Entering and sustaining a successful 'high profile' position in an organisation is arguably one of the most demanding challenges you are likely to face. The landscape is changing constantly and you are required to respond and lead effectively in one of the most erratic and unstable economic environments we have known.
You require resilience and creativity with inspiring and motivating leadership, together with a tranche of skills with which to negotiate, problem solve, manage, strategise, listen, placate, resolve numerous difficult situations, achieve a decent work-life balance and of course, laugh heartily as often as possible.
In reality, coping and managing effectively in such a unique environment, tends to be mastered over time as one gains wisdom and experience but often with little directed support or targeted development. Then there is a the scarcity of time to reflect, consider and have a clear view of the future. These are all normal situations but they don't have to be.
When time seems scarce and the demands on you are at their highest, that is when you should stop and re-invigorate / re-calibrate your journey and open up to the possibilities of coaching ... it will change your perspective.
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How will you benefit from executive coaching?
Executive leaders in a wide cross section of business environments who have engaged a coach report:
"Jem's level of empathy, integrity and gentle, worldly kindness just leaves you knowing you are in the safest hands ... I could really open up and felt completely safe & respected in our sessions. It made me feel brave in challenging myself." P.H. Educational Leader, Surrey.
Background and qualifications
I hold a BSc in Geography and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), both from Kingston University. Currently, I am pursuing a Level 7 Master's qualification in Executive Coaching and Mentoring through the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM). I am also a Certified Team Coach, accredited by the ICF-approved Team Coaching Studio. My coaching practice is grounded in the European Mentoring and Coaching Council’s Competency Framework (2015) and adheres to the Global Code of Ethics (July 2021). Additionally, I hold a certification in The Science of Happiness from the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley.
My natural leadership style has always been rooted in coaching. Over the past 30 years, I’ve witnessed the profound impact this approach can have on individuals, leadership teams, and stakeholders across various sectors. My own transformational experience of being coached, combined with a diverse professional background, enriches the value I bring to every coaching relationship. Today, I work primarily with C-suite executives and education leaders.
While my career began in both state and private education, I also have significant leadership experience in marketing, event logistics, retail, and the creative industries. Through this, I’ve gained deep insight into team dynamics—their capacity to foster innovation and momentum, as well as the potential for dysfunction when collaboration breaks down. Executive coaching, in my experience, is the most effective tool for achieving transformational change. It empowers individuals and teams to overcome barriers, align more effectively, and move toward greater success, efficiency, and profitability.