Meet Sam
Warmth, connection, space, confidence and simplicity
Hello, I'm Sam
I’m an experienced life and leadership coach, and I’ve been working with people through change for more than 15 years.
I’m naturally curious about people. I notice what is being said, what isn’t being said, and sometimes the things that sit underneath the words.
My coaching style is warm, thoughtful and down to earth. I bring structure when it is useful, challenge when it is needed and plenty of space to think.
I don’t believe coaching needs to be complicated. Often, the most useful thing we can do is slow things down, become curious about what is happening and see something from a different perspective.
I care about creating a space where you can be completely yourself — without judgement, expectation or the need to have everything worked out.
My background
My working life has taken a few unexpected turns.
I started out as a zoologist, working in Southern Africa. It was an experience that changed me. Living and working in a very different environment challenged some of my assumptions, smoothed a few of my rough edges and, perhaps without me realising it at the time, shifted my interest from animals to people.
I then spent 14 years with Hays plc, initially leading recruitment teams across the South West in the construction industry. Later, I moved into their education sector, working as a coaching mentor and supporting leaders as they developed into more senior roles.
Eventually, I wanted to create something of my own.
I set up my coaching business in 2013 and have spent the years since working one-to-one with people from many different backgrounds — supporting them through periods of change, challenge, uncertainty and growth.
Those experiences have shaped the coach I am today.
I have learned that people rarely need someone to tell them what to do. More often, they need somewhere safe enough to stop, think and understand themselves differently.
That is the space I aim to create.
Qualifications & professional memberships
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Master NLP Practitioner
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ILM Level 5
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Diploma in Business & Life Coaching
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Certificate in Advanced Personal Development
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BSc (Hons) Zoology, University of Bristol
I am accredited to the Association for Coaching and practise in accordance with their ethical guidelines.
I am also an accredited Member of the ANLP and a member of the UKCPD.
Outside of work...
I live in the Cotswolds with my family and my dog Lila.
I love being outdoors and am probably at my happiest by the lake, fresh from a swim, coffee in hand and having a good natter.
I’m a great believer in curiosity, good conversation and making space for the things that matter.