What our clients are saying

“James provides thought-provoking challenge in a calm and non-judgmental way which enables those ‘light bulb moments’. He also brings to bear an extensive knowledge of different models and frameworks to aid and puts structure around the thought process. Time with James is time well spent.”
Andrew Morton, Chief Executive Officer, MORHomes PLC

”James coached me over the course of 6 sessions during what was quite a challenging time personally as well as a period during my working life when I had been feeling a bit flat and demotivated. James worked with me to set some clear goals around the coaching which helped me to focus and address specific needs. James not only listened attentively and understood, he pushed me and made me work hard, helped me to change the way I thought and ultimately brought the best out of me. I walked away from the coaching, sad because it had ended, but equally delighted. I had learnt so much about myself, my values, my strengths and more importantly, new tools and ways of thinking to help me be the best me possible. I apply these new learnings everyday and it's exciting to move forward now with new opportunities, projects and connections feeling confident and positive. Thank you James!”
Meena Miles, Ops Director, Mobsta

“If you're looking for a coach who is gently challenging, but does so in a constructive way, ask for James. I don’t know how to produce a star system, but whatever it is out of, James gets all of them from me. I have really valued it.”
Mark Ward, Head of Safeguarding & Quality & Data Protection Lead, The Trussell Trust

“James is a thoughtful, passionate coach who brings the perfect balance of gravitas, compassion and theory to the workshops he runs. I would highly recommend him for team/leadership coaching.”
Pasca Lane, Director of Media and Corporate Communications, British Red Cross

“In an extremely short period of time James has made a profound impact on our individual and collective leadership behaviours. He has an incredible ability to build trust and confidence with people.”
Joe Hale, CEO, Dragon Rouge

“James has been working with The Children's Trust for the last 12 months, providing team coaching with senior staff in our clinical areas and executive coaching in our fundraising function. He is a well valued partner who has built very strong relationships quickly, across a range of senior leaders. James is always easy to work with, is super organised and balances positive challenge with a client focused approach. He's made a big impact on us in a short period of time. Most of all we enjoy working with him and will continue to do so moving forward.”
Mike Maddick, Director of People and Culture, The Children’s Trust

“After nearly two years of working apart, James brought my team back together (physically and emotionally) for a considered and reflective team coaching session. James was sensitive and intuitive with the team and led a relaxed but focused afternoon that engaged all levels of the group, helping them think about their personal and professional development outside of the day-to-day grind. The sessions that reflected on strengths and constructive questioning were particularly successful and are most definitely learnings that we will bring back into our roles and build upon. James is a natural coach who my team found patient, engaging and relatable throughout the afternoon. In planning, I found James incredibly responsive to our needs with a real passion and curiosity for improving the way we work and relate to one another. I will certainly look forward to working with him again in the not-too-distant future.”
Michael Linington, Head of Philanthropy, Victoria and Albert Museum

“I would highly recommend James as an Executive Coach. I’ve had the pleasure of working with James over the last few months and it’s been fantastic. I’ve spent time with various coaches over the years and I can honestly say that working with James has been the best experience I’ve had. He’s incredibly authentic which makes the sessions feel very easy and natural which he balances with the right level of provocation. Also he has an amazing ability to draw on different tools to help navigate any topic which push you to challenge yourself and see things differently.”
Ian Bradbury, Chief Client Officer, Iris

“My sessions with James have been incredibly helpful in framing my thinking on both professional and personal issues. James is very personable and professional and, critically, he guides me to unpick and answer my own questions. Together we've tackled topics that have been on my mind for a long time, those things you always tell yourself you need to think about but put them off or don't know how to approach them. James listens, analyses and challenges me, arming me with techniques that have had an immediate impact on how I approach my career and professional trajectory.”
Sara Picazo, Head of UK Ad Research, X/Twitter

“James recently ran a coaching session for the team at Good Innovation and it was informative, inspiring and brilliant all in one! The session got us all hooked on improving our listening and coaching skills and we've incorporated a bunch of what we learned across key aspects of the business, from sales through to personal development. The session was calm and reflective and bursting with practical skills. Perfect for post-pandemic team connection. Highly recommend!”
John Gunn, Partner, Good Innovation

“I have really enjoyed working with James, and cannot recommend the experience enough. Firstly because it doesn't feel like 'coaching'. There are a lot of people I expect like me who are either very busy or, even though we all know deep down we could do with some coaching, have it nearer the bottom of our priority lists. Most likely both. So the experience of doing it - but not feeling like you're doing it - has allowed me to commit in a way I didn't think I would be able to.

I sometimes foolishly think prior to my sessions with James "I have no idea what I have to talk about". That never lasts for long - he has a great way of letting you bring issues to the fore you have likely been wrestling with without knowing it - with, importantly, plenty of time then to work on related strategies and ideas, so you finish the encounter with a plan and a genuine sense of progress.”
Rob Smith, Partner Founder, Motel

“Concurring with others, his style is calm, reassuring yet challenging. His use of the pregnant pause is quite powerful and you are left in no doubt that the answer to any challenge lies within and all he has done is guide you to it. The sign of an excellent coach and I’d happily recommend him for individual or group coaching.”
Tony Spong, Managing Partner, AAR Group

“James has been my first real experience of working with an executive coach and in a few short sessions I’ve gained a huge amount from his guidance, direction and questioning approach. His measured and calm demeanour is matched with a knack of quickly getting to the underlying factors that matter most - being as direct and challenging as needed to ensure time is well spent on those specific things with simple tools and exercises to facilitate. I would highly recommend.”
Tom Ager, Global Head of Brand and Product Marketing, Clarks

“James is the perfect mix of guiding and challenging. He has not only helped me to reframe my expectations in the current climate but has also given me the tools and solutions I needed to make change happen, at a pace that is right for me. He has pushed me to think differently about the way I approach my role and what success might look like, and in the process reigniting my drive to succeed. He is thoughtful and considered with a practical approach that actually makes a difference.”
Rebecca Mailen, Client Services Director, I-AM

“I met James when I was in the process of setting up my new business and the experience helped me massively. I was previously slightly sceptical about the benefits of coaching but not now. James has a fantastic style - calm, encouraging, supportive - he helped me get really clear on the things I needed to focus on to drive forward quickly and effectively - after every session I had a long-lasting boost of energy and was able to cut through to priorities and keep things moving forward. I would recommend to anyone spending some time with James and I'm happy to provide further details.”
Nick Websdell, Co-Founder, Rhythm

“During my career there have a been a handful of people that have been pivotal in helping me on my journey - I’d like to think James is one of them.

I worked with James during coaching sessions in 2023, together we worked through and unlocked some uncomfortable truths, he helped me recognise and understand things that were holding me back in my own career and I finished the sessions feeling ready to take the next important step-up.

James is super approachable, has a great framework and provides a huge amount of space in the sessions to really think through what you need. I have nothing but high recommendations for his services. Thanks again James.”
Stuart Mckenna, Managing Director, Seeper

“James is an excellent coach and I would strongly recommend him. What was so good? I experienced James as a coach who saw me in 3D - a person. He asked insightful, probing questions which helped me to view things in different ways; becoming unstuck and free to consider alternative futures. This was liberating.

James coaches in the moment and on the journey… this was a journey taken together; my journey but with James beside me ensuring there was space for me to explore and experience. There was both structure and fluidity to the coaching. We planned the sessions to build on each other, AND James flexed as needed…I did not feel pushed or led.

James takes his craft seriously. He is well read and well rounded. He shares ideas and exercises. A supportive coach, an encouraging coach and a serious coach who served me well!”
Jane Howells, Transformation Director, GSK

“James and Peta delivered a highly valuable group coaching programme for our diverse pool of emerging talent over three sessions this summer, which had a positive impact across their listening, questioning and feedback skills. James and Peta quickly built trust, created a safe space for personal reflection, and provided tools and techniques to help our students deal with challenges both they face now and in the future. We’d highly recommend their group coaching and are looking forward to working with them both again.”
Tom Crossley, CEO, School of Communication Arts

James helped me to prioritise my goals and assess risks during quite an intense period for me, both personally and professionally. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed by the magnitude of some of the decisions I needed to make, plus I wasn't sure how best to sequence them. Through James's empathic approach and structured exercises, he was really able to help me see the woods for the trees, and left me feeling a lot calmer about the steps I needed to take to reach some of my short and medium term goals.

James is an excellent listener who poses challenging questions to help you really get to the bottom of the issues at hand. His guidance in helping me map out quite a turbulent period gave me the confidence and reassurance I hadn't been able to muster for myself. I'd have no hesitation in asking for James' help in future, if I needed someone to help get me moving in the right direction again.”
Lydia Howland, Head of User Research, Deliveroo

“Having not previously gone down the individual coaching route before, I was a little sceptical about what I would get out of it. Scepticism was soon overcome! James was fantastic in the way he approached the sessions, prompting, challenging, and importantly, listening at the right times. Exercises that James developed helped develop topics and conversation areas, and the whole approach made me feel completely at ease. I went into these sessions with no real agenda but came out with clarity and tools that I can apply in situations going forward.”
Mark Scott, Interim Chief Marketing Officer

“In a year that has brought about so much change and numerous challenges, self-development has never been so important as we all look to thrive as opposed to just survive.

Through my sessions with James, I have gone on a journey of discovery. James has provided a virtual safe place which has allowed me to challenge my thinking and reframe my approach to both opportunities and challenges. James strikes a perfect balance in knowing when to challenge and when to support. My sessions have been invaluable and I have already seen that reflected in my work and outlook.

James' vast experience of the creative industry has been key to our sessions, because of his deep understanding of how the sector operates. I would highly recommend James both to individuals and to businesses looking to improve performance and productivity.”
Rachel Dean, Client Director/Operations Director, We Launch

“The coaching sessions have played a vital role in supporting my development and wellbeing over the past three months, helping me to settle into my new role. As my coach, I felt like James was in my corner supporting me to be my best self and draw on my inner strength, experience and skills I’ve developed over the years of my career. This helped me be more confident in the decisions and actions I’m taking, feel calmer and more focussed.

The coaching sessions gave me a safe space where I had the chance to catch my breath, gain a wider perspective, be kind to myself and focus on what I had achieved in the midst of a pandemic, as well as think about what I needed to do as a leader as we navigate uncertain times ahead.”
Michelle Martin, Director of Development and Communities, Marie Curie UK

“James has been the first executive coach that I've worked with. His approach is calm and reassuring, and his techniques enable you to think more holistically about the various root causes of your challenges in the workplace. I found our sessions to be hugely thought provoking, and they have provided me with the opportunity to not only define what conditions enable me to deliver to the best of my ability, but also to pinpoint the conditions that make me unhappy or dissatisfied with my own performance. Thank you James!”
John White, Head of Customer Experience, Deliveroo

“James has been an ‘oasis’ of a coach these past few months, helping me work out tangible actions to some very real issues that were affecting my working life, mindset and outlook during these times. 

James has a calm, thoughtful and very pure approach to coaching with a wide repertoire of structured tools, insightful questions and useful exercises that both challenge and inspire you to develop the right solutions for you.  He first guides you to accurately frame the problem/opportunity before supporting you to consider all relevant perspectives. Then it’s the fun bit, and the re-enforcement of how a poignant silence or a well framed question can unlock a sprint of your own ideas before moving to decision time and commitment time. 

It’s amazing what can be achieved in a focused window of time with the right coach alongside you. Time spent with James is, most certainly, time well spent.” 
Vicky Gillan, Managing Partner, AAR

“James was referred to me by a friend and ex-colleague and what a great referral this was. I had numerous sessions with James throughout 2020 on a variety of topics which I chose. James was professional throughout and used a variety of approaches and exercises to help structure my thoughts and challenge my thinking to a level which I wanted for that session. What really surprised me about the sessions was how useful they were in all areas of life, James worked with me on short and long term thinking and collaborated in setting goals between sessions. I cannot recommend James highly enough!”
Jacob Prime, CEO & Co-founder, Ploy

”Both Ian and James were extremely approachable and created an atmosphere where people felt relaxed enough to express themselves. They brought in new tools and approaches which encouraged people to think outside of their usual boundaries.”
Alison Orman, Director of Finance and Operations, British Liver Trust

“James offers exceptional coaching. He has a very positive approach and is challenging when needed. I would recommend him to anyone looking for a fresh perspective.”
Joanne Williams, Development Director, Buxton International Festival