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What is your profession and current position?
Co-Founder and Director at Salt & Light Coaching. I am a professional and certified leadership coach, specialising in helping senior leaders and their teams make better decisions.
How did Monkton get you ready for the world of work?
I cannot recall one single 'silver bullet'. The biggest help Monkton gave me was developing my communication skills (vital for work and all relationships) and helping to begin forging character (which we fall back on when life and work gets tough).
What is your biggest professional achievement?
Starting a business and authoring my first book in the pandemic. I love building relationships and doing this through screens was not easy. Building a business when access to clients was also limited really tested my resolve.
What has been your most challenging professional moment?
Rather than a single moment, probably staying consistent and delivering quality every day. Effective time management has been crucial in this, as well as taking time to slow down, reflect and refuel the energy tank!
What inspires and motivates you at work?
Seeing lives transformed, especially amongst people who don't fit the typical stereotype and don't see themselves as natural leaders. Leadership is about influence, not position. Helping people see this and commit to being authentic and leading in their 'unique style' is wonderful to see. I particularly love working with younger leaders. Monkton was a key catalyst for this - I have never forgotten the impact certain teachers had on me and much of my desire to be a good mentor to others today was founded on the example I received during my schooling.
What is one piece of advice you would like to share with pupils or OMs about getting into your profession?
Can I have two?! Firstly, don't worry about it. Life comes in seasons and starting a career ought not to be seen as a life-sentence! I have changed three times in the last 20 years of professional work. Each change has brought new opportunities and built on what went on before.
Secondly, focus more on your character development than your raw competencies. It is character that you fall back on under pressure and character that ends up shaping your attitudes and the way you relate to other people.