“Gillian is so good at what she does! Her calm, peaceful and professional way of being permeates all that she does. She is attentive, observant and reflective and has a calm and peace about her that I really value. She is also gently authoritative which means that she is not afraid to ask searching questions or challenge. I firmly believe that all I have learned has helped me to be a better leader and manager.”
Our Team
Gillian McCready Executive coach, supervisor and facilitator
Sector specialities: Finance, professional services, technology, retail, oil and gas, health, higher education, and the public sector.
I have over 35 years of experience in coaching and leadership development, both in managerial roles and as a consultant. I have coached several hundred CEOs, Directors and Senior Managers, and supervised the practice of many Executive Coaches, helping them to find and attain their true potential.
I relish the opportunities I have of working with senior professionals across all sectors. Seeing the results of our work together and the real impact that coaching has is why I love what I do.
From building leadership capability and handling team dynamics, to developing self belief and influencing skills, the scope of my work is broad, yet always specifically focused on your needs.
I founded gemm in 2002 and have developed the span of the business by engaging with a number of trusted associate colleagues for large projects and when a specific background or expertise meets the client’s needs best. Their profiles are below.
Qualifications and professional development
- SCOTACS Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Toolkit, SCQF Level 8
- Certificate in Group Facilitation, The Edinburgh Gestalt Institute
- Certificate in Clinical Supervision, The Edinburgh Gestalt Institute
- Accreditation as a Time to Think Facilitator
- Certificate in Gestalt Approaches to Learning in Organisations, The Edinburgh Gestalt Institute
- Coaching Constellations, The Metanoia Institute
- Certificate in the Supervision of Coaches, Mentors and Consultants, The Bath Consultancy
- Advanced Diploma in Professional Coach-Mentoring, The Oxford School of Coaching and Mentoring
- Diploma in Personnel Management, Kingston Polytechnic
- Diploma in Education, University of Edinburgh
- Post-Graduate Teaching Certificate, Moray House
- Honours degree in Psychology, University of Aberdeen
Psychometrics
- EQi 2.0 – the Emotional Quotient Inventory for leadership insight and 360 feedback
- Myers Briggs Type Indicator Steps I and II
- The Emotional Judgement Inventory
- The Occupational Ability and Personality questionnaires
- British Psychological Society – testing competency Level A & B
Memberships
- Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
- Master Member of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council
Suzanne Braid Executive coach, trainer and facilitator
Sector specialities: Construction, manufacturing, insurance and finance, healthcare, IT/software, public sector and charities.
I have worked as a Learning and Development specialist for 15 years, also working as an Accredited Coach in a range of sectors from finance, construction, IT to the public sector.
I work with individuals, leaders and teams at all levels and have extensive experience in using coaching to improve performance, enhance leadership capability, explore team dynamics and develop future talent.
My coaching approach closely reflects my natural passion and desire to continually learn. I thrive from developing potential in others, to share and inspire them to grow and continually improve. I love to make authentic connections and bring a curiosity and energy that allows me to support them in understanding their development needs, enabling them with the best way forward to achieve them.
As a trainer and facilitator I design, develop and deliver a range of development programmes such as ILM accredited Leadership & Management development, coaching & mentoring skills and behavioural skills, as well as working with leaders and teams to deliver a range of tailored organisational development initiatives such as cultural change, strategic focus, team building and talent development.
- CIPD Level 4 Learning & Development (SVQ), 2003
- Open University – Certificate in Social Sciences, 2009 – 2010
- Accredited Coach via Strathclyde University, 2008
- Accredited Coach with Association of Coaching UK
- Tutor on The Institute of Leadership and Management programmes
Psychometrics:
- Level A & B Psychometric Testing & Feedback (Ability test & Psychometrics)
- MBTI Step I & II
- Insights practitioner & coach
- YSC & SHL Assessor qualified
- Leadership Practices Facilitator & Coach (LPI 360 & Leadership Challenge)
- Gallup Certified Strengths Coach & Facilitator
Professional memberships:
- CIPD Associate member
- British Psychological Society – registered testing competent (Level A & B)
- Member of the Institute of Directors (IOD)
Sheila Hamilton Executive coach, counsellor, supervisor and facilitator
My work with individuals and groups is focused on increasing and sustaining self-awareness, creativity, confidence, resourcefulness and overall wellbeing, enabling clients to be the best they can be.
I have extensive experience in helping clients to adapt to major transitions, develop decision making skills and deal with personal challenges. I enjoy working collaboratively, empowering clients to tap into their personal and professional potential, to support them through life changes, recognise successes and challenges, resolve relationship difficulties, and achieve their personal and work-related goals.
In my coaching practice, I draw on my experience as a senior member of a university leadership team for over 20 years, and as an integrative counsellor/psychotherapist, using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and a Solution Focused approach in particular. From my therapeutic background, I bring the skills of attentive listening, non-judgement and acceptance, and my values of integrity, honesty, transparency, congruence, equality and justice. Being bilingual enables me to consider different perspectives and to value cultural differences.
I have extensive experience in working with neurodiverse individuals, supporting them with tools, awareness and understanding to enable them to thrive in the workplace.
I am passionate about seeking to meet our human need for connectedness and am involved in community projects and facilitate classes in wellbeing both face to face and online. I supervise a wide range of practitioners in the caring professions, to support their client work and their professional development.
- Coaching for Counsellors, Rowan Consultancy
- Certificate in Supervision, Edinburgh Gestalt Institute
- Diploma in Online Counselling
- Postqualifying Diploma in Counselling Children & Young People
- Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling, Queen Margaret University
- Certificate in Working with Individuals with Autistic Spectrum Disorder
- Working with the LGBT community
- Trauma Healing and Transformation: Capacitar Wellbeing Practices
- Accredited Member of BACP
- HE Certificate in Scottish Gaelic, University of the Highlands & Islands
- MA (Hons) Modern History, University of Dundee
Caroline Donaldson Leadership coach, team coach and facilitator
Sector specialities: Retail, construction, manufacturing, technology and engineering plus public organisations across multiple sectors.
My coaching style reflects my true belief that everyone is able to tap into their potential and play to their strengths and talents. I believe that each of us has enormous potential and see my purpose as enabling individuals to capitalise on their talents and be all they can be.
My focus is on developing a trusting, constructive and supportive relationship with the leader as they progress on their development journey. I help them to meet and, if possible, exceed their goals and objectives.
Our coaching sessions are outcome orientated and enable the leader to explore a range of skill areas and try something new; and to reflect on their beliefs, values, and experiences to gain a deeper understanding and increase their awareness. None of them stand still.
My background combines over 30 years of consultancy with senior line management experience in operations, sales, Human Resources and retail in blue chip organisations.
- Certificate in Supervision, The Centre for Supervision Training
- Accredited coach, ILM Level 7
- Accredited practitioner, Thomas PPA
- MA Psychology and Philosophy, the University of Glasgow
- Membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
Maria Gray Executive Coach
Sector specialities: Professional services, finance and insurance, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, FMCG.
I have been an executive coach since 2005 and supervised coaches since 2015. Prior to coaching, I worked in a range of senior leadership roles in finance and human resources with big multinationals.
My clients tell me that I hold the tension between challenge and empathy well. I hear that a combination of my compassion and perceptiveness on the one hand, and my persistence with inquiry lines and gentle challenge on the other, help my clients to feel safe in our discussions and inspire them to experiment with new behaviours after our sessions.
I have supported many leaders in developing self-trust, in navigating the challenge of leading and building confidence in others while managing their inner doubt. In our sessions I create a safe space for you where you can explore your inner world, address your most pressing challenges and become the most authentic and resilient version of yourself.
I am an author of several published articles, including three addressing self-doubt: Feedback culture: from feeding self-doubt to encouraging self-trust (Coaching Today, January 2024), Supervision. A reassuring practice (Coaching at Work, May 2023), Befriending the imposter (Coaching Today, July 2022).
- Post Graduate Certificate in Advanced Coaching and Organisation Development Supervision, Ashridge Executive Education, Hult International Business School
- EMCC Global Individual Supervision Accreditation (ESIA)
- Ashridge Accredited Executive Coach
- Senior Practitioner, European Mentoring & Coaching Council (EIA)
- MSc Organisational Change, Ashridge Executive Education, Hult International Business School
- MA Economics, Lomonosov Moscow State University
Su Openshaw Executive coach, team coach, facilitator
Sector specialities: Finance and insurance, pharmaceuticals, FMCG, retail, professional services, third sector.
I have over 30 years’ experience as a Management Consultant, Executive Coach and Facilitator of learning events for individuals, teams, and organisations across every sector and over the world. I build deep relationships to enable me to challenge individual and organisation behaviours and limiting beliefs.
My aim is always to help individuals and teams be as effective as possible in their environments, and with the people around them, to achieve their individual and organisational goals.
People say I am able to quickly get to the core of business challenges and bring ideas when working with those issues. I work intuitively with leaders to help them fluidly manage the complex demands of today’s business environment. I care passionately about creating sustainable change and always work authentically to enable that to happen.
My pragmatic approach to developing individuals and leaders was formed by a management career in the retail sector before moving into management and organisation development roles across a range of sectors, and then as a partner in a management consultancy business for 10 years.
- Post Graduate Certificate in Business and Executive Coaching, Leeds Metropolitan University
- Hogan psychometric profile accredited
- MBTI steps 1 and 2 accredited
- SHL Aptitude tests, OPQ, & Motivation questionnaire
- MBA – specialising in International Business, Aston University
- Honours degree in Psychology, Loughborough University
Mark Adderley Executive Coach and Leadership Developer
Sector specialities: Transformational thinking in the utilities, higher education, health and finance sectors.
I am a highly experienced Executive and Non-Executive Director, with over 20 years’ experience working at the top of organisations, as an executive director and CEO, and now non-executive director (Chair, Vice-Chair and Committee Chair). Since 2019, I have been a full-time executive coach, non-executive director and leadership developer, and bring a people perspective to everything I do.
I have worked internationally in sectors as diverse as Higher Education to Banking and Water to Health. I have managed budgets over £200m and led over 800 staff through major transformation, as well as been HRD to organisations of 10,000.
I bring this breadth of experience of leading transformation, change, governance, and people to my coaching. My recent coaching clients include individuals such as Principal, CEO, CPO, CIO, Directors, Heads of Function and Department.
My particular research interest is employee engagement, leadership and culture, and specifically the impact that leadership can have on organisational culture.
- Senior Practitioner, European Mentoring and Coaching Council (2024)
- Coach supervisor, AMinstLM, Certificate in Principle Led Coach Supervision (2022)
- Chartered Fellow IOD (2011), CDir (2011), Dipl and Cert IOD: Distinction (2010) and Chartered Fellow CIPD (2010)
- Denison qualified (360 and Organisational), accredited and practising
- British Psychological Society BPS Level A&B trained and registered (Myers Briggs (MBTI), Emotional Intelligence (EQi2.0) DISC and Identity Psychometric Profiling),
- Mediator, qualified and accredited with Align Mediation (2021) and maintain a position on the Scottish Mediation Register
- MBA, Business Administration, London Business School (1992)
- MEng, MA, Production Eng and Manufacturing Eng, Emmanuel College, Cambridge Uni. (1988)
Julie Verdon Career and leadership development coach
Sector specialties: Central and local government, NHS, education, police, professional bodies, financial services, third sector, retail, aerospace, FMCG, telecoms, transport, construction, oil and gas, and insurance.
I have over 20 years of experience working with leaders as a coach, a career coach, and an occupational psychologist. I have worked with the most senior leaders, up to and including C-suite, across different sectors, professions, and geography.
My coaching clients are often facing significant leadership challenges, transitions, career crossroads, or looking for a different dimension to their leadership. By creating a safe space, seeking to understand their context and the systems that they operate within, I help them find ways to tap into their potential and to explore their own brand of leadership.
My passion for learning and continuous professional development underpins my work, and the results and transformations I witness are a testament to the effectiveness of business coaching for personal and professional development.
I thrive on helping my clients understand how they can best harness their strengths, overcome hurdles, and get the most from their relationships at work.
- Registered Occupational Psychologist Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- Graduate Member British Psychological Society (BPS)
- Member BPS Divisions of Occupational Psychology and Coaching Psychology
- Principal Member of the Association of Business Psychologists ABP
- Listed on the BPS Register of Qualifications in Test Use (RQTU)
- MSc in Occupational Psychology (University of London)
- PG Certificate in Career Management and Coaching Birkbeck (University of London)
- Accredited practitioner: Lumina Spark, ICCS, Primary Colours, Wave, Hogan: (HPI, HDS, MVPI), OPQ, MQ, FIRO B / FIRO B with Teams, MBTI / MBTI with Teams, MBTI Step II, NEO PI-R, Facet 5, Talent Q, Strengthscope, Hucama Factors, GC Index, Thomas Kilman Conflict Mode Instrument
Rachel Martin Coach and Facilitator
Sector specialities: NHS and health organisations, higher education, local councils and the voluntary sector.
A highly skilled and experienced coach and facilitator with multi-sector experience, specialising in leadership development. I create inclusive thinking environments to empower individuals and teams to realise their strengths and enhance skills and productivity.
I am driven by a fascination in people, their life stories, values and beliefs. Using tools such as 360° feedback and PRINT© to identify Unconscious Motivators, I support coachees to achieve their goals by challenging personal assumptions and beliefs to encourage self-reflection. My strengths are in creating a safe, non-judgmental space where people feel at ease and are inspired to bring about positive change. I build connections and rapport through listening attentively and skilful questioning and bring warmth and a sense of humour to engage others.
- MSc Personal and Corporate Coaching
- Post Graduate Certificate in Education
- BA Hons Business Administration
- Accredited PRINT© Coach, a psychometric tool identifying Unconscious Motivators
- Real World Accredited Coach, Transformational Leadership 360° Feedback Questionnaire
- Certified Facilitator for Time to Think (Nancy Kline)
Gordon Laird Executive Coach, team coach, facilitator and counsellor
Sector specialities: Renewable Energy, Financial Services, Media, Aviation,Technology, and Education
My coaching practice is informed by over 20 years of experience and training as a commercially focused HR leader, as a specialist in leadership effectiveness, and over 1000 client hours as a psychotherapist.
Clients and colleagues appreciate my ability to walk in their shoes, make the complex simple and apply fresh perspectives to their business challenges. I bring a collaborative and systems approach to my work and am skilled in establishing a strong rapport as a basis for discovering enduring change, success, and personal fulfilment. I am able to understand the individual’s experience and see this within the context and system they are in, making connections which may be helpful, boost confidence and release new, creative ideas.
Fundamentally, I see coaching as a way to effect positive change by helping individuals, teams and organisations to do their best thinking, realise latent resources and talents, make positive choices about their future and find meaning in their work.
- Postgraduate Certificate in Executive Coaching
- Postgraduate Professional Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy
- MSc Industrial Relations and Human Resources Management
- Accredited practitioner in Hogan and High-Performance Team Assessment
- Honours degree in History and English Literature
- Membership of the Association for Coaching, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy; Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland
Rathy Thiruchelvam Executive coach, trainer and facilitator
Sector specialities: Financial services, professional services and creative industries.
I have worked in Human Resources for nearly 20 years within Financial Services (General Electric and Royal Bank of Scotland), and throughout my HR career have coached managers at all levels with challenging people issues. The success of the outcomes were grounded in a common sense, straight forward and compassionate approach to sensitive situations.
My coaching approach is rooted in an innate understanding of what is playing out for my clients. I work openly, honestly and authentically and ask the same of my clients. I will pay attention to everything, what is said, how it is said, those subtle signs which are a gateway to rich insights. I work this way because I want to serve my clients powerfully and wholeheartedly. What comes from this are observations, questions and patterns which all help a client’s individual goal, whatever that might be. My intention throughout the coaching relationship is to make sure clients see their potential now and the potential they’re yet to fulfil.
I help my clients to transition successfully into senior roles, find direction professionally, understand their leadership style, to develop self-awareness and confidence, to find and connect to their personal purpose, increase their well-being and to be at their best in difficult times.
I have developed and facilitated many development programmes such as coaching skills for managers, mental health resilience, how to have difficult conversations, understanding your personal conflict style and understanding your leadership values.
The core of my work as a coach, trainer and facilitator is based in a daily practice of personal mastery. Showing up every day with the intention of being at your best so you can do your best.
- ILM7 Executive Coaching and Mentoring (2020)
- Trained Co-Active Coach with the Coaches Training Institute (2005)
- Trained ACAS mediator (2010)
- Psychology of managing underperformance, CIPD (2011)
- Determined to Lead, Bank wide coaching programme for managers, RBS (2015-2017)
- How to manage the unmanageable, ACAS (2018)
- Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (1999)
Sarah McKinnon Leadership coach
Sector specialities: Professional services, banking, insurance, luxury goods and FMCG.
My style is warm, challenging and supportive, helping leaders perform their best in complex and demanding roles whilst looking after their own wellbeing.
Working as a consultant, team, and executive coach with more than 25 years’ experience in leadership development, change initiatives, and organisational development, I help clients with challenges in strategy, leadership, and culture.
I have global experience of delivering large development and change programmes across many countries, effectively enabling business results in complex, demanding and diverse environments.
With a background in leadership development, I help leaders to apply new thinking and awareness e.g., neuroscience and systemic thinking, enabling them to respond effectively and decisively to the demands of their roles.
The work-life dynamic is a core part of my coaching practice, in relation to leadership efficacy. Helping leaders pay attention to their emotional and physical wellbeing alongside the professional and organisational ambition is a cornerstone of leadership coaching. In addition to team coaching, I work with individual leaders in established roles as well as those transitioning to new roles and responsibilities.
Colin Jones-Evans Executive coach, team coach and facilitator
Sector specialities: Broadcast media, education, insurance and financial services, manufacturing, professional services, public sector, retail, oil and gas.
Our work together will enable you to do your best thinking, to think about the goals in your professional and personal life in such a way that you feel drawn towards them rather than being pushed. You will create a deeper understanding of the challenges you face in achieving those goals and how you can address them while still being true to yourself and your values. In other words, enabling you to work smart, by making the changes that provide maximum effect.
We all have the potential to grow but sometimes get ‘stuck’, either when we are too close to the issue, or because our emotional attachment prevents us thinking as clearly as we can. My training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can sometimes help to understand the source of being stuck, and provide ways forward that are sustainable.
I have worked as a coach and consultant for over 25 years, in a range of country cultures including the Far East, Middle East, Eastern and Western Europe and the USA.
I am accredited in a number of psychometric and team effectiveness tools, and coach teams to develop a greater sense of awareness of one another’s preferences, and facilitate leadership teams to refine their strategy, values and approach.
- Diploma in Stress Management & Resilience Building, 2018
- Diploma in Cognitive-Behavioural Hypnotherapy, QCF Level 4, 2017
- Level A and B Intermediate Occupational Assessment, 2010
- Licensed NLP Master Practitioner, 2003
- Licensed NLP Business Practitioner, 2002
- Licensed NLP Practitioner, 2000
- Certificate in Systemic Consultation to Organisations, 1995
- Diploma in Personnel Management, Kingston Polytechnic, 1986
- BSc Honours degree in Management Science, UMIST (now Manchester School of Business), 1984
Jen Wood Coach, mentor and supervisor
Sector specialities: Financial, creative, digital, founders and startups, education and third sector / charities.
As an accredited therapist, coach, mentor, and supervisor with over 25 years of experience, I bring a multifaceted approach to executive coaching. My practice integrates solution-focused, cognitive-behavioural, mindfulness and compassion-focused techniques, underpinned by a trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirmative perspective. I help creative and ambitious professionals, particularly those who may be neurodivergent, achieve balance between career success and personal fulfilment.
My coaching is deeply informed by my firsthand insight into the challenges and strengths associated with neurodiversity. This fuels my passion for helping others embrace their authentic selves and transform perceived obstacles into opportunities.
I create a safe, nurturing space where clients can explore their potential, overcome challenges, and cultivate self-compassion and leadership skills. My goal is to empower each individual to thrive in all aspects of life, fostering a holistic approach to personal and professional development.
- Certificates in Solution Focused Coaching and Organisational Coaching, Solutions Academy
- Generative Change Coaching, Dr Stephen Gilligan & Robert Dilts
- Compassionate Mind Training, The Compassionate Mind Foundation
- Compassionate Inquiry Training, Gabor Mate
- Breathwork Facilitator and Transformational Coach, SOMA Breath
- Acceptance and Commitment, Internal Family Systems and Schema Training
- Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Group Facilitation, The Centre of Therapy
- MA (Hons) English, the University of Aberdeen
- Accredited member of the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapists and the British Association of Mindfulness Based Approaches.
- Membership of the International Coaching Federation and the European Mentoring and Coaching Council
Pamela Macphee Executive coach, trainer and facilitator
Sector specialities: Financial services, public sector, information technology, manufacturing, retail, education and charities.
I have worked as a Learning and Organisational Development Consultant for over 20 years in a range of Learning, OD and HR roles. Specialising in leadership development, management and behavioural skills facilitation and business coaching (including 360 feedback and psychometrics), I have extensive experience of team coaching, career transition, change management, resilience and people development interventions, built on a reputation for helping people and organisations achieve their goals.
My knowledge, skills and experience allow me to develop strong coaching relationships with my clients to enable them to deepen their self-awareness, and effectively strengthen their performance.
Within my Career Transition specialism, I have over 15 years’ experience in career development, in-placement, outplacement, and pre-retirement coaching. I am passionate about the growth and development of individuals, and my client centred approach enables clients the space to think to identify their career values, purpose, and strengths for their next transition.
I have designed and delivered many workshops virtually and face to face, including Leading and Managing Teams, Coaching Skills for Managers, Communication Skills, Emotional Intelligence and Wellbeing at Work.
- Certificate in Performance Coaching, Strathclyde University
- Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management (MCIPD)
- BA (Hons) Business Studies
Psychometrics
- Saville Wave
- Hogan – HPI, HDS, MVPS
- Quintax Accreditation
- Hays Leadership Styles Accreditation
- Prosci Change Management Accreditation
- MBTI Steps I and II
- ELQ Emotional Intelligence Coaching Accreditation
- Gallup Strengthsfinder Accreditation
- Member, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), and the Association of Coaching
Chris Smith Coach, consultant and business manager
Sector specialities: Financial services, technology, professional services, FMCG, public and third sector.
I have over 20 years’ experience as a coach, consultant, and business manager, working with a range of industries. I have held leadership roles in a number of businesses, tackling growth, culture change, downsizing and integration challenges.
I coach senior leaders and rising talent, especially as they lead change or step into new roles that require them to expand their leadership. Clients greatly value my care for them, and my ability to connect strategic and systemic perspectives with the personal. My approach is to listen, question, support, and challenge, holding up the mirror for better self-insight.
Change comes from building on existing strengths and disrupting unhelpful patterns, offering a basis to think, feel and behave differently, generating individual growth, greater team effectiveness and business change. I draw on a wide range of frameworks, theories, and resources to inform my coaching and on my many years of experience working with leaders and teams around the world.
- Accredited Master Executive Coach and Team Coach, Association for Professional Executive Coaches and Supervisors (APECS)
- Qualified Coaching Supervisor and faculty member, The Bath Consultancy Group
- Accredited practitioner in MBTI Steps I and II, EQi2.0, Harthill LDP, Team Connect 360, Smart Collaboration Accelerator
- Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
- Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Science
- Board Member, APECS
- MBA, Cranfield Business School
- Honours degree in Philosophy, Politics & Economics, Oxford University
Mags Welten Career and leadership development coach
Sector specialities: Finance, technology, engineering, renewable energies, retail, healthcare, higher education and the public sector.
I believe in people’s limitless potential, wholeness, resourcefulness, and natural creativity and in a world where change is constant. Taking personal responsibility for your career and personal development has never been more critical than it is today.
I help ambitious professionals to define the outcomes they want and achieve what matters most to them. I get to the core of what might be holding them back and what they need to do to move forward.
My leadership coaching focuses on three core areas: leading yourself, leading others, and delivering the business. Combined together, these competencies underpin a leader’s ability to perform successfully and enjoy a thriving career.
I draw upon my insights and experiences of over 20 years’ experience collaborating with and coaching leaders across a range of sectors, and as a HR Business Partner in national and multi-national companies.
Certified Coach, Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC)
MSc in Career Coaching, University of East London
PG Diploma in Counselling, Queen Margaret University
MA Human Resource Management, Manchester Metropolitan University
Associate Certified Coach (ACC) International Coaching Federation
Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)
Accredited practitioner: Golden Personality Type Profiler and Myers Brigs Type Indicator
Melissa Whiting Leadership and career coach
Sector specialities: FMCG, legal and professional services.
I work as a leadership and career coach, workshop facilitator and gender equality specialist. I have 20+ years of senior corporate leadership experience, including 5 years in the role of Vice President Diversity & Inclusion for a global multinational company.
My coaching work is focused on supporting people to expand their self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-acceptance; to be braver leaders, able to have a greater positive impact within their organisations and the people around them. I typically work with successful mid-career professionals, leaders and emerging leaders who experience self-doubt or who have hit a bump in their road. I help them identify their values and strengths, get clearer on what they want and how best to achieve their ambitions.
Specific areas of coaching support include stepping into a new career or level of leadership, changing roles, creating more sustainable work-life integration and wellbeing, dealing with conflict and difficult relationships, and changing career direction.
I also co-facilitate a Women in Leadership program, comprising of group workshops and individual coaching, to support women as they work towards their next career level so they can thrive personally and professionally.
I started my career as a corporate lawyer, leading in-house legal teams in Australia, Asia, and Eastern Europe.
Certified Professional Co-active Coach with Co-active Training Institute (CTI)
Associated Certified Coach (ACC) International Coaching Federation
Resilience@Work (R@W) Toolkit accredited user
Qualified Crisis Support Telephone Operator, Lifeline Australia
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Law, University of Melbourne.