When I started the coaching sessions, I was feeling stuck at work and unsure about what to do next. I was questioning whether I should change careers, look for a new job, or try to improve things in my current role. I was hoping coaching would help me make sense of what I was feeling, gain some clarity, and find a direction that felt right for me.

Through the sessions, I became much clearer on what was within my control and the changes I could make myself. Having regular sessions also helped me take action and stay accountable, rather than letting things drift. I gained a better understanding of what I enjoyed about my job and what I didn’t, and realised just how much of my day-to-day work wasn’t actually part of my job description. It also helped me identify the non-negotiables I would want in my next role, giving me a much clearer sense of what’s important to me personally and where I should focus my energy.

Kate was great to work with. She was very professional and accommodating when arranging sessions, always finding a day and time that worked for me. She was friendly, approachable and knowledgeable, and after each session we were able to agree on a realistic and achievable plan to work on before the next session. I always felt supported, but also encouraged to take ownership and make progress between sessions.

I think coaching can be useful at different stages of your working life. It gives you the opportunity to pause, reflect on what’s important to you, and find ways to move towards it. For me, the sessions with Kate worked especially well because, alongside her coaching skills, I felt she could genuinely understand some of the challenges I was experiencing. As a woman with experience in leadership roles within a male-dominated environment, she was able to bring a perspective and understanding that felt particularly relevant to me.