Meet our Executive Coach, Shelly Evans

As part of our Leading Growth programme, delegates receive 3 Executive Coaching sessions. We are very lucky to have an Executive Coach, Shelly Evans, as part of our team.

In our latest Q&A, we caught up with Shelly to find out more about her coaching journey, and what exactly is Executive Coaching. 

How long have you been an Executive Coach?

I have been coaching since 2006, and an Executive Coach for the last five years.

How did you get into coaching?

I didn't wake up one morning and decide ‘Today, I will be an Executive Coach’. Initially, in 2005/6 the organisation I was working for at the time was delivering training and development for the NHS merger in Swansea/Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend. I was asked to attend a coaching development programme delivered by Worth Consulting. As a facilitator delivering the Change Management and Leadership development programme, the aim was that I would then be equipped to Coach individuals and teams through the change, and merger. I have been coaching ever since!

What sectors have you worked in?

I have worked across most sectors including health, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, education, sales and marketing. I have worked with clients from most European Countries, as well as the UAE, Japan, China and Australia. I have travelled and worked overseas and believe it is hugely beneficial to be aware of cultural differences, and appreciate these when Executive Coaching.

What exactly is executive coaching?

There are many different definitions of coaching and executive coaching. To understand executive coaching, we first need to know what coaching is. I like to use the International Coaching Federation definition of coaching;

‘a partnership with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential’

Executive Coaching is a relationship between the coach and coachee. There is no third-party influence or sharing of information with the sponsoring organisation, manager, human resources department or business owners.

Executive coaching is a tool used to support the development of leaders through one-to-one conversations. The coaching can be used to help facilitate a blockage, a blind spot, developing awareness of self, emotional triggers, development areas and strengths. Executive Coaching develops our leadership ability, our personal strengths and mental resilience.

How do the ION coaching sessions work?

The coaching sessions on the ION programme are over three sessions, with an introductory meet and greet, over Zoom nowadays. Coachees will receive a contract explaining that no information is shared with any of the ION team, Swansea University, Welsh Government or any other third parties.

If you want to find out more about our upcoming Leading Growth programmes, which incorporate Executive Coaching as part of the programme, visit our courses page.