Testimonials

Recent executive coaching clients

"From stuck in a rut to reigniting my self-development"

I first contacted Sally in 2022 after a friend recommended her. On the surface, everything seemed fine—I had a good job, a happy marriage, and young children—but I felt stuck in old routines and had a nagging feeling that I wasn’t living my best life.

Since working with Sally, there’s been a fundamental shift in how I operate, and while life is still busy, I now feel more positive and light-hearted. I’ve reignited my interest in learning and self-development and enjoy sharing insights from the mental fitness training with others. Here are a few key areas where I’ve seen improvement:

• Wellbeing: I feel more resilient to life’s challenges and in a much happier place. I’m on a more even keel and much more aware of the choices I make. I now swim regularly and make more intentional decisions for myself. In situations where I used to bury myself in work, I remain present—especially with my family—and I’m grateful for the life I have.

• Relationships: My relationships, both at work and home, have improved. I used to let bad moods drag on, but now I catch myself and move on faster. I’ve become better at practicing empathy and being less defensive, and I’m more tolerant of people with different working styles.

• Performance: I’ve always been a confident communicator and have a track record of delivering transformations, but Sally has helped me realize that I need to listen better. I’m practicing active listening, which allows for deeper conversations and quicker, more effective solutions. I’m embracing a shift in my role from having to own everything to letting go and supporting others.

I’ve come to believe that positive change is always possible, no matter your age, and the only barriers are internal. Sally’s coaching has been invaluable, and I highly recommend her.

Some words about Sally as a coach: What I appreciate most about Sally is her unique blend of coaching and mental fitness training. She’s easy to talk to, open, and professional, with a deep understanding of the challenges I face in my corporate role. Her ability to listen, nudge, and provide insightful feedback has been invaluable. Sally doesn’t just mirror my thoughts back to me—she suggests practical exercises that help me find my own solutions. One of my favorite techniques is consulting my “Wiser Elder Self,” which helps me step away from the noise and focus on what truly matters. Sally’s approach has made my self-awareness and personal growth feel instinctive, not forced. Pete, Director

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"I’m more resilient and confident"

I first contacted Sally because I’d faced several setbacks with resilience and found myself struggling to respond rationally. As a leader in a fast-paced environment, it was important for me to address this.

Over the past year, with Sally’s coaching and the mental fitness training, I’m pleased to say I’ve seen a significant increase in my resilience and now feel much better equipped to handle uncertainty and avoid it weighing down my personal and professional life.

A major breakthrough has been learning to manage my stress more effectively by exploring my tendency to avoid addressing issues when they first arise. I don’t always tackle things head-on, but this new awareness is a powerful first step.

As an unexpected and valuable bonus I have seen a real boost in my self-confidence. I’ve learned the difference between being self-critical and self-aware, which has allowed me to “catch” my saboteurs—especially the Hyperachiever, which fuels my workaholic tendencies! At work, I’ve become better at recognizing and celebrating my accomplishments, and by putting my needs into the mix while reflecting on our company strategy, I’ve also gained a clearer vision of how I want my role to evolve. This gives me a sense of purpose, helping me to shape my career in ways that leverage my strengths. At home, I’m finding I’m able to be more present with my children and truly enjoy these moments. In the past, I might have been half-engaged, thinking about work, but I’m learning to be fully present more often and really starting to see the positive impact this is having on my family.

My career and family are deeply important to me, and it can be challenging to balance both while also making room for my own growth. But looking back over the past year, I’m surprised at just how much I’ve gained from this experience.

What led me to choose Sally? A friend recommended Sally, particularly noting the mental fitness programme she includes in her executive coaching package. The Saboteur Assessment was a game-changer. Seeing some of the traits I’d buried and ignored brought to life as “saboteurs,” like the Hyperachiever and Avoider, was a real “Eureka” moment.

A few words about Sally as a coach: Sally is compassionate, personable, and honest. Her spot-on observations have helped me understand myself on a deeper level, both at work and at home. I valued her empathy and her commitment to helping me become more empathetic toward myself and others.

Working with Sally has changed the way I see things. Now I remind myself, “You don’t have to be perfect. Being 10% better than yesterday is a huge step forward.”  Liz, Senior Director

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some words from Other coaching clients

“A serene calm energy…/… passionate but not in-your-face gushy!”. This is what a recent client told me. They also said there were moments where they felt “uncomfortable but supported”, and the result was that they experienced a number of shifts, concluding “It was way more powerful than I thought it would be. I’ve always said ‘it will all be OK’. Now I believe it”. Anonymous client

"Unlike other coaches I’ve met in the past, Sally understands how a business works. This makes the whole collaboration more effective." Marc Defosse, Founder and Managing Director, Ribbonfish, London

“I like Sally’s style - it is playful and solution-focused.” Sustainability consultant, Brighton

“After just two 3 hour sessions with Sally, I found myself with several new client prospects and happier staff! As an entrepreneur, I had so many ideas, problems with employees and clients, and am often alone. It was good to have someone helping me to structure my thoughts without actually giving me advice. She helped me to get unstuck on things I’d said I wanted to do but wasn't making progress. She helped me get structure and get where I wanted to be.” Managing Director of an IT services company, London

“I found it invaluable to have help to define my goals and hold myself accountable to taking steps to reach them. As an entrepreneur, self-care can be a challenge, and the time management tips have been really useful. …/… As a result, my self-confidence has increased, …/… and I am building what I think will be a successful business, in line with my values." Zoe Axworthy, Founder and Chef at Viva Los Vegan, Brighton

Mental Fitness Programme reviews

“I've noticed a clear shift in my perspective of areas of my personal and professional life I never thought possible! We live in a world, especially at the moment, where we have little or no control of our situation. This programme helps you gain control of the one thing you can – yourself – and start to see your world differently, leading to changes in behaviour.” Justin Hillier, MD of Justification (translations), Brighton

“I would recommend the mental fitness programme to any team, in any setting. Whilst the model is based on huge amounts of research, in itself is easy to grasp and profound in its impact. Key to success is that team members actively choose to engage with its central ideas and daily practices.” Katie Brown, Senior Manager, Barclays Learning

“I did not realise how much I needed this programme until I started it. It has truly affected the way I look at the world now. It has taught me that whilst I cannot control the elements around me, I can adapt, change and not be as affected by them. I now see the positives and opportunities that are provided now more so than ever and constantly am applying the principles in my personal and professional life.” Andy, assistant head-teacher

“My sleep has dramatically improved …/…  I feel generally calmer each day, less overwhelmed by the volumes of work and I feel like I can 'cope'.   …/… I would highly recommend this to any person, leader or manager who has a busy life and is looking for something that can shift their mindset and increase their impact.”  Charlotte Eve, MD of CK Futures Ltd, Brighton

“At the beginning of the programme I felt overwhelmed by my workload and locked in a cycle of panic. By the end I was able to take a step back, plan rationally, acknowledge the value of my contribution and feel confident about my projects.” Hove-based charity-worker

“I first thought I'd picked the wrong time to complete this training, with projects deadlines at work and at home looming. But I've realised I couldn't have needed it more!

It's given me the language to identify and explain how I think and how my behaviours impact others. It's also helped me realise that these aspects are not my identity and I can control them. It's very much helped move me towards the 'don't sweat the small stuff' attitude, which helps me focus on the important things and gives me clarity of thought, something you really need when time is of the essence!

Would highly recommend to anyone, even if you think you're too busy!” Grace, Project, Productions and Event Manager, Incredible Oceans

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The above reviews are from people who did the mental fitness programme with me on a standalone basis whilst I was obtaining my certification as a Positive Intelligence Coach. I now offer the programme as part of my executive coaching package. More about the mental fitness programme and how it changes your life and powers your team’s potential (at American Express, P&G, Google, Stanford University) on the Positive Intelligence website.

And some words from me…

Apparently the previous version of my website was way too serious and didn’t reflect who I am! This is what my photographer, Jenny, who’s also a friend, told me. She encouraged me to tap into my, erm, “less corporate” side whilst we were doing the photo shoot.

It feels a little awkward putting together a page full of people saying nice things about me. So I’ve included a silly photo with a few of my favourite coaching-related books to balance it out.

For a while, I held back on sharing this one, as I felt like this side of my personality wouldn’t be accepted in the corporate world.

But then I remembered… DON’T PANIC. Times have changed, and maybe I can walk the talk…

Maybe I can do a good job AND just be myself at the same time?