Trusted Leadership Partners

I’ve spent more than 20 years working in education, including 14 years as a headteacher and three years as CEO of a multi-academy trust. I love to learn and hold a Master’s in Education and the NPQEL (National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership). I’ve led schools and organisations through change, challenge and growth, and seen first-hand just how demanding leadership can be — and how powerful it can be when leaders have the right space and support to think.

I’m passionate about helping leaders create that space — to step back from the noise, challenge their thinking and work out what really matters. That’s what drew me to coaching. I love the conversations that help people see things differently, build their confidence and move forward with greater clarity.

My own learning is ongoing. I’m currently undertaking a Level 7 ILM Executive Leadership qualification, continuing to develop my understanding of leadership, coaching and what enables people to thrive. I’m also a trained Mental Health First Aider and a listening volunteer with Samaritans, reflecting my belief that supporting leaders means recognising the person behind the role too.

Through Second Thought, I want to give leaders something they rarely have enough of: time and space to think.

Space to pause. Space to explore. Space to develop. And sometimes, simply space to be heard.

When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me crashing around in a small yacht while I attempt to learn to sail, walking in the countryside, or pottering in the garden trying to coax something into growing!

I’m a big believer that good leadership doesn’t come from having all the answers. Sometimes, it comes from asking a better question.