Professional
Leadership and business experience: I started working in business at 13 years old, in my local ice cream shop and have never really stopped. My last business leadership role before setting up my coaching business in 2003 was as a General Manager of a branch of Borders Books and Music where I was responsible for all store operations, P&L and everything else that makes a 24,000 square foot multi million turnover retail unit work successfully. In this leadership role I really learned the importance of people. Yes, process also really matters. I led a turn around of a failing store in Brighton based on changing many, many unworkable processes but also recruiting and retaining the right people and helping those who didn't fit find something that suited them better.
I'm not just a coach who has been a consultant and knows how to tell people the theory, I've been in the business, dealing with the complexity of fast paced change, customer expectations and fluid workforces. I understand how different leadership theory and practice can be.
Coaching Experience: I started my business in 2003 and since then have worked with hundreds of clients, on their leadership in business and in life. As part of the Executive Education team at London Business School I have worked with leaders in Pharmaceuticals, Banking and Finance, Consultancy, FMCG and Automotive. With University of Edinburgh Business School I teach influencing skills and coach on the MBA programme. I've supported leadership teams in the Arts and Theatre sector, coached the Vice-Chancellor of a UK University, been the Obama Foundations only European Coach and coached the CEO's of charities providing food in Africa. My expertise is people, what motivates us, what stops us and how to understand ourselves and others better in order to really cause the results we all want.
Qualifications
As well as being a Master Certified Coach, I am a bit of a part time academic too. I have a BA and MA in Philosophy, an MSc in Gender, a PGCert in Social and Political Sciences and a Certificate in Counselling and Psychotherapy. Currently, I'm pursuing an MA in Psychosynthesis Psychology and Diploma in Psychosynthesis Counselling further enhancing my ability to guide others on their journey of self-discovery. I'm trained in Executive Coaching, Life Coaching, Ontological Coaching, Organisational Constellations, Internal Family Systems and psychometrics such as Hogan, NEO and EQi. A few years ago I was delighted to have been invited to be a Senior Research Associate at the Intellectual Forum, Jesus College, University of Cambridge.
"Lee Chalmers, more wise friend than guru..."
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Serena Mackesy
The Times
Personal
Self discovery: Even as a child I was fascinated by what life is, how we make meaning from it and what it means to be a human in the most fully expressed and free way. This has inspired my academic studies but also led me to attend many retreats and personal development seminars. I've completed Landmark Educations curriculum, worked on energy management, meditation, dance and deep psychospiritual therapeutic work. I am a seeker, looking for how to free myself, and others, from the limitations our upbringings and societal contexts place on us so we can really understand what is possible for us.
I also understand that the individual is part of a larger system and to change what is possible for humanity we need to work at the societal level too. Practicing what I preach, I expressed my commitment to gender equality by founding Elect Her, a UK-wide social enterprise working to increase the number of women in elected political positions. I also ran for election to the Scottish Parliament in 2016.
My inner work is never done. There is always more to find out about ourselves and more ways in which we can shine, even as we try to reach a contentment with the world as it is. Both of these are important. My happy place is with my beloved dog in the park, watching life emerge all around me.
Whether you're seeking personal growth, professional development, or want support to be a better coach, I'm here to support your journey. Let's work together to unlock your potential and create a life and future that truly resonates with who you are.
