Executive Coaching Grounded In
experience & evidence
Helping leaders navigate complexity, make better decisions, and perform at their best.
Who I work with
I coach leaders navigating complexity, uncertainty, and change.
My clients are often stepping into larger leadership roles, leading through periods of organisational change, managing competing demands, or thinking carefully about what comes next in their careers. Many are operating in fast-moving environments where opportunities for honest reflection are limited.
I provide a confidential thinking space to slow down, challenge assumptions, and work through important decisions. My approach is integrative and person-centred, adapting to the needs of each client. Clients leave with greater clarity in their decisions, confidence in how they lead, and resilience they can sustain.
Areas I commonly support clients with
Leaders
Under Pressure
Perform at your best without sacrificing your wellbeing
Women
In Leadership
Lead with confidence and step into the opportunities you’ve earned
Neurodivergent
Leaders
Lead in ways that play to your strengths, energy and thinking style
Leaders
Stepping Up
Develop your leadership presence and trust your own judgement
Leaders Building
Influence
Build influence, gain buy-in and have your voice heard
Leaders
in Transition
Gain clarity on what comes next and move forward with confidence
Why clients choose to work with me
What’s beneath the surface?
I have experienced first-hand the sustained pressure many senior leaders will recognise. Over time, it led to anxiety and burnout, but I tried to keep going. From the outside, everything looked fine. Underneath, the pace was relentless and I was running on empty. Many of the leaders I work with describe something similar.
In coaching, metaphors can help put words to what is difficult to explain. One that often resonates with my experiences is the swan. On the surface, calm, composed, in control. Beneath the water, paddling furiously just to stay afloat. I have been that swan, and so have many of my clients.
My role is to help you perform at your best with less strain beneath the surface. What others see should match how things actually feel.
A reduction lino print by Sarah Cunningham
The swan is also a symbol of transformation and strength. Coaching helps leaders find that strength in themselves, so they can lead with clarity and confidence rather than grit and adrenaline. Not the swan struggling beneath the surface, but the swan standing tall, wings open and ready to take flight.
Qualifications and Accreditations
Academically grounded. Professionally accredited.
MSc Behavioural Science
AoEC Practitioner Graduate
EMCC Accredited
“Sarah cares deeply about my wellbeing and fulfilment as her client. She is the epitome of an active listener – with great empathy and patience …”
“I am very grateful to Sarah for the support she has provided me with via coaching, through some significant career decisions & challenges in a leadership role. The tools she introduced me to genuinely surprised me in what they unveiled about my values and priorities, and greatly helped me through some big career decisions. Sarah cares deeply about my wellbeing and fulfilment as her client. She is the epitome of an active listener – with great empathy and patience, and with the goal being not to solve but to understand..”
Lucy Bowen, Chief Strategy & Education Officer, Leaders for Climate Action
“I will never forget the times she believed in me when I was in doubt about my business …”
“Sarah was not only a role model for me during my early years in entrepreneurship, she was also an inclusive coach who always made me feel heard and seen. She asked thoughtful questions that helped me reflect in new ways, while gently challenging me to stretch beyond my doubts.
The way she combined empathy with thoughtful challenge helped me build greater confidence in my decisions and lead my business more effectively. I will never forget the times she believed in me when I was in doubt about my business. I feel truly lucky to have worked with her and couldn’t recommend her enough.”
Furkan Karayel, Award-winning Entrepreneur, Author & Speaker
“Sarah combines warmth with challenge in a way that stretches your thinking while making you feel fully supported…”
“Sarah’s coaching gave me the space to pause, reflect, and navigate organisational complexity with clarity. During the pandemic, her support helped me balance performance with wellbeing and build confidence as I stepped into bigger roles. Her thoughtful questions opened up new perspectives that were instrumental in my career progression. Sarah combines warmth with challenge in a way that stretches your thinking while making you feel fully supported. I would strongly recommend her as a coach for anyone wanting to grow their leadership while sustaining their wellbeing!”
Rogerio Pitzer, Senior Director, Portfolio / Program Management , HMH
Let’s connect
If you’re looking for a speaker, exploring coaching, or would like to start a conversation, I’d love to hear from you. Every engagement begins with a conversation about what matters most to you and your organisation.
You can reach me by filling out this form, or connect with me on LinkedIn.
With very best wellbeing wishes
Sarah
Your details will only be used to respond to your enquiry and will not be shared with anyone else. See the Privacy and Cookies Policy for more information.
Your details will only be used to respond to your enquiry and will not be shared with anyone else. See the Privacy and Cookies Policy for more information.