Executive & Leadership Coaching

For senior leaders navigating complexity, transition and change

You're already good at this. But something needs to shift.

You're operating at a level where the problems are real, the stakes are high and the decisions are yours to make. You're balancing competing priorities, managing stakeholder demands and trying to lead change in an environment that doesn't slow down.

And you know surface-level solutions won't cut it. What you need is space to think – and someone who can sit with the complexity alongside you.


What you get

If you’re a senior leader or executive looking for a long-term thinking partner, you’re in the right place. Together, we make sense of complexity, strengthen your judgement and lead change that is sustainable, ethical and effective.

This isn't a coaching programme with a fixed outcome. It's a serious, sustained collaboration built around your specific situation, your values and the change you're trying to lead.

"The coaching had a positive influence flowing right through the organisation and the Board." — CEO, national organisation


What changes

Leaders I work with describe three consistent shifts:

  • Greater clarity and confidence in difficult decisions

  • Less isolation and pressure at the top

  • Real, visible improvements in how their team or organisation functions


My work in numbers

  • 160 CEOs coached over 15+ years

  • Long-term engagements, typically 3–5 years

  • National leadership and governance programmes

  • 60+ internal coaches trained and supervised

  • Work independently evaluated and re-commissioned


Work with me

I offer one-to-one coaching, transition support, strategic leadership programmes and systemic team coaching. All engagements are tailored – there is no off-the-shelf package.

We can work together online or in person in Edinburgh. If you're not sure which type of support fits your situation, start with a conversation.

"Duncan takes a very person-centred approach – we felt listened to and empowered to develop in ways that were essential for the growth of our business. At no point did we feel instructed. I would thoroughly recommend his method of coaching."

  • My work is based on relational coaching, where we form the contract together. This might range from weekly to monthly sessions, in person, or online. Approximately 3 initial sessions will shape the contract.

    Read how my coaching helped the leadership team of a social enterprise here

    Pricing available on request

  • This is a programme designed to support you directly through a period of significant transition. This begins with a ½ day to dig in depth about where you’re at, where you want to be and what is getting in the way. We will then have monthly face to face sessions, together with weekly telephone calls supporting you as you take the actions and make the changes.

  • Monthly session for 6 months.

    This gives you a sounding board for the strategic thinking which will develop your organisation.

    If you are looking for a tailored development program that enables you to shape your role and work through systemic issues this is for you.

  • Team coaching can be a crucial tool for organisations wanting to thrive in the current world of work. With twenty-plus years of experience working within a range of organisations I tailor my coaching to the needs of the team and business. You will receive bespoke support that will lead to:

    • Increased productivity

    • Better strategic outcomes

    • Stronger team culture

    Team coaching will begin with a diagnostic process, from which we will create the best team coaching process to achieve the outcomes you are seeking. This can also include 1:1 sessions with leaders and managers to ensure your team continues to maximise its potential.

    Read here a systemic team coaching example from my work with the top team of a major institution.

Read how my coaching helped the leadership team of a social enterprise here

Read here an example of coaching the executive team of a major Scottish institution


Is this right for you?

This work is best suited to senior leaders carrying significant responsibility — particularly during periods of transition, complexity or pressure.

If you're looking for a thinking partner for the long term, not a quick fix, let’s have a conversation.


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