Stories

I worked in professional services in London for over 20 years, where I built a career in sales and marketing, including serving on Executive Committees. Based in London, my roles have always been international. I enjoyed working with colleagues and clients across different countries, cultures and languages and appreciated the cultural nuances whilst building strong relationships globally.

During my corporate career, I was involved in and led Women’s and DEIB networks, where I met some incredible coaches. These experiences gave me a fresh perspective on how to support teams and leaders more effectively and sparked my interest in learning more about coaching.

Initially, I wanted to strengthen my leadership approach and become a better leader. Over time, that evolved into combining my corporate experience with my passion for coaching by founding my own business, Hikaru Coaching Ltd.

I saw the positive impact of various coaches when I worked with them on women’s and DEIB network events in my corporate role. It felt like I had discovered a missing piece in helping people perform at their best, and it made me want to learn more about how I could better support employees and colleagues at that stage.

My former coach mentioned Coaching Development to me and I have never looked back!  I feel incredibly lucky to be part of the CD alumni community, and for the coaches I have met and the friends I have made along the way.

My coaching journey has very much been one of discovery. I didn’t expect to learn as much about myself as I did about coaching others.

We had a wonderful group of curious, thoughtful and engaged students in both the Professional Coaching Skills and Developing Mastery courses which made the experience extra special. 

I have been especially impressed by the generosity of Colin, Isy, and the wider team, who gave their time, encouragement, and feedback throughout the courses. That support has continued beyond the diploma through peer coaching in the Coaching Circles, Goldfish Bowls, and Alumni Days, all of which have helped deepen my learning and reconnected me with my peer coaches. The quality of teaching and CD’s courses are second to none.

Today I work as a Consultant and Coach in Leadership Coaching, Career Coaching and Performance Coaching. Given my background in business development and marketing in financial services, I work with many clients in the City who value my understanding of the sector, the market, and the pressures faced by firms and their employees.

At the same time, I enjoy working with a wide range of people and organisations, including my former university, UCL, and its teachers and students, the charity New Ways operating in Africa, and MotherLink, which supports young mothers returning to work.

In addition to my private clients, I am also an associate coach for two organisations. I love being part of the team and these partnerships give me the opportunity to widen my exposure to other sectors and keep a finger on the pulse in the City.

What are my main take-aways?

• Practice, practice, practice … you never stop learning 
• It will get easier but it will never be easy
• Go for it - It is the best thing I have ever done!

Course History

• Professional Coaching Skills Spring 2019
• Developing Mastery Spring 2025