A little about me
Hi, I’m Nicky
Thank you for visiting my website.
If you are here, you may be facing a challenge, an important decision or simply need space to think more clearly.
If so, you are in the right place.
Throughout my career, as a social worker, senior leader and now professional coach, one thing has remained constant...
I have always believed that people achieve more when they feel heard, valued and are given the space to think for themselves.
With more than 30 years of leadership experience across health and care, together with professional coaching accredited through Henley Business School, I understand both the reality of leading through uncertainty and the value of having someone alongside you who will listen without judgement.
Helping people discover what is already possible is not just my profession, it is my purpose.
Read My Story
I was a confident, curious child, often reminded to stop talking, and once even found myself on stage during a pantomime, that I wasn't a part of.
As I grew older, I found it harder to feel that I belonged. Looking back, I now understand that part of this was trying to make sense of who I was, long before I had the language or confidence to express it.
What made the greatest difference was learning that I did not need to have all the answers. I just needed others to believe in me.
One experience has stayed with me throughout my life...
During a youth camping trip whilst on a work placement, one child stood alone, too anxious to join in. I simply started a ball game with her. Gradually, others joined us and by the end of the trip, she had become part of the wider group. When we returned to school, I watched her confidence grow, new friendships develop and her willingness to get involved flourish.
That moment has stayed with me, not because of the activity itself, but because it showed me what becomes possible when someone feels included, valued and believed in.
It continues to shape the way I work today.
The leaders who shaped me
I have been fortunate to work with leaders who influenced my own development in different ways.
One manager encouraged me to step beyond my comfort zone, believing in me before I fully believed in myself. She gave me opportunities that felt daunting but always provided the support and encouragement I needed to grow.
Another leader taught me the power of kind, constructive feedback. He challenged my thinking without diminishing my confidence, helping me recognise both what I was doing well and what I could do differently.
Those experiences continue to shape my approach as a leader and as a coach.
I believe people develop best in environments built on trust, kindness and encouragement, free from judgement.
My leadership journey
Leadership has given me the privilege of supporting people through complexity, change and uncertainty.
One of the defining periods of my career was leading through the COVID-19 pandemic. Making difficult decisions while supporting teams working under sustained pressure.
What stayed with me most wasn’t the operational challenge, it was the people and their resilience, commitment and humanity. It was the patients waiting for care, the teams wondering whether they were doing enough.
Those experiences reinforced something I still believe today...
The best thinking rarely comes from moving faster, it comes from creating the space to think differently.
Whether leading transformation, supporting services or coaching individuals, I have always believed meaningful change begins with understanding what truly matters.
My philosophy
Over the years, I have realised that people rarely need someone to rescue them.
More often, they need someone who will listen without judgement, help them make sense of their thinking and give them the confidence to take their own next step.
That is the role I feel privileged to play.
Helping people think more clearly isn’t simply what I do, it is why I do it.
How I work
People often tell me they leave our conversations feeling lighter, not because everything has been solved, but because things feel clearer.
I listen deeply, pay attention to both what is said and what is not.
I notice patterns, reflect observations and ask thoughtful questions that help people hear their own thinking more clearly.
Together, we create the space for clarity, confidence and practical next steps.
I don’t give advice, I help people think.
Professional background
- Over 30 years’ leadership across health and social care
- Qualified Social Worker
- Professional Coach, Henley Business School
- EMCC Accredited Coach (Associate)
- Graduate of the NHS Nye Bevan Leadership Programme
- Extensive experience in operational leadership, transformation and system working
A little about me
Outside work, I value time with family and friends. I enjoy meaningful conversation, being outdoors and creating space to reflect.
I have learnt that some of our best thinking happens when we slow down.
Perhaps that is why I value coaching so deeply.
It creates the opportunity to pause, notice what really matters and move forward with greater confidence and purpose.
If this resonates…
Whether you are navigating a leadership challenge, considering your next career move, facing a personal transition or simply looking for someone to think alongside you, I would be delighted to meet you.
Let’s start with a conversation.
Arrange a complimentary introductory conversation.
Book a discovery conversation.
CreightonYoung Coaching & Development
What clients say about me
I have had the privilege of working with Nicky as both a coach, co- facilitator, a co-supervisor and commissioner of work. She is one of the most thoughtful and skilful practitioners I’ve worked alongside.
Nicky has a rare ability to listen deeply, really hearing what sits beneath the words and this creates an immediate sense of trust and psychological safety for the people she works with. Drawing on extensive senior leadership experience within complex health environments, Nicky brings a rich level of insight and contextual understanding to her coaching. This depth allows her to help coachees make meaningful connections, see their challenges with fresh clarity, and grow in ways that feel grounded and achievable. Nicky is highly experienced and her broad coaching repertoire means she adapts her style effortlessly to get the very best from every coachee. She is just as impactful supporting someone at the beginning of their career as she is working with those in senior executive roles. I trust her completely. She is a wise, compassionate and skilful coach who creates a genuinely safe space for people to think, reflect, and move forward with confidence.
Anyone choosing to work with Nicky will be in very capable hands.
Mel Richardson. Head of Cultural Transformation.
The sessions have given me a space to pause and reflect on a very difficult work situation and how to respond to it. The most valuable thing I have taken from the sessions has been to remember the importance of being true to myself, no matter how difficult the situation. If I always act with integrity I can’t go wrong.
Thank you for all your support – you really have helped me to stay sane and grounded. Without you we may not have got our clinical supervision up and running again. And thank you for keeping me focused on ensuring I follow usual processes, no matter what is happening.
Carolyn Price, NHS Senior Practitioner.
Nicky is a unique coach she has the ability to understand where you need to develop in a supportive and non-threatening manner. My skills have developed in areas that were not necessarily my personal priority but on hindsight I appreciate was exactly what I needed. Nicky listens intently and will guide you to your own conclusions whilst pushing you outside what feels comfortable when first presented. It has been a privilege to have coaching and development support with Nicky and I use these skills daily in my working life.
Sarah McLaughlin
Associate Director – Primary Care Services.
Before working with Nicky, I felt overwhelmed and apprehensive about my future career choices and employability. I was struggling to frame my transferrable skills and prioritising areas of importance in promoting work - life balance.
Nicky was patient and supportive Lynn challenged me to consider what was important to me and enabled me to identify my unique selling points, contributing to a plan whereby I could demonstrate these at interview and within recruitment processes.
The biggest breakthrough I had was realising that my skills and expertise were attractive to employers outside the scope of traditional healthcare based industries. That one realisation helped me to focus on my strengths and gave me the confidence to believe in myself.
If you are looking for a coach who helps you uncover what is holding you back, I would recommend Nicky.
Melanie Poulter, Head of Nursing NHS.
Start a conversation today
Telephone: 07715983751
E-mail: nicky.cy@btinternet.com