Amanda Ridings

I am an APECS accredited executive coach, and am accredited as a coach supervisor by The Coaching Supervision Academy. A former Director of Finance, I work with senior leaders from business and public services. My style is incisive and exacting yet supportive, guided by an instinct for systemic patterns and the 'nub' of an issue.

About me

After a career that spanned trading swaps and derivatives in 'The City' and being a Director of Finance in the NHS, I established my executive coaching and consultancy practice in 1998. As an astute and seasoned coach, I'm incisive and exacting whilst being warm and supportive. I have a well-honed instinct for systemic patterns and the 'nub' of an issue. I aim to ask bold and probing questions whilst respecting your professionalism and experience.

The signatures of my leadership development work include navigating complexity, thinking systemically, and fostering the conditions for dialogue and reflective practice. My practice is profoundly shaped by my martial arts experiences, where the impact of pressure on the somatic system is obvious: it compromises our ability to be composed and skilful. Where appropriate, I use embodied approaches to assist clients to develop greater capacity to handle highly-charged situations with resilience and poise.

About you

As a prospective client, you're likely to be working in a leadership role where the challenges are complex and your environment is uncertain, dynamic and demanding. You need to influence colleagues with divergent priorities and differing styles, while remaining whilst calmly true to your own values and concerns. You're curious about the effect of your leadership style on the performance of those around you, and expect executive coaching to provide purposeful time and space for you to air what's on your mind and consider how to proceed.

Working together

We'll develop an alliance that builds our capacity for dialogue and thinking together. Each session will offer a rare breathing space for gaining perspective and thinking creatively about your leadership practice.

You shape our work by outlining situations that test or perplex you, such as a vexing relationship, intractable problem or ethical dilemma. Working flexibly, we'll explore the conditions that gave rise to the presenting issue and examine your part in it. As you gain insight into the unintended consequences of your leadership practice, we'll consider changes you might make for the longer term.

In fast-paced and performance-driven settings, I'll encourage you to create more time to reflect and to reach beyond the obvious, enhancing the quality of your leadership choices.

Options?

Coaching dialogues can take place on the 'phone or face-to-face (including an option for walking sessions) ? we'll find a pattern that suits you. I also offer individual 'retreats' and longer coaching encounters for deeper reflection and replenishing leadership spirit.

To find out more?

Visit my website: www.originate.org.uk
Phone me: 07568 902955
Read my award-winning book: Pause for Breath: bringing the practices of mindfulness and dialogue to leadership conversations.

What my clients say?

My executive coaching clients span chief executives, directors and senior leaders in public services and in both small and multi-national business settings. They've had a variety of backgrounds, such as finance, IT, HR, sales, communications, engineering, academia and law.

'In a complex, political environment coaching helped me to analyse the 'big picture' as well as providing practical tools for influencing others. Amanda demonstrated great insight and wisdom in the way she challenged and encouraged me. I gained the confidence and skills to achieve goals I didn't think were possible.' Executive Director, Public Services.

'I felt encouraged to believe, to act, to be brave.' Entrepreneur.

'Coaching coincided with a critical period as I made the transition from research group leader to heading up a larger structure. I was close to 'jumping ship'. Amanda explored my strengths and areas where I was less confident. As we worked through some difficult issues, I realized the reasons I wanted to leave were within. So I addressed them.' Professor, Russell Group University.