Testimonials

I would definitely recommend working with Polly if you're considering coaching. Working together provided me with a supportive space to consider what inspires me as a leader, as well as how to navigate the usual stresses and strains associated with executive roles. Polly was attentive, considerate and focused throughout, and our sessions developed me both professionally and personally. Thanks, Polly!

Ciara Bergman, CEO, Rape Crisis England & Wales

 

Three and a half hours with Polly was all it took to create a gamechanger for my outlook.  We developed a clear core narrative for my work, mapped my strengths and gaps and set up the platform for my direction ahead.  Polly's coaching was the perfect balance of reflective and challenging, informed by her deep experience and drive.

Steve Haines, Director of Public Affairs, Impetus

 

Working with Polly as a coach while being CEO of the Fawcett Society has been a real game changer for me. She has worked with me to shift my perceptions of myself as a leader, lean into my strengths and approach challenges with a fresh perspective. Polly is deeply practical and down-to-earth, she has a wealth of leadership experience which means I know she really gets the ups and downs and complexities of running a high profile organisation. I've learnt a huge amount from the way she thinks about and approaches the issues we discuss. She's incredibly warm and fun to work with too, I always end the sessions feeling energised and more confident about my next step.

Jemima Olchawski, Executive Director for Social Change, Mind

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As an Assistant Headteacher at a busy secondary school, I manage a plethora of tasks daily, often requiring me to navigate complex situations with precision and clarity. Working with Polly for a series of coaching sessions has been transformative in helping me achieve this. Polly possesses a remarkable ability to listen attentively and interpret my needs with exceptional clarity, even amidst the demands of my fast-paced role. She creates a positive and encouraging atmosphere in each session, which fostered a sense of trust and openness, allowing me to effectively gather my thoughts and strategies. One of the most significant challenges I faced was an Ofsted inspection, and Polly's coaching proved instrumental in helping me overcome this milestone. Her strategic use of various coaching tools helped me fine-tune my thinking and approach, allowing me to manage the intense pressure and complexity of the inspection with confidence. Polly's dedication to her clients, her insightful approach, and her ability to create a positive environment, even for someone managing a demanding workload like mine, make her an outstanding coach. I highly recommend her to any professional seeking guidance and support.

Mr Akhgar, Assistant Headteacher

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My sessions with Polly have been incredibly valuable in helping me identify, clarify, and frame my personal objectives during a significant work transition. She provided insightful guidance and practical suggestions for achieving these goals. Polly’s approach struck the perfect balance between support and challenge, adapting to the different stages I went through as I transitioned from a demanding 30 year career to a part-time consulting role. I’m confident that her support and tools will continue to guide me in the future.

Nicole Downer, Consultant to Clearlake Credit

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Polly straddled the gap between mentoring and coaching really nicely. She helped me look at work problems differently, feeding in her experiences while also helping me work out answers for myself. She's been there and understands it.​

Oliver Robertson, Head of Witness and Worship, Quakers in Britain

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Receiving coaching from Polly has helped me enormously, particularly as I transitioned through organisational change and into a new leadership position. Polly’s coaching style was both empathetic and strategic, and underpinned with her extensive experience as a leader herself.

She really took time to understand me and the context I was working in.

Saskia Konynenburg, Acting CEO, National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO)​

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