Feedback from clinical leader and postgraduate programme lead
“I had the pleasure to work with David when he was at Diabetes UK. Instantly I knew that he was one of those unique, and rare, people who can challenge and be kind at the same time.
When I needed some authentic, grounded and person-centred leadership teaching on a Masters module I was leading David immediately came to mind. He quickly understood the brief, sense checked the content and for the past 2 years has provided insightful and thought-provoking online teaching to our global post-graduate medical Masters students. David is relevant, challenging and inclusive in his approach to the student learning experience. He has been able to skilfully lead them, in online webinars, to consider their own leadership journey. By sharing resources and experiences with them he has encouraged their own reflection with empathy and consideration.”
Feedback from CEO following group coaching with an NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB)
“The Exec team are in a really good place, the work you did with us is making a hugely positive difference. There has been a shift in our working culture and sense of safety in conversations. Some of the key tools you worked on with - especially the [generative image]* from the third session - are routinely used to help us navigate priorities and difficult conversations. We even have physical representations hanging up in the office to symbolise the tool”
*Specifics removed to avoid identifying the team. More on generative images here
Coaching client: Social Enterprise Manager
“I was very apprehensive about coaching but David was absolutely brilliant. His approach felt really safe and supportive. We had a clear understanding about what I wanted to get out of the sessions and how we would work through that. When I signed up I was completely stuck in a rut, now I have strategies to mitigate that happening again.
David helped me reflect on both my value and my values and to notice when things were misaligned. Having greater self awareness helps me in very practical ways day to day. I’m more resilient, better at prioritising and I waste less energy beating myself up about things that I cannot control. It has benefited me in ways I didn’t anticipate and I’d absolutely recommend David’s coaching to anyone who wants to think seriously about their developing in their job or career.”
Coaching client: Clinical speciality leader
“I have had life-changing decisions to make during our coaching contract, with two new jobs and moving cities. David gave me space to work out what I wanted to do and helped me to find conviction in the decisions I made.
He taught me several ‘mantras’ that I can bring to mind when I need them; that change often results in loss as well as gain…being a leader means having uncomfortable conversations …to go into things knowing what I want…to never doubt that I’m good enough to be standing in a room with people…and many more. I’ve used them to prepare for difficult meetings and they’ve centred me during new experiences.”
“David always seem to be pointing his feet towards hope and I find myself pointing my feet in the same direction. Essentially, coaching with him has set me on a firm trajectory with my career and I am now standing courageously with my head and shoulders above the parapet.”
Coaching client: Charity Director
“I appreciated a few things about David’s approach. He helped me to:
- Stop and think about/identify and notice negative habits and patterns of self criticism and perfectionism
- Think about just doing ‘enough’
- Think about what kind of leader I want to be
- Celebrate my successes
- Slow down and realise I am learning (and always will be) and that is ok!
I found it very helpful when David made analogies or brought in visual images to explore a feeling, it always felt accurate and true to what I was experiencing and gave me a new way of looking through an old lens.”