More about me

Hi, I’m Dr. Claire Handby.

I’m an executive coach, a mentor, and someone who’s spent over 25 years walking alongside leaders as they navigate change, growth, and the occasional identity crisis that comes with both.

I’ve been lucky enough to spend much of my career in the thick of it – 15 years in Big 4 consulting (EY, Deloitte, and KPMG), plus 10 years before that inside large infrastructure organisations. I’ve helped lead the kind of major transformations that involve complicated stakeholders, tight deadlines, ambitious KPIs, and just a touch of chaos.

Now I work directly with senior leaders who are dealing with everything from organisational overhauls to “what next?” moments. You might be stepping into a bigger role, plotting an exit, leading a tricky change programme, or trying to get your board to focus on something other than the next fire. Wherever you are, I bring structure, perspective, and a calm, practical presence to help you cut through the noise and lead with more clarity, confidence and (dare I say it?) sanity.

I’m not here to tell you what to do – you’ve got enough people doing that already. I’m here to help you think better, ask sharper questions, and reconnect with what actually matters to you and your leadership.

I’m a professionally accredited coach (ICF, EMCC, AEC Diploma) and a Visiting Professor at the University of Salford, where they were kind enough to award me an Honorary Doctorate – possibly for surviving decades in transformation work with my sense of humour intact.

If you’re looking for a coach who gets the pressures of leading in complex environments, speaks plain English, and won’t raise an eyebrow when you say “I’m not sure I want to do this anymore,” then we should talk.

 

book a discovery call

 

Let’s have a chat to get started

Why work with me?

Working with me means you’ll gain:

Clarity in Complexity

I help you cut through the noise to make confident, strategic decisions.

Trusted Support

I offer discreet, confidential coaching grounded in integrity and real-world experience.

Leadership That Lasts

Together, we build authentic presence and long-term resilience.

Actionable Insight

I draw on proven methods that work in demanding, complex environments.

Tangible Growth

Whether you’re scaling, pivoting, or preparing for what’s next, I help you move forward with purpose.

I’ve supported clients across media (BBC), healthcare (NHS), insurance (Munich Re), infrastructure, and beyond. My coaching offers a blend of structure, challenge, and compassion to help you lead with clarity and confidence on your terms.

Testimonials

“Claire provided excellent space, advice and insight for me to think through and consider my future career path. She provided guidance I never would have thought of without her support.”

Vice Principal - Further Education College.

“I was approaching a significant life milestone, and the company I worked for was undergoing a reorganisation. Through Claire's coaching, I was able to untangle the many hurdles that I was facing, build an action plan, and see a clear way to reach my goals. I can't recommend her highly enough.”

Senior Leader - IT Transformation.

“Claire listened, understood me, and made me feel completely human in what I was experiencing. She reassured me, and her ability to give affirmations in the moment is brilliant! Seriously — you have changed my life by walking side by side with me.”

Director - Big 4.

“Claire crossed the river of doubt and fear with me, allowing me time for the many stepping stones of consideration that transpired, and I was able to make the transition. Claire has a very caring nature, and I could clearly feel she was rooting for me.”

Partner - Big 4.

“Claire listened with a clear understanding of how the system works, having been part of this environment for many years. Through specific questioning in a confidential environment, she allowed me to map out how to use my own re- sources and influence to create a roadmap to promotion.”

Manager - Big 4.

Let’s start with a conversation.

Book a discovery call to explore what would support you best right now, or fill in the form below and I’ll be in touch.

     

    I love a good chat, let’s start the ball rolling