Why work with Scruffy Leadership?

So, you're thinking about getting a coach, and now you're wondering why you should choose me. It's perfectly valid question. The coaching landscape can feel a bit crowded, and it's important to find someone who's the right fit for you.

Let me tell you a bit about what you can expect if we work together, and how my own values shape my approach.

Firstly, after nearly thirty years in the tech industry, both here in the UK and across the pond in the US, I've seen a thing or two. I've been a software engineer in the trenches, managed and led teams through thick and thin, and experienced the rollercoaster of a startup growing into a global behemoth at Google DeepMind. That experience isn't just a list of job titles on LinkedIn; it's a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that come with leadership in a demanding environment.

My background isn't just technical, though. My academic journey – a Computer Science degree followed by a Master's in Linguistics – has given me a particular way of thinking about problems and communication. It's about understanding the underlying structures, the nuances of language, and how we connect with each other.

But beyond my experience and background, my coaching is deeply rooted in my core values:

• Kindness: I believe that growth and development happen best in an environment of support and understanding. I aim to create a safe and encouraging space where you feel comfortable exploring your challenges and vulnerabilities without judgment. Tough conversations might be necessary, but they will always be delivered with respect and empathy.
• Integrity: You can expect honesty and transparency from me. I will be upfront about what I can and can't offer, and I will always act in your best interests. Trust is fundamental to a coaching relationship, and I am committed to earning and maintaining that trust.
• Mastery: I am a firm believer in continuous learning and the pursuit of excellence. I will bring a commitment to helping you develop your skills and knowledge to the highest level you aspire to. This isn't about quick fixes; it's about building sustainable capabilities.
• Control: Ultimately, your journey is yours. My role is to guide and support, not to dictate. I will empower you to take ownership of your goals and decisions. We will work collaboratively, and you will always be in the driving seat.
• Happiness: While leadership can be challenging, it should also be fulfilling. I believe that a happy and engaged leader is a more effective leader. I will encourage you to consider your well-being and help you find ways to bring more joy and satisfaction to your work.
• Independence: My goal isn't to create a dependency. I want to equip you with the tools, insights, and confidence to navigate your leadership journey independently. Our work together will be focused on building your self-awareness and problem-solving abilities so you can thrive long after our sessions conclude.

If you work with me, you won't get a cookie-cutter approach. Just like "scruffy leadership" itself, my coaching is tailored to your unique situation, challenges, and aspirations. We'll explore what works for you, drawing on my experience and frameworks, but always keeping your individual context in mind.

I won't wave a magic wand and solve all your problems. But I will listen intently, ask challenging questions, offer honest feedback, and help you develop the clarity and confidence to become the best leader you can be. You'll likely find yourself thinking "well, that makes sense" at times, because often the answers are within us, just waiting to be uncovered with the right guidance.

If this approach resonates with you, if you value kindness alongside challenge, and if you're ready to do the work to become a more effective and fulfilled leader, then I would be happy to explore how we might work together. You can reach out to schedule an initial conversation. Let's see if we're a good fit.