Meeta Zakharia, Director of International DEI at McDonald's, joins the show to talk about the importance of inclusive leadership within the company. Meeta emphasises the six signature traits of inclusive leadership, including commitment, courage, and cultural intelligence. She also delves into recognising biases, strength-based leadership, and balancing long-term goals with short-term tasks. By leading from the middle and outwards, diverse perspectives can be heard within teams, allowing for mor...
Apr 24, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 36
Corinne Jeffrey is the Lead for Coaching, Mentoring and Leadership Development for QinetiQ, an integrated global defence and security company. She is responsible for the development, delivery and implementation of a global strategy for executive coaching, mentoring and leadership development. Corinne is also responsible for the rollout of team coaching across the organisation. Tune into this episode as Corinne unpacks the defence sector's coaching realm. We explore measuring engagement and momen...
Apr 10, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 35
Lian Hillier is the Chief People Officer and The Principles for Responsible Investment, the UN-supported leading proponent of responsible investment. As an advocate for collaborative and supportive working environments, Lian has been instrumental in promoting these values at PRI. In this episode, Lian unveils the strategies for developing a culture of empowerment and making coaching a natural part of an organisation. We will also discuss the timing and conditions that lay the groundwork for this...
Mar 27, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Deborah Sweet’s overall goal is to make a difference in the world of scientific communication and publishing. She is the Vice President of Journals, Nature Portfolio for Springer Nature Group, the renowned academic publishing company. Her approach to professional development revolves around self-reflection, challenging established methods, and embracing new perspectives. In this episode, we delve into the shift from traditional leadership styles to one that champions empowerment, open communicat...
Mar 13, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 33
Today we dive deep into the transformative world of coaching cultures with two exceptional leaders who have lived the journey, Maureen Sumner Smith and Morna Dason-Barber. Maureen is an Executive Coach, Non-Executive Director and Advisor, and Morna is the HR Director at The Institution of Engineering and Technology. Listen in as we discuss the strategic shift from top-down leadership to a culture of empowerment and collaboration that has sparked innovation and driven success. We unpack reward me...
Feb 28, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 32
Chris Burton is an expert with 15 years of experience in transforming team performance across various business sectors. In this insightful discussion, Trayton and Chris delve into the intricacies of team coaching, exploring the essential elements that differentiate high-performing teams and examining the impact of values, culture, and purpose on team dynamics and performance. They also address the challenges and opportunities presented by the evolving work landscape, especially in the wake of th...
Feb 14, 2024•54 min•Season 1Ep. 31
Mia Tse coaches and supports women in leadership roles who have multiple priorities such as caring for children entering their teenage years or leaving for university, as well as aging parents or loved ones. Mia joins to Trayton in this episode to explore the unique challenges middle-aged women face and the role of coaching in supporting them. Tune in as we unpack the importance of self-care, the impact of menopause in the workplace and creating a supportive environment for middle-aged women. Li...
Jan 31, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Ian Dinwiddy is a coach and mentor who helps fathers navigate the delicate balance of being great dads while also excelling in their careers. His work revolves around the idea that being a great dad does not have to come at the cost of career success. Ian joins the show to talk about fatherhood and work-life balance. Tune in to learn more about the challenges men face in taking parental leave, societal expectations, and the need for open conversations around gender equality. Links mentioned in t...
Jan 17, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 29
Lara Roche is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD, accredited Executive and Life Coach, Workplace Mediator and Facilitator, and regular conference speaker. She is also the Founder of Brilliant Learning, which creates and delivers the ideal learning for organisations through development programmes, Learning Bursts, impactful coaching and individual profiling. In this episode, we dive into the challenges faced by younger individuals aspiring for senior leadership roles. We also discuss the importance o...
Jan 03, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 28
Rosie Nice is a qualified coach and coach trainer. She is the Founder of MAGIC Coaching and author of ‘The MAGIC Happens in the Silence’. Her career began in Learning and Development over 20 years ago, after working at British Airways on their Graduate Development Programme. Rosie joins the show to to discuss the transformative power of reflective coaching. Tune in as we explore the importance of silence, the MAGIC methodology, and how reflective coaching can help individuals reach their full po...
Dec 13, 2023•45 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Jenny Brown started her career as a financial statements auditor – in 2018 Jenny leapt into the comparatively unknown and established a much more eclectic and certainly hard-to-describe career! Jenny now works as a coach and coach supervisor alongside being the Chair of a housing association, a consultant in governance and a trainer and facilitator. Tune into this conversation as Jenny delves into pre- and post-career promotion coaching, her person-centred coaching philosophy and what it is that...
Nov 29, 2023•44 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Executive Coach, speaker, and consultant, Martin Sealy has spent decades traveling and encountering people from various cultures with diverse needs. He has embraced the differences in engagement styles between Israel and Dubai, developing a unique coaching approach that accommodates various cultural nuances. We discuss the need for open dialogue, vulnerability, and the impact it can have on individuals and organizations. Tune in as we unpack practical strategies for fostering inclusivity and cel...
Nov 15, 2023•46 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Nicky Frobisher has a deep understanding of the psychological phenomenon known as imposter syndrome. Drawing inspiration from the work of psychologists Doctor Pauline Klance and Doctor Suzanne Immers, who coined the term in 1978, Nicky has observed a similar pattern among the individuals they work with. Tune in to this candid conversation as Nicky unpacks how to overcome perfectionism and fear of failure, the origins of imposter syndrome, how over-preparedness can hinder productivity, and striki...
Nov 01, 2023•35 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Jennifer Powell has over 20 years experience as a culture change and communications strategist and consultant. She builds on her experience as a Partner at a global HR management consultancy and Executive positions in organisations as diverse as Xerox Europe, Cable & Wireless and Islington Council. Her current clients span many FTSE 100 companies including those in the media, music, financial services legal and pharmaceutical sectors. In this conversation, Jennifer talks candidly about the u...
Oct 18, 2023•43 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Content warning: this episode covers the topic of depression. If you need resources or support, talk to your GP or relevant health practitioner. As an executive coach, Valerie Stevenson works with both individuals and teams. She is also an accredited supervisor. In her own words what Valerie really wants to be known for is her belief in coaching people from all walks of life which includes coaching alongside those with mental ill-health: “I have had to set some boundaries and acquire new skills ...
Oct 04, 2023•45 min•Season 1Ep. 21
With over 20 years experience in corporate retail, Nick Foster has held a variety of commercial roles from Buyer to Category Director and involved in a number of Leadership and Women’s Leadership programmes throughout her career. Nicky trained as a coach and recently joined CFG to support the mission “coaching for a better tomorrow” which includes a passion for supporting Women in Leadership roles. In this conversation we uncover the key challenges facing women in leadership roles today, reflect...
Sep 20, 2023•38 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Before becoming a professional coach, David Butterfield had a successful career in Learning and Development, working with the likes of Aggregate Industries, Dale Carnegie and DHL. He also has a passion for helping those less advantaged to achieve their potential and is a board member with Lindley Educational Trust, a not for profit organisation using outdoor education. We'll explore the concept of breaking through barriers, managing our inner chimp, and the power of coaching tools and models. Fr...
Sep 06, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Jane Ferré is a Talent Management Strategist, and runs her own coaching business that helps HR Directors revolutionise their talent management agenda quickly and easily. Tune in as we explore the journey of navigating career transitions and its challenges. We discuss building a strong network, responding to change, and how COVID-19 has impacted sectors. We also uncover democratising development and how to offer the necessary resources for people with potential. Links mentioned in this episode: C...
Aug 23, 2023•34 min•Season 1Ep. 18
On this episode of Coaching Focus Podcast, our guest, Grant Metcalfe-Smith, dives into the complexities of implementing sustainability initiatives in companies. Grant is an Australian-born finance professional who made a successful career in banking in London. However, four years ago, he decided to pursue coaching in the sustainability space. Grant discusses the importance of stakeholder support and incorporating sustainability strategies into corporate reports. Tune in to also learn more about ...
Aug 09, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 17
In this episode, we dive into the importance of leadership, autonomy, and effective communication in the military and beyond. Our guest, Marc Wicks, shares insights from his extensive experience in the Royal Marines and NATO. Mark highlights the significance of understanding the context and situation of individuals, fostering adaptability and growth mindset, and debunking the myth of military command and control. Links mentioned in this episode: Coaching-focus.com Mark’s LinkedIn...
Jul 26, 2023•45 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Vinny Wagjiani is a detective inspector with Kent Police, and professional coach, to discuss the importance of resilience in coaching during challenging times. Vinny shares his diverse background and experience in operational policing, as well as his involvement in charity endeavours. Tune in also as Trayton and Vinny reflect on the importance of grit and courage, as well as how to introduce elements of co-regulation at an early age. Links mentioned in this episode: Coaching-focus.com ‘The Attri...
Jul 05, 2023•31 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Luke Fisher is the founder and CEO of Mo, an online toolkit for connecting and motivating teams in the new world of work. In this week’s episode we explore how the Covid-19 pandemic has shaped the way we work. We also explore embracing new ways of leading remote and hybrid teams while also utilising tried and tested leadership values. Links mentioned in this episode: Coaching-focus.com Mo.Work Mo on LinkedIn Mo on Twitter Luke Fisher on LinkedIn Atlas Hotels Case Study Ovo Energy Case Study...
May 25, 2023•31 min•Season 1Ep. 13
In the final part of our Gen Z Special conversations where we speak with students from the University of Bath, we are joined by students Jordan and Jack. They delve into the type of leadership they would like to see in the industries they’re training for, the importance of having opportunities for growth, and what coaching means to them. Links mentioned in this episode: Gold Scholarship Programme University of Bath...
May 18, 2023•11 min•Season 1Ep. 12
In our continued discussion with students from the University of Bath, we are joined by students Sabrine and Shannon. We discuss key findings from their research, as well as the impact of the gender pay gap, building an inclusive environment and what are their hopes and dreams for when they join the world of work. Links mentioned in this episode: Gold Scholarship Programme University of Bath...
May 11, 2023•14 min•Season 1Ep. 11
In this episode we are joined by two students from the University of Bath, Anna and Ben, who have done a literary review on whether good followership leads to good leadership. It is a fascinating discussion as we delve into the role of group identity, the power of conversation, overcoming the traditional stereotypes of a leader – and what they hope to see in the future from their research. Links mentioned in this episode: Gold Scholarship Programme University of Bath...
May 04, 2023•22 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Nick Day is the founder of JGA recruitment, a forward thinking people-centred company. Nick discusses the impact of crises and how human resources is becoming an outdated term. In a world of evolving AI technology, Nick prioritises the human element. In this week’s episode we explore how to make genuine connections with the people we work with in order to create more impact in all areas. Links mentioned in this episode: Coaching-focus.com JGA Recruitment Nick Day on LinkedIn The Payroll Podcast ...
Apr 19, 2023•30 min•Season 1Ep. 9
How can we find meaning in our lives as coaches? Author, founder and leader, Trevor Waldock has spent the last 30 years building organisations, leading teams and writing books that support, educate and guide others in their leadership journeys. Trevor shines a light on finding genuine meaning in life and demonstrates how we can show up in the workspace more authentically. Tune in as we discuss eldership and how we can benefit society at large through inclusive leadership. Links mentioned in this...
Apr 13, 2023•35 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Maureen Sumner-Smith was the Chief Commercial Officer for The British Standards Institute. Trayton and Maureen explore leadership presence and all that it entails. How can we get to know our team members on a personal level? How does organisational culture impact interpersonal working relationships? In this week’s episode we learn how to bring our authentic self to work whilst also existing in a defined organisational culture. Links mentioned in this episode: Coaching-focus.com...
Mar 29, 2023•30 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Catherine Roe is the Chief Executive of Elior, a French food and service based industry. Catherine and Trayton delve into the personal and workplace challenges which came along with the Covid-19 pandemic. From working remotely to dealing with personal grief, Catherine explores the importance of self-care and work/life balance. In this episode, we learn how to instil confidence in our teams as well as some practical steps we can take towards a more open and inclusive workplace. Links mentioned in...
Mar 22, 2023•39 min•Season 1Ep. 6
What is compassionate leadership and how can we practise it with our teams? Debbie Sweet is the vice president of Nature Journals, part of the Springer Nature Group. Debbie joins Trayton to discuss compassionate leadership, coaching and what it means to embrace constant growth in leadership. We also explore how to be authentic, how to let people know that you really care, and how to see situations from other points of view. Links mentioned in this episode: Coaching-focus.com Springer Nature Grou...
Mar 15, 2023•20 min•Season 1Ep. 5