Executive Coaching &/or Mentoring

I work from a positive psychology perspective and am solutions-focused, meaning that I concentrate on helping my clients build on their strengths and what has gone well in the past to take practical actions to move forward. I coach with empathy, drawing on diverse evidence-based schools of thought, neuroscience and tools that are best-suited to each individual client and their issues to support them in the achievement of their professional goals.

I am accredited by the European Mentoring and Coaching Council at Senior Practitioner Level and am a member of the International Coaching Federation. I deliver coaching and mentoring online.

I coach leaders and professionals in a wide range of organisations including universities and associated bodies, charities, multi-academy trusts and their schools, local authorities and the NHS. To find out if I am a good fit to coach you or your staff, I offer a free-of-charge Discovery Call.

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  • Providing space and challenge for leaders to think critically in fast-paced, volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) settings.

  • Addressing obstacles such as imposter syndrome, perfectionism, lack of confidence, overwhelm, stress, and loss of purpose.

  • Supporting clients through major work transitions and the associated stresses.

  • Helping clients make informed career choices and transitions, both internally and externally.

  • Managing work-life conflict, improving time and energy management, and establishing clear boundaries.

  • Enhancing self-awareness, developing a strong personal brand, and fostering leadership confidence and impact.

  • Supporting leaders in delivering targets and working effectively through teams.

  • Assisting with the development of strategies to achieve.

  • Guiding leaders in securing buy-in for strategy execution and project implementation.

Key Coaching and Mentoring Focus Areas

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What My Clients Say

“When I think back to the early meetings and how hard I was on myself, the change is immense. Somehow, you’ve managed to help me join my head to my heart/instinct, and to value me for myself. I really have a much better sense of myself, my strengths, weaknesses and foibles. I own my achievements and, despite the ongoing challenges and ups and downs, feel far more confident and much happier.” — Helen da Silva Wood, CEO Rendez-Vous Charity

“I had the privilege of working with Abigail in 2023. This was during an important phase of my career, as we had just launched a new business. She played an instrumental role as my executive coach, profoundly impacting my approach and outlook. Her coaching style is exceptional. She brings a good blend of support and challenge. She possesses an innate ability to delve deep into her coachees’ thinking process…encouraging a level of introspection that helps transform your thinking” — Stuart Wells, Executive Director of Client Relations, Alliance Business School, University of Manchester

“Thank you for your support over a difficult year, the opportunity to talk, to reflect and to decide on actions with insight into tools and research available has enabled me to continue in a profession I love. I feel equipped with tools that will support my professional life, and I will be availing of your support to continue this journey.” — Headteacher, St Teresa of Calcutta, Multi Academy Company

“From our very first session, you created a safe and supportive space that encouraged me to share my thoughts and experiences openly and honestly. Your expert ability to engage and challenge me has pushed me to grow, and your personal insights have provided both inspiration and practical wisdom. You balanced this masterfully with thoughtful actionable feedback that has provided me with a personalised toolkit that I will continually refer to and use… Working with you has been a transformative experience and I am so grateful that I have had the opportunity to work with you – thank you.” — Professional Services Manager, Loughborough University

“The mental load of being ultimately responsible for the education, safety, well-being and personal spiritual development of 1173 children and 152 staff weighs incredibly heavy on my shoulders… However, the impact of Professor Abigail’s words and techniques cannot be underestimated. Meeting her online for just one hour a week has had a dramatic effect on my stress levels, well-being and job satisfaction.

Professor Abigail uses a mixture of evidence informed strategies, academic research and practical advice. This helps me reflect on improvements and successes at work (that maybe I had overlooked) and gain perspective. In short, I find her sessions incredibly helpful, and I would recommend that all headteachers in the MAC make use of her service.” — Ciaran Clinton, Headteacher, Archbishop Isley Catholic School

“A combination of the ability to discuss things, exercises to do and think about outside of the sessions, and the insights that you brought to my thinking and sense-making was invaluable.  At no point did I feel ‘led’; but rather that the conversations and work outside of the sessions blended to always make me feel like we were moving forwards. I feel extremely pleased and grateful to have done this and with you.  I would strongly recommend to any colleagues who are at a crossroads of some kind to consider coaching/mentoring, and I would have no hesitation in recommending you.” — Dr Emma Elkington, Head of School of Finance and Accounting, University of Wolverhampton