Life has a way of presenting us with profound challenges and transformative opportunities. My decision to transition into a career as a leadership, life transition and career coach was born out of my own journey through significant challenges in life and self-discovery, combined with an strong desire to align my professional life with my personal values and aspirations.
A Journey Through Change
Born in Paris, my life has taken me across continents, from France to Spain, Mauritius, the Comoro Islands, Morocco, and ultimately, the UK. These experiences, coupled with fluency in French, English, and Spanish, have given me a unique appreciation for diverse cultures and human experiences. But my journey wasn’t merely geographical—it was deeply personal and often fraught with challenges that required resilience, self-reflection, and adaptability.
As a gay man, I faced the complexities of embracing my identity while navigating societal stigma, particularly in professional settings. In 2015, my life was further upended by a prostate cancer diagnosis, a battle that reshaped my priorities and uncovered new passions. The subsequent years brought depression, another cancer diagnosis, and two redundancies, all of which tested my resolve. Yet, these trials also made possible a path toward growth, healing, and a desire to help others.
From Corporate Leader to Personal Guide
Before deciding to become a coach, I spent over 30 years in senior leadership roles, including positions as CFO and Network Director. I managed teams, led transformative projects, and orchestrated complex change programmes across industries such as manufacturing, retail, energy, and technology. These experiences honed my understanding of organisational dynamics and human potential, but they also revealed the importance of aligning professional aspirations with personal values.
In 2025, I took a bold step to leave the corporate world and begin a new chapter as an executive coach. This decision wasn’t made lightly; it was a culmination of my desire to create meaningful impact, both in my community and in society.
Enrolling in the Optimus Coach Academy Professional Coach Diploma programme was my way of formalising this commitment, combining my leadership expertise with evidence-based coaching methodologies to guide others through their own changes. I am very excited to embark on this new chapter in my professional and personal life.
My Experience with Cancer and Advocacy
My journey through prostate cancer was a defining moment that taught me resilience, hope, and the importance of community. Since my recovery, I have partnered with Prostate Cancer UK to raise awareness by sharing my story and serving as a role model for others facing similar challenges. Through these efforts, I aim to inspire and support those navigating the physical and emotional complexities of cancer. My coaching practice further serves as a platform to share my experiences of personal and professional recovery and rebuilding, offering insights and strategies for others to thrive.
Personality Traits That Support My Coaching Journey
Key to my ability to thrive in this new career are the traits and motivations I have developed over my lifetime:
- Empathy and Inclusivity: My personal experiences have given me a deep understanding of the challenges others face, particularly those navigating identity, health, and career changes. I strive to create a safe and inclusive space for clients to explore their potential.
- Resilience and Adaptability: Having rebuilt my life multiple times, I bring a practical, solution-focused approach to coaching, helping clients overcome obstacles and seize new opportunities.
- Creativity and Curiosity: Through pottery and street photography, I’ve discovered the healing power of creativity. These passions inspire me to encourage clients to explore new perspectives and embrace change.
- Commitment to Growth: My lifelong learning mindset and dedication to personal development empower me to guide others toward meaningful and sustainable transformation.
Aligning Career with Values and Life Priorities
This career change is not only about professional fulfilment but also about honouring my values and responsibilities. I wanted to find a path that would allow me to make a difference in people’s lives while accommodating my personal commitments.
Additionally as my parents enter their later years, I recognise the importance of flexibility in my professional life to be present for them.
Coaching offers me the perfect balance: a way to contribute meaningfully to others while maintaining the adaptability required to support my family.
Making a Difference Through Coaching
At the heart of my work is a desire to help others rebuild, renew, and thrive. Career changes, whether prompted by life or health challenges, or personal discoveries, can be daunting. My mission is to guide individuals through these crossroads, equipping them with the tools and confidence to embrace new possibilities.
The Growing Need for Awareness and Adaptation
As we look toward 2035, cancer diagnoses are expected to rise significantly, with younger people increasingly affected by the disease. According to Cancer Research UK and other health organisations, global cancer cases are projected to rise by approximately 60% between 2020 and 2035. In the UK specifically, cancer cases are projected to increase from about 384,000 per year (2019-2021 figures) to 506,000 by 2035. This shift will demand that companies and society adapt to support those impacted, both directly and indirectly.
Through my coaching practice and advocacy work, I aim to raise awareness of these challenges and propose practical approaches for organisations to foster environments that are inclusive, supportive, and prepared to address the needs of individuals navigating cancer and its aftermath.
Through coaching, I aim to foster resilience, inspire growth, and empower people to align their careers and lives with their values. It’s a calling that resonates deeply with my own journey and one that allows me to contribute positively to my community and beyond.
A Life of Fulfilment
Today, alongside my coaching practice, I advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion and share insights on mental health and personal growth. I continue to find joy in creativity, nature, and community, living with my husband, Mark, and our two rescue dogs. My personal and professional lives are now intertwined in a way that brings me fulfilment, purpose, and the ability to make a meaningful difference.
This is my story of transformation—a journey that has led me to a career where I can truly make an impact. If you are standing at your own crossroads, I would be honoured to guide you through the next steps of your journey.
Ready to Explore Your Path Forward?
Let’s connect for a complimentary 45-minute coaching session where you can share your story and challenges in a supportive, confidential space. Together, we’ll discuss how coaching could help you achieve your goals and create the meaningful changes you’re seeking. Book your free discovery call today – no obligation, just an opportunity to explore possibilities.
