An invitation to be seen & heard...
My work as a professional coach has evolved over more than twenty years to recognise the importance of being present in our lives in mind, body and heart. Our sophisticated world can undermine the simplicity of real listening instead of paying attention to what matters most. A coaching conversation can allow you to gradually uncover your own core motivations and take some steps towards the life you want.
We can work together virtually or in person- the choice is yours. Where possible it can be liberating to walk outside, especially in a green or wooded place, which freshens the thinking environment. Wherever the conversation happens I will listen to you with infinite care; with interest, respect and an open mind.
WORDS
I don’t take your words
Merely as words.
Far from it.I listen
To what makes you talk-
Whatever that is –
And me listen.SHINIKICHI TAKAHASHI
About Angie
Born in an Anglo-Irish mining community in South Yorkshire, England, I moved to Ireland with my young family in 1994. Recent naturalisation as an Irish citizen means I now share the same nationality as my two sons. It also brings a sense of squaring the circle with my Irish forebears: the diaspora of Connaught and Munster.Following a number of enjoyable HR roles in the NHS, relocation to Ireland witnessed a change in direction. I was drawn to make a gradual transition, first into lecturing (with UCC, NCI and the IITD), and then into facilitation and coaching. I have now been working in this privileged space for around twenty five years. It is always enjoyable and interesting.
Accreditations
Originally an English Graduate, I qualified in HRM in the 80’s and then completed a Masters in HRM with NCI in 2001. I am qualified via the British Psychological Society to use a wide cross-section of psychometric tools, and specialise in delivering 360 feedback either through the KF 360 or via AIMS (Ashridge Inventory of Management Skills). I am passionate about the Myers Briggs Type Indicator and its value in fostering recognition and respect; both in self and others. I have extensive experience of using the MBTI with individuals in the area of leadership development and team dynamics, as well as for young adults seeking direction.
As a professional Coach, and founding member of the Association for Coaching (Ireland) lifelong learning is tremendously important to me, and I seek both formal and informal opportunities to develop myself on an ongoing basis. I have engaged regularly with the same Coaching Supervisor for the last fourteen years, which has been an invaluable source of insight in the development of my practice. The most incisive learning of all comes from working with my clients.
Specific Coaching Experience
I have been fortunate enough to coach with a very broad range of clients, who have referred to me privately or been sponsored by their organisations. Coaching conversations have varied significantly: the challenges of taking up a new role; work or life direction; the return to work following full time parenting or illness; young adults seeking direction, as well as people preparing for the transition to retirement. Alongside designing and delivering bespoke leadership development programmes for Irish SME’s, I am a long-term Adjunct Coach and facilitator for UK based Ashridge (now Hult International Business School) . I have been continuously involved in cutting edge leadership development programmes for international clients since 1999.
Geography is not a barrier to coaching: I have always worked with clients based throughout Europe, the US, Asia and Africa, connecting via phone, MS Teams, Skype and zoom. Where possible I prefer to meet people in person, as this can enhance the learning experience as well as the impact of embodied leadership.
"I’m so fortunate to have Angie as my coach during the SMP. She has a genuine passion for helping people and it showed during our interactions”
A CRH Leader
- taking part in the Strategic Management Programme, hosted by Ashridge/Hult
Personal Balance
My own path to balancing mind, body and heart is achieved through friends, music and literary fiction. With the inspiration of a marvellous yoga teacher, I eventually developed a daily yoga practice, which combined with dog walking in the wilds of Wicklow, brings great inspiration and joy in all seasons and weathers!
Life Coaching
Life coaching is an opportunity to pause and take stock of what matters most, as well as safe space for you to be heard and explore life's possibilities.
Some years ago I asked a coaching client if he felt he was at a crossroads in his life. He replied:
“No Angie, I am on a roundabout. I am going round and round, looking at all the different exits and I have no idea which one to take.”
Engaging with Life Coaching provides an opportunity to pause and get off that dizzying roundabout. As I listen to you, so you can come to recognize yourself and feel seen and heard. In our conversations we can gently uncover what it is that you really want and need, and how you can start to take some small steps towards that in your life.
How I Work
Life coaching typically involves four ninety minute sessions, spread over a time period to suit you. Where possible we will try to work in person and in an outdoor space. There is a sliding scale of fees, depending on your employment status and we can discuss this in an (on line) introductory chat which is free of charge….
"I have really enjoyed and derived huge benefits from working with Angie over the past year, both professionally and personally. Angie has this great knack of putting you at your ease and making you feel very relaxed talking about yourself and your experiences. She is a really excellent listener."
Colum Flanagan
Health Claims Manager, Friends First
The Road Not Taken
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;Then took the other, just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I –
I took the one less travelled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Robert Frost
Corporate Offering
In the arena of leadership development I offer a range of services.
Tailored Leadership Development Programmes
Experience built up over many years of coaching and facilitating on high end programmes for Ashridge (now Hult International Business School) has equipped me to design and deliver interventions specifically tailored for your company. These range from the top team down and can include Myers Briggs, 360 Feedback, workshops and executive coaching. Your organisation could be eligible for funding from Skillnet in this space, especially if you are an SME planning to scale.
"Angie worked hard with me at the outset to really define what it was that I wanted to do. Through careful listening and questioning Angie helped me to clarify what particular behaviours should be given most focus. Thereafter Angie worked within this framework to support the Team Leaders with one-to-one coaching and some group work."
Sean Hegarty
Senior Manager, ESB
Executive Coaching
This typically spans six to eight ninety minute sessions, spread out over about a year. Your manager is likely to be involved in an initial three way conversation at the start, to agree some learning objectives . The sessions will take place away from your workplace, and if we can in an outdoor space to freshen the thinking environment. The sessions are confidential and have absolutely no reference back to your employer.
"Angie facilitates the journey to a higher state of self-awareness and appreciation of one’s own style. The coaching process, or journey, was enjoyable but also challenging. The out of office sessions are relaxed and Angles style certainly facilitates openness and trust."
Team Leader
ESB
360 Feedback
This can occur in the context of coaching, as part of a programme, or simply as a way to enhance your own self-awareness. It can be hugely powerful and developmental when delivered well. I specialize in delivering feedback, either through the KF 360 or AIMS (Ashridge Inventory of Management Skills). The report is completely confidential.
"I first started working with Angie as part of an internal development programme, during a period of personal career growth surrounded by business uncertainty. Angie helped me put my new and growing responsibilities in perspective with the capabilities and strengths that a 360 feedback report had identified. This enabled me to step up to the various challenges I was facing, and provided a voice (or ear!) of sanity when I needed it."
Matt Boss
Global VP, Mainstream Renewable Power
Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
I have been qualified to use this Jungian tool for over twenty years and am passionate about it’s potential to foster self-awareness, both for individuals and groups. It can be used in organisations as well as for personal growth.
"Personally, I found that my sessions with Angie have been hugely influential in my decision to change career path. Having originally graduated in Business, and then having subsequently worked in a corporate environment, I often felt as though my personality was not well suited to its surroundings. Through Angie’s sessions and her use of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, I developed a greater understanding of my personality, and areas of work to which I may be better equipped to work in."
David Bellew
Postgraduate Student
Team Coaching & Development
I have extensive experience working with teams for self-awareness and growth. We can use the MBTI, or if preferred, a more open team coaching format.
"Having worked with Angie for the best part of a year, I found her to be very understanding of the needs of me and my team. Angie’s unique ability to listen, assess our development needs and work with me and my team resulted in an excellent individual and team coaching programme."
John Quane
Senior Manager, ESB
I Have Worked With
