About me
I'm Hayley, an ICF-accredited coach working with private clients and organisations.
I came to coaching after a 30-year career across media, entertainment, publishing and the charity sector. For more than 20 of those years I led and developed teams, while also navigating the realities of combining a busy career with family life.
Throughout my career, I was always interested in the people behind the work: what helps us grow, what gets in our way and why we can sometimes find ourselves stuck even when, on paper, everything looks fine.
My own experience of coaching deepened that interest. I saw first-hand how having the space to think differently could help me recognise patterns, challenge some of my assumptions and make meaningful changes in my own life. That eventually led me to train as a coach.
The experience I bring
My previous career means I understand many of the realities my clients bring into coaching. I've worked in organisations of very different shapes and sizes, from large global companies to independent and smaller businesses, leading people, navigating organisational change and managing competing demands.
I also understand something of the challenge of combining a busy career with family life, setting boundaries and finding a sustainable balance between work and everything else.
But coaching is different from mentoring or consultancy. I don't assume that because I've experienced something similar, I know what's right for you.
The experience I bring helps me understand context.
The coaching stays centred on you.
What informs my coaching
My approach is flexible and always client-centred. I don't follow a fixed formula, but draw on different ideas and tools depending on the person and what we're exploring together.
I'm particularly interested in values and strengths, and use the VIA character strengths framework where it can be helpful. I also draw on Transactional Analysis and Gestalt, exploring things like the patterns we develop, how we relate to ourselves and others, and the value of awareness and presence.
At times I may introduce an exercise, framework or different way of looking at something. At others, the most useful thing I can offer is simply the space and attention for you to think.
What matters is that the coaching remains yours.
My training and professional practice
I trained with Barefoot Coaching, completing over 165 hours of ICF-accredited Level 2 coach training, and I'm an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
I've delivered more than 200 hours of coaching with clients across a wide range of personal and professional situations, and I'm currently completing a PG Cert in Business and Personal Coaching with the University of Chester.
My practice is grounded in the ICF Code of Ethics, regular professional supervision and ongoing learning and development. I'm fully insured.
“Hayley is empathetic, curious and challenging, all at the right times. Her willingness to help me unpack and process challenges, capture the learning and apply it to my life in the present was invaluable. Our coaching helped me become more conscious of some of the barriers that were holding me back, so I could make decisions and changes that were within my control and aligned with my goals.”
I live in Brighton with my family and love being outdoors, whether that's walking, running or cycling. I'm happiest near the sea or somewhere a little wild.