A strong corporate background
Before becoming a coach, I spent over 25 years leading finance teams within large, multinational organisations.
I began my career at Arthur Andersen, where I became a Chartered Accountant, and then progressed through various commercial finance roles at Marks & Spencer and WH Smith. I spent over 15 years at Danone, performing Finance Director roles in various settings including commercial units, factories, head offices and shared service functions.
Throughout my extensive corporate experience, I led major transformation projects, including process, system, and organisational change across multiple countries. I have been a member of several boards, which has given me an understanding of the responsibilities and approaches to be successful in cross-functional leadership teams.
Whilst most of my roles were based in the UK, I also spent eight years living in The Netherlands and have worked with colleagues from across the globe. I always embraced and encouraged diversity within my teams – in all its forms.
Now dedicated to helping others through coaching
As a business leader, I coached and mentored many colleagues, helping them to set clear goals, achieve enhanced performance and make progress in their careers. I also benefitted from working with a coach at some critical moments in my own career – such as when making a career switch or when facing significant challenges. My corporate career has allowed me to experience the power of coaching from both perspectives – as a coach and as a client.
Over time I realised that helping others achieve their potential had become the part of my work that I enjoyed the most – and that I had a natural talent for it! I therefore made a decision at the end of 2023 to set up as a freelance coach in the new year, to devote myself to the activity I am so passionate about.
As a coach, I treat all my clients with total respect and attention, giving them space for self-reflection and providing suitable challenge to help them address their problems and desired outcomes. My clients value my ability to empathise with and understand their context, thanks to my broad business and leadership background.
My coaching interests include team leadership, stakeholder management, multinational matrix organisations, business transformation and career development.
