Background

My career has spanned scientific research, publishing, project management and organisational change.

I now focus on coaching. My coaching practice focuses on what I have found most rewarding across all of those roles: helping others first understand and then achieve what they want, from senior sponsors’ requirements to mentoring project managers.

I was a graduate research scientist in the pharmaceutical industry before changing career into scientific journal publishing. From there I naturally gravitated towards project management. Most recently, I worked on organisation-wide change programmes as a Strategic Programme Manager. 

Coaching experience

I started volunteering on a workplace mentoring scheme in 2015, to support colleagues with their career development.  This is where I first developed interest and skills in coaching others. Through 1:1 conversation - listening, reflecting, challenging and action planning - I helped my mentees understand and harness their own personal strengths. This supported them towards greater fulfilment and progression in their career. 

I trained through Barefoot Coaching's highly regarded Business and Personal Coaching course, which is accredited at a postgraduate level and by the ICF (International Coaching Federation).   In 2023 I completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Business and Personal Coaching at the University of Chester, passing all modules with Merit.

How I coach

There is an immense power in listening.  I'll create a safe and open, expansive listening space for you to explore your full potential.

I'm also a practical and organised person.  I'll challenge you within that space, guide and support you to identify your strengths, understand the blockers in your path and develop strategies to overcome them, see things from a different perspective, and ultimately develop you and your career.

What results do clients see?

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Here are some example outcomes from clients I've worked with:

• Focus toward addressing issues and completing an important project.
• Greater clarity and direction in setting up their new business.
• Freeing up thinking, enabling decisions about their career change.
• Developing skills and behaviours towards a leadership role.
• Achieving goals of role progression, training and promotion. 
• Faster progression of business development plans.

Testimonials

"Su provided invaluable support during my MBA consultancy project. I could discuss issues with her that I couldn’t share with my academic supervisor or the client.

She provided a space that I could use to think about helpful approaches to project problems. She skilfully blended her project management experience and coaching competencies to guide me. I think everyone working on any project can benefit from Su’s expertise. "

Experienced professional and MBA candidate

"Sula is a professional, empathetic and patient coach who helped me to think through my current business development plans and goals.

I felt I was self directed and was challenged enough when barriers or obstacles arose. The result was that I moved faster along in my business development thinking and actions."

Executive Coach

"My perception of coaching has changed during my experience with Sula.

If you are needing some help with direction in life, I would recommend Sula to walk with you through this process."

Debbie, Counsellor

"The time with Sula helped me to move beyond my circular thinking about my career path and to really focus on what it was that I wanted or needed out of a job. Having been a teacher for years, it was difficult to imagine any other role. I have now started in a new direction with some new ideas and actions, as well as a revaluing of my abilities and strengths. The sessions gave me the time and space to think about how my work can match my personal aspirations for my family life and career."

Career-changing Teacher