Executive Coaching

"I work in a frenetic industry but the actual job itself can be quite solitary so it was very useful and important to have a sounding board to help me develop my business and client base.

Richard Wood has an understanding of the financial sector though is unrelated to it. This allowed a wider perspective and different ideas that I found very helpful. The approach was very in depth and not broad brush at all which allowed me to develop my thoughts and ideas. At times it could be perceived as very direct and this was helpful as it forced me to think things through. That I was expected to follow up completely from one meeting to the next and that agreed time scales were applied prevented me from procrastinating. This made me more accountable and helped me to prioritise what was of importance in relation to what I wanted to achieve. Richard's thoroughness meant I wasn't able to pull the wool over his eyes! My application of the plans agreed has enabled me to exceed the goals I set."

Sarah Hughes - Senior Partner - St James Place Partnership

I am involved currently in a division undergoing significant change and I wanted a mentor to help me develop strategic ideas and to improve my communication. Richard and I have worked together over five months and during that time he has provided focused development that has been tailored to my needs and entirely practical. He is a very supportive and experienced mentor.

Richard has provided practical support in completing the development programme. He has helped me improve my communication skills and my relationships with people I previously found difficult.

Senior IT Manager

Richard Wood has provided mentoring and coaching support for me on a number of business and personal issues. Through his skilful use of questions, Richard is able to help provide clarity and focus to the discussion and then present back some options for me to consider.

His experience means that he brings a 'bigger picture' thinking to an issue and provides very practical help and advice. He is prepared to be honest and has high integrity, which has meant at times that he has had to deliver some difficult messages. His perspective means that he is able to see and help me see the 'crux of the problem'.

I found the following particularly helpful:

• Contracting how we will work together.
• Use of questions, summarising and presenting back the information.
• Thinking strategically and how the issue relates to other problems.
• Strong commercial focus and an understanding of how different finance companies work.

I am pleased that Richard offers advice and suggestions. The mind maps worked very well for me especially when we were preparing for the Brand Presentation. He has the ability to 'lift the fog and bring light to the issue', providing me with the clear direction I need. He has high standards and always raises the benchmark which is good. He has a good sense of humour which helps me.

Nia Parry, Standard Life.