Leadership Coaching

Sandra’s coaching clients have come from a wide variety of organisations and from roles that range from recently appointed Team Leaders to experienced Directors. The coaching sessions begin with a free of charge introductory session which lasts 30 minutes so that the client can get to know Sandra and her coaching style and decide if they wish to go ahead.

After the introductory session, Sandra sends the coachee a coaching contract for either a block of up to 5 coaching sessions or as a one-off. Coaching sessions are 60 - 90 minutes, held at a regularity that suits the coachee, which is often 3-4 weeks between each session

Sandra always takes a kit bag to her coaching sessions (whether in person or via Teams/Zoom) so that she can offer alternative approaches which do not rely only on conversation. For example, she has pens, paper, a bag of random objects, strength cards, communication style cards, playdough, a magic wand (to name a few!). Sandra is mindful that each coachee is unique and will benefit from different levels of stimulation, need different techniques for reflection and work at different paces. She has sometimes coached outside and walked alongside her coachees - it depends upon what works best for the person she is coaching.

Case Study

‘James’ had been in a leadership position for over 20 years and sought coaching because he was facing large scale organisational change in which he needed to apply for a new position. Despite his years as a leader and having successfully survived many reorganisations, this was a daunting prospect, when faced with competition from other equally capable colleagues. During the coaching sessions, James was able to unscramble his thoughts and focus on clear actions that would help to position him as the best candidate for the new role. The coaching included unpacking his self-limiting beliefs and identifying his unique strengths and how to present himself at his best in the selection process.

What James said about Sandra’s coaching:

“I particularly appreciated the pace and style. I was worried we would not have enough time but Sandra got me there within the time limit without me noticing the limit. I was in very good hands.”

Coaching in Higher Education

Much of Sandra’s coaching experience has been in Higher Education where she has most frequently coached managers in middle management roles, often where they have taken on a bigger team and more responsibilities and have begun to struggle.

As a coach Sandra brings 20 + years of experience of working as a freelance consultant in a number of universities: University of Bristol, University of the West of England, University of Bath, University of Exeter, University of Gloucester, University College London. She is known for quickly building rapport with her clients and establishing effective working relationships. Her clients say that she has a calming presence and listens well.

The coaching sessions begin with a free of charge introductory session which lasts 30 minutes so that the client can get to know Sandra and her coaching style and decide if they wish to go ahead. After the introductory session, Sandra sends the coachee a coaching contract for either a block of up to 5 coaching sessions or as a one-off. Coaching sessions are 60 - 90 minutes, held at a regularity that suits the coachee, which is often 3-4 weeks between each session

Sandra always checks in with her coachees to ask if they would like her to ask questions that perhaps lead to a deeper emotional and thought-provoking response. She uses insightful questions and effective coaching behaviours and techniques to help coachees unpack their thoughts so that they can identify new ways of moving forward. Sandra has a range of psychometric assessments that she uses – but only use where necessary rather than as routine.

Case Studies

Academic Coachee:

Programme Leader
‘Ahmed’ was referred to Sandra by his line manager who had received complaints from students and colleagues about his lack of communication and flexibility. Sandra agreed a 3-way contract in a preliminary meeting and scoped out the need for up to 5 coaching sessions. During the coaching sessions it became apparent that Ahmed had a different perspective to his line manager and that there were some cultural differences which also bore influence on this. It was particularly important that he and Sandra established trust. They identified 3 areas which were shared outcomes that both he and his line manager wanted to achieve. During the coaching sessions that followed, Sandra used a variety of techniques to encourage him to consider different ways of looking at his situation and work through practical ways forward. Sandra shared some communication and conflict models and leadership models along with workload management techniques. By the end of the coaching contract, Ahmed had found new ways of approaching how he worked alongside colleagues, organising his workload in a healthier way and communicating with colleagues.

What Ahmed said about Sandra’s coaching:-

“Through the coaching sessions, several key professional learning points have emerged that have significantly contributed to my development. The coaching has been instrumental in enhancing my leadership skills and adopt a more inclusive leadership style.”

Professional Services Coachee:

First Line Manager
’Emma’ was recommended by her manager to contact Sandra. She had been appointed to a new role and was struggling with being heard and had a sense that she was not respected by others. Sandra met Emma for 5 sessions and much of the focus was upon self-perception and self-esteem. Sandra used a variety of activities to help the Emma widen the lens and challenged her upon the self-limiting beliefs that she brought into the sessions. Emma identified action points after each session and said now much the coaching had helped. She said that she gained a greater appreciation of her own resilience and resourcefulness and that the coaching helped her professionally place less importance on external validation and speak up for herself more.

What Emma said about Sandra’s coaching:-

“I never thought coaching sessions can be so comfortable. Sandra created a very safe space where I naturally bared my thoughts and emotions without feeling judged or made uncomfortable.”