I apply my accumulated knowledge and experience as a leader, teacher, trainer and coach to put people first and create positive change in individuals, teams, schools and workplaces.
It all started with a conversation eight years ago.
My career roles to that point included an Assistant Head, English Teacher, Head of Year Seven and Head of Sixth Form. Returning to work after maternity leave to take on a whole school pastoral role, I wasn’t surprised when the school counsellor told me that a lack of resilience was the overarching challenge facing so many of our students. I knew she was right. I’d seen first-hand how that lack of resilience translated to the classroom – and beyond.
That single conversation changed both my thinking and my direction.
Mindfulness, self-care, and a whole-team approach emerged through my research as the most impactful strategies seen in resilience programmes around the world. Applying this learning to my pastoral role, I realised that we were solving problems on an individual level instead of proactively giving those tools to all of our students.
I developed a school-wide programme focused on resilience and emotional wellbeing. It was no longer a reactive approach to problems. We made it part of our everyday language and experience.
But it didn’t just apply to the students.
Deadlines, meetings and admin were always going to be on the to-do list. But I knew people had to be put first. So that’s what I did.
I launched my business and trained as a coach, specialising in the one area I knew from experience made the biggest difference – creating a strong foundation of resilience.
And for the last four years my passion in using that knowledge and experience as a leader, teacher, trainer and coach has continued to grow. As has my commitment to prioritising people and building resilience in individuals, schools, teams and workplaces.
It’s what gets me out of bed in the morning. (Although I’m also a big fan of good books, long walks with friends and a cuppa, and a kitchen disco with my two sons).
I’m a professionally and academically accredited coach. I trained with Barefoot Coaching, have a PGCert in Business and Personal Coaching and I’m an ICF Accredited coach at Associate Certified Coach (ACC) Level.