I particularly value the fact it’s a totally safe space. I can talk about anything, and I can feel anything. She is totally non-judgmental. 

Katie has a wonderful way of catching me when something is going well or noticing I’ve learned something. She often points out where she’s recognised a change in how I’m thinking or how I’m acting and anchoring that. With her insight I noticed how quickly I’d moved on from being a consultant to leader of the Foundation helping me embrace that shift to a strategic leadership role. That’s been so important.

It’s funny how, even when someone is saying that you’re doing a good job it doesn’t necessarily land – you don’t absorb it– instead you just get caught up with the next problem. I have great trustees who have and continue to affirm me as CEO yet I get stuck at what I am not quite achieving – or am even avoiding.

Katie flagging those positive steps of learning and behaviour in me is so powerful. It really helps to see that I’m making progress and to feel proud of myself. And when life has been difficult, I remind myself that there have been things that were really good, and they will come again. And funnily enough – they do!

Earlier this year, before I was appointed to be the permanent CEO, I had some doubt about whether I was worth the salary I was asking for. Am I going to be able to make all the plans happen? Could someone else do it better, and for less? Katie encouraged to me reflect on why I’d been engaged in the first place. By the time it came to the board meeting I had articulated what it was about me that made things work here and recognised the things I brought to the role rather than what was missing – things the trustees regularly said yet somehow I didn’t hear. In the event I was confident they would approve my appointment as permanent CEO, and that felt really good.

With Katie’s support, those successes have been regular moments through the year.

It’s interesting to look back at a couple of points when things became more difficult and I really struggled. Then Katie encouraged me to use my shorter ‘Critical Comrade’ coaching calls. These insightful calls usually have me splurging in a very un-me way. Katie is very good, first at listening while I download, and then at helping me get a plan clear in my mind. Each time these conversations readied me for whatever came next. Each time I’ve come away feeling something has changed or transitioned. Each time things have worked out, and worked out pretty well. Without the download I suspect I’d still be swirling around.

One of the big successes I have had at work was agreeing the Foundation’s first strategy, with a new mission and vision! 

Katie has helped me settle into a belief in myself and encouraged me to be really clear and intentional which has helped make each step happen. The other thing she encouraged was to hold things a little more lightly, allowing other people around me to take their responsibilities. I realise now I don’t have to do or be able to do everything – that’s been transformative.

It seems so simple when I talk about it now. But honestly, getting me from A to B over the last year has not been simple at all. I’ve been very grateful for Katie’s support in it.

I respond really well to being able to speak out into situations and getting it out of my head and into the air has made such  a big difference. Having Katie as my coach allowing me to do that has had a tangible impact on the success of this year.

If I hadn’t worked with Katie I wouldn’t have the tools to get myself to stop, to step back, regroup, and start again. Somehow, Katie helps me climb down from the sense of panic, some of the unhelpful emotion, and just settle things. Her responsiveness to what works for me, adapting and flexing has been brilliant. Affirmation and encouragement with the occasional firm dose of accountability work perfectly for me, and she’s such a cheerleader!

So yes, coaching has been unimaginably helpful . Katie has a great energy and belief in leaders who really want to make something valuable happen and to create an impact. It’s more than just ‘making a difference’. It’s about living out who you are as a person and bringing your whole person into that environment. She embraces all of that.

It’s a great opportunity to work with someone who holds a lot of the same values as, as I do and, and as the sector does. And I think that’s really powerful.”

Sarah Gosling

Chief Executive, Central Foundation Schools for London