Working with people has taught me that who they are is more important than what they do.
So a little about me. Born in a council estate in leafy Surrey, England. I managed to stay on at school and then went to the University of Bath. The first in my immediate family (thanks mum and dad!)
With a degree in Economics (2:1) I left university to work in London, taking a job working for a corporate subsidiary of Barclays Bank. I was amongst older people who had rudimentary PC skills and so progressed rapidly as they needed me to produce cashflows and tax forecasts.
They needed me for what I could do, rather than for who I am and as loyalty is an important value of mine, I stayed there too long. After nearly 10 years I broke free, and retrained in to what I am good at, people. I did this via a Master’s degree at Warwick Business School and became a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
Thanks to a lovely person, Jim Brooks I was given the opportunity to gain HR experience working in the automotive division of Chubb Security plc and then Dunlop Tyres Ltd. Jim taught me so much, about business, how to communicate effectively and how to be a positive and caring person.
I then took my first managerial position with Anthony Collins Solicitors, in Birmingham, to set up there first formal HR function. I learnt so much about people and leadership and discovered my talent and interest in coaching and development. Again I was helped on my way, by significantly talented people (especially Martin Knox (RIP)) who gave me space and permission to develop an HR function that was focused on relationships and trust. It is amazing what we are capable of, if others show they believe in you!
During my adult life, I have been working my way North in the UK. There is no bad judgement on being a ‘Southerner’ just that I like a sense of community and continuity and there seems to more time for people the further North you live.
I live rurally in Northern Ireland close to the Mourne Mountains and Irish Sea. I have discovered a deep love of nature, the countryside and gardening. I grow a lot of fruit and vegetables.
Gardening has taught me so much about coaching. How to be patient, how to work with the weeds (knowing I can’t beat them), the joy in seeing a seed germinate and breakthrough the soil, how looking after the soil is the best way to look after the plants, etc. Also how to pay attention, be appreciative, peaceful and full of hope.
What others have said about me in 2025
“… a delight to know and work with”
“You made me think deeply”
“Thank you for your abundant kindness and the gentle humour”
“Your ability to speak from the heart will inspire others to reconnect with what really matters in life..”
Older comments which I value
“There is no one like you. You see me in ways that others miss, and help me believe in my potential”
“He helped me understand my patterns of thinking and behaving in certain situations, and how to create new ones. Really helpful!”
“Chris is gifted. He has the ability to clearly see the patterns of behaviours in people and teams that others are not even aware of!
“Chris is easy to talk to and takes the time to listen and understand where you are trying to get to. His support has been invaluable and insightful over many years and challenges.”
I am:
- Master NLP practitioner.
- Accredited Executive Coach and Member of the Association for Coaching.
- Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development.
- Licensed facilitator in Stephen Covey’s, ‘Seven Habits of Highly Effective People’