What is the difference between coaching and mentoring?
This is one of the most common questions I get asked, and understanding the distinction makes all the difference when deciding what support you need right now.
- Coaching: The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as "partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential." Crucially, as an executive coach, I will not tell you what to do. Instead, we work together to uncover the answers, strategy, and clarity within you. Coaching is an active, collaborative process designed to create sustainable, long-term personal and professional transformation.
- Mentoring: A mentor is someone who has "been there and done that" and passes on direct advice based on their own personal career path or domain expertise.
While my background includes 18+ years leading strategy, working in venture capital, and navigating FTSE environments, my role as your coach isn't to hand you a template or give you standard advice. It's to help you find your own authentic path forward and build the clarity, confidence, and strategy to execute it.
What happens on the free call?
It's a genuine 20-minute conversation, not a sales pitch. We'll talk through where you are, what's prompting you to explore coaching now, and which programme and tier actually fits. If I'm not the right fit for what you need, I will tell you honestly.
How much does it cost?
Pricing for both Core and Immersive, including the full Hogan psychometric suite, is confirmed on our call, as it depends on the tier that you take. There is zero obligation to book afterwards.
What's the difference between Core and Immersive?
Both programmes start with a full Hogan Psychometric Assessment and run over 90 days.
- Core: Includes monthly check-ins and a shared folder for notes and actions between sessions.
- Immersive: Adds a 3-hour in-person kickoff to unpack your Hogan results together, fortnightly sessions, and ad hoc access to me whenever you need a sounding board to think something through.
Why does every engagement start with a Hogan Assessment?
I want our work grounded in real evidence about how you operate, not just what comes up in a first conversation. The Hogan suite (HPI, HDS, and MVPI) gives us a shared, honest starting point, ensuring we never work from guesswork about what's actually holding you back.
Is coaching confidential, even if my employer is paying?
Yes, absolutely. Confidentiality is strictly guaranteed regardless of who is funding the engagement. What we discuss stays entirely between us.
Can my employer fund this?
Yes, many clients have their coaching funded by their organisation. I can provide a formal proposal and scope document, and invoice your employer directly.
What's expected of me between sessions?
To get the absolute most out of our work together, I ask every client to:
- Set aside two hours between sessions for reflection and application.
- Complete any agreed actions or homework beforehand.
- Be open and honest, even when the conversations get uncomfortable.
- Have some annual leave booked during the 90 days, since time away creates vital space for perspective and genuine growth.
What happens after the 90 days?
Both tiers finish with a dedicated session focused entirely on what comes next. You will leave with a clear, actionable plan for the future rather than just an ending.
How are sessions held?
All regular sessions take place over video call. For the Immersive tier, the three-hour kickoff session is held in person.
Why 90 days specifically?
In my own corporate career, three months was the sweet spot: long enough to make lasting change, yet short enough to maintain real momentum. That rhythm isn't just my experience either, it consistently shows up across research on goal-setting, executive transition, and performance outcomes.
How do I know if coaching is right for me right now?
Coaching is incredibly powerful, but timing is everything. It is best suited for you if:
- You feel stuck, at a career crossroads, or gearing up for a promotion.
- You want to improve your influence, personal brand, upward management, or senior stakeholder communication.
- You are juggling demanding work with family life, or returning from parental leave, and want to prevent burnout while building a fulfilling balance.
- You are ready to do the active reflection, experimentation, and work required to drive meaningful change.
What topics do you typically coach on?
While every engagement is tailored to the individual, common focal areas include:
- Navigating Career Transitions: Preparing for promotion, taking on new leadership responsibilities, or charting a path through a career crossroads.
- Executive Presence & Influence: Upward management, complex stakeholder management, and defining your personal brand.
- Working Parents & Sustainable Performance: Managing the balance between family and career, returning from parental leave, and preventing burnout.
- Building Confidence & Strategic Clarity: Finding your voice in senior leadership settings and cutting through operational noise.