the process and the desired outcomes. With this foundation, not only can clear goals be set, but they can also be achieved.

Let's ask questions

Coaching focuses on asking impactful questions rather than knowing all the answers. The strength of these questions comes from intentional preparation, but it’s essential for coaches to avoid overpreparing and relying on an overload of information. Instead, they need to be guided by genuine curiosity to uncover the client’s unique worldview. I aim to understand the coachees perspective before jumping in with solutions, using curiosity-driven questions to foster meaningful exploration and breakthroughs.

I think simplifying coaching by prioritising humanity and curiosity will create transformational change. Identifying clear outcomes helps guide coachees through initial steps toward their goals, considering the wider influence coaching can have on their surroundings. I also think by focusing on understanding and thoughtful inquiry, coaches can amplify their impact, empowering clients effectively.