Career Coaching & Mentoring for Transition, Advancement & Growth
Make your success inevitable
Let's talkThe key to unlocking your potential
Whether you’re exploring a portfolio career, seeking a better work-life balance, or aiming to overcome the next hurdle in your career advancement, having a strategy is essential to reaching your objectives.
Working with an executive coach or mentor can be a transformative experience for your career, especially in today’s fast-paced and competitive environment. It fosters self-awareness, provides clarity around your goals, supports the creation of actionable plans, and above all, holds you accountable.
45K
hours of coaching delivered globally, every year
96%
of coachees say their sessions have supported their career advancement
93%
of coachees go on to book multiple sessions
Choosing the right route
Coaching or Mentoring?
People often enquire about the distinctions between coaching and mentoring. While these terms are commonly used interchangeably, they signify unique approaches.
Coaching involves unlocking an individual’s potential to boost their performance. Through purposeful dialogues, it aids in goal achievement by asking thought-provoking questions and fostering self-discovery. This structured and time-bound process focuses on cultivating specific skills and personal development, with coaches acting as supportive yet challenging partners.
On the other hand, mentoring establishes a lasting connection where a seasoned individual provides guidance and wisdom to someone less experienced. It involves sharing knowledge, insights, and experiences to nurture the mentee’s professional and personal growth. Mentors offer career guidance, unveil new opportunities, and provide more direct advice compared to coaches.
Both coaching and mentoring hold immense value, but the choice between them hinges on your goals. Coaching is ideal for refining specific skills and fostering personal growth, while mentoring is beneficial for career advancement and gaining industry insights.
Working with a career coach or mentor
The Benefits
Self Awareness & Clarity
Accountability & Support
Motivation & Acceleration
Unbiased & Constructive
Strategy & Evaluation
Confidence & Resilience
Meet the team
Our Coaches & Mentors
Linda Aiyer ICF MCC – UK, Africa & Americas
Area of expertise
Executive Coach and Facilitator
About Linda
Linda fosters a safe, supportive, and collaborative coaching environment that empowers clients to engage in focused thinking, reflective learning, and even unlearning to achieve their personal and professional goals.
She allows space for clients to introspect and deepen their self-understanding while providing valuable insights from a coach’s standpoint. Through these transformative sessions, clients gain fresh perspectives, master vital self-management skills, and build the confidence to take control of their development, unlocking their true potential.
Drawing from a comprehensive toolkit that includes Integral Theory, the Enneagram (Personality Profiling), Relationship and Systems Thinking, Mind-Body Connection, Leadership Maturity Stages, Dare to Lead™ principles and various Personal Mastery models, Linda facilitates profound shifts in client thinking, behaviour, and actions.
With over nine years of experience and more than 2,500 coaching hours, Linda is an international coach who has supported clients across the globe, from Africa and the Middle East to Europe, India, and the U.S. Her diverse clientele ranges from young adults and mid-level managers to senior executives and those transitioning into retirement.
Linda was truly exceptional. The time that I spent with her enabled me to successfully become a director of a brilliant organisation that has changed how I do business. Linda was able to assist me in addressing reality, shifting my mindset, and adapting to achieve my goals. Overall, the experience has already made a valuable difference.
Dr. Ursula Stroh – Asia Pacific
Area of expertise
Executive Coach and Facilitator
About Dr. Ursula
Dr. Ursula Stroh is a strategy and change consultant and trainer with clients from various sectors, with a strong expertise in the tertiary education sector. She holds a Ph.D. in Communication and Change Management in complex environments. Ursula’s academic career stretches back thirty-five plus years at several internationally renowned universities and includes extensive academic management experience, such as Head of School at two universities before she ventured full time into industry.
Former roles include being Senior Change Communication Manager for UNSW and Communications Director at GE ANZ. Ursula also worked for IBM in various roles including Internal Communication Manager and speechwriter for the CEO of IBM ANZ, Change Management Consultant, and Executive Communication Manager for leading brand clients such as Qantas and Westpac.
Throughout her industry career, Ursula has been teaching Leadership and Management part-time as Adjunct Faculty in programmes such as the MBA and General Managers’ programs of AGSM, MGSM, and UTS.
Ursula is certified as a Change practitioner, Leadership and Life Coach, Well-being and human behaviour expert, and Yoga instructor.
Annmarie Higgins ICF, CMI, EMCC – Europe
Area of expertise
Executive Coach and Facilitator
About Annmarie
With over 20 years of experience managing a diverse portfolio career, Annmarie has excelled in consultancy, advisory, facilitation, and coaching roles across international and UK-based organisations. Her trusted advisor relationships make her the go-to expert for many on their journeys to success.
Annmarie is renowned for her engaging and highly interactive approach, offering impactful accredited leadership, management, and coaching programmes and a comprehensive suite of continuing professional development courses. She specialises in executive and team coaching, leveraging her vast experience as a board advisor.
Annmarie has coached board members and aspiring leaders across industries, including Education, Healthcare, Consultancy, Medicine & Pathology, Environmental Services, Microbiology, Government, and the NHS. She currently focuses on coaching leaders into board roles and delivering award-winning, results-driven programmes. Annmarie offers clients the professional space to realise their potential and provides clear pathways to success.
Notably, Annmarie collaborated with the National Centre for Excellence in Maths to achieve key government objectives and developed a nationwide “train the trainer” model for NHS Trusts.
Annmarie is a master coach. Working with her has enabled me to address longstanding business and mindset challenges and to make fundamental changes. Not only is she so skilful that she makes it seem effortless, but she is also a delightful person - warm, positive, compassionate, with a great sense of humour. An absolute treasure. I can't thank her enough.
Emma Calvert ICF ACC – Global
Area of expertise
Executive Coach and Facilitator
About Emma
Emma is a distinguished accredited coach with a track record of transforming organisational leadership and management. With extensive experience building internal coaching frameworks, she has successfully implemented impactful programmes that drive leadership excellence and team performance across industries.
Emma’s coaching practice is versatile, engaging professionals at every career stage – from rising leaders to C-suite executives – steering organisations through complex change. Her board and executive-level expertise enables her to work effectively with individuals and teams, fostering growth and resilience in high-stakes environments.
Guided by a philosophy of exploration, Emma customises her coaching to each client’s unique learning style and mindset, using a blend of practical tools and strategies to deliver tangible results. She has a reputation for being “relaxed and supportive, with the capacity to challenge,” pushing clients beyond their comfort zones while remaining empathetic.
Emma is also a recognised Neurodiversity Coaching specialist. She collaborates with organisations, managers, and individuals to unlock the strengths of neurodiversity, promoting inclusive practices that drive professional success. Emma’s commitment to inclusivity and focus on maximising individual potential set her apart as a trusted advisor, guiding clients through their most challenging career moments with care and expertise.
I've been working with my coach, Emma Calvert, for several months, and she's been absolutely fantastic! She knows exactly how to motivate me, and exactly what it is that I need to achieve, to make the desired progress. Working with her has been an absolute pleasure, and I would recommend the services of Actuate Global to anyone wanting to establish or progress their Non-Exec Director Career.
Gwyn Thomas FCIPD, CMgr, ChMC, FCMI – Global
Area of expertise
Executive Coach, Supervisor and Assessor
About Gwyn
Gwyn is an accomplished Professional Coach, Coach Supervisor, Trainer, Assessor, IQA, and Chartered Management Consultant, combining rich experience from the public, private, charitable, voluntary, and education sectors.
Informed by over 30 years in the Police Service, where he attained the rank of Acting Assistant Chief Constable, Gwyn has held senior academic positions at the University of South Wales and the National Policing Improvement Agency. His distinguished career as an ethical leader allows him to design, develop, and deliver transformative leadership, coaching, and mentoring programmes that enhance organisational performance in the UK and beyond.
Known for his dynamic and innovative approach, Gwyn excels in guiding clients through complex, customer-focused improvement and learning processes. He is dedicated to advancing diversity in leadership development and empowering individuals to unlock their potential through customised personal and professional growth strategies.
Gwyn’s expertise spans Leadership, Coaching Supervision, Executive Coaching, Life Coaching, Workplace Strategy Coaching, Leadership Mentoring, Management Consultancy, Organisational Change, Strategic Management, Learning & Development, Assessment & IQA, Training of Trainers, and Course Design, Delivery & Evaluation.
I started work with Gwyn who is mentoring me through my ILM7 programme. After just over an hour with him, I understand what I need to do, why I'm doing it, and more importantly how to take the next step.
Pasquale Mazzuca – Europe
Area of expertise
Executive Coach and Facilitator
About Pasquale
Pasquale is an esteemed Executive Coach, Leadership Development Expert, and Consultant with a rich background spanning over three decades. His expertise enfolds Recruitment and Assessment, Organisational Development, Training Needs Analysis, and Team Coaching.
Throughout his career, Pasquale has specialised in empowering leadership teams and nurturing high-performance individuals. Recognised for his remarkable achievements, he has significantly enhanced senior leadership team effectiveness by more than 30% and amplified team engagement levels by over 20%.
Pasquale possesses an exceptional talent for identifying leadership development gaps and formulating tailored strategies to cultivate skills across diverse cohorts. He finds great fulfilment in facilitating pivotal “ah-ha!” moments that enable individuals and teams to unlock their potential.
Pasquale’s impact is profound. His clients consistently report increased clarity in their leadership roles, enhanced decision-making abilities, and a more cohesive team environment. By aligning individual goals with organisational objectives, Pasquale helps professionals drive meaningful change and obtain outstanding results. His strategic approach boosts performance metrics and fosters a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring long-term success.
With Pasquale Mazzuca... I'm really excited to start on my non-exec director journey and build on my experience to date. I left our session with a huge amount to reflect on but also hugely motivated about what it is I can offer as an NED, and some great tools and insights to understand my 'Why'. A bit of a lightbulb moment thinking about belief systems, curiosity, energy, and your freedom to choose to refuse to give in to limiting beliefs about yourself.
Maria Banks ICF PCC – Europe
Area of expertise
Executive Coach, Mentor and Facilitator
About Maria
Nominated as the UK Business Hero 2020 by the British Chamber of Commerce and featured in The Sunday Telegraph and The Times, Maria is an innovative coach distinguished by her unwavering commitment to leadership development. She excels in aligning organisational values with brand identity and thrives in demanding environments. Her expertise manifests in her impactful work across the UK and Europe, advocating for women’s advancement in the workplace.
Recent highlights include:
- Designing and delivering a ‘Leadership Development’ workshop for the EFPIA’s (European Federation of Pharmaceuticals Industry Association) Director General and Senior Team in Brussels, representing the biopharmaceutical industry in Europe.
- Spearheading an online ‘Women Leadership Development’ program and Dialogue Workshops for GSK global pharmaceuticals.
- Facilitating a 2-day workshop for Saatchi & Saatchi Advertising in London.
With over a decade of experience in the corporate energy sector, Maria has implemented successful change and performance management strategies throughout Europe, enhancing operational efficiency and surmounting performance challenges. She excels in diverse settings, serving a broad international clientele. Her dynamic approach and rich expertise position her as a driving force in transformative leadership. Her reputation as a global thought leader underscores her client value.
Maria is open, kind and inquisitive... (she) listens and asks the right questions, getting you to think differently. Her style is open and kind, and she draws you in, facilitating openness, allowing the conversation to flow, and changing direction where needed.
Jeremy Canning – Europe
Area of expertise
Mentor and Facilitator
About Jeremy
Jeremy brings a wealth of expertise as a Board Executive, Board Advisor, and Non-Executive Director across global PLCs and successful start-ups. Leveraging 25+ years of business leadership experience in the UK, Europe, and Asia, he equips clients with cultural and commercial awareness, fostering authentic leadership, innovative thinking, and strategic decision-making skills.
Jeremy challenges clients to think differently, embrace their strengths, and cultivate a mindset that fuels success. He offers tailored techniques, tools, and perspectives that drive significant personal and organisational development. His services include individual and team leadership coaching, executive & career development, group facilitation, and bespoke coaching programmes.
Jeremy’s practical approach is backed by extensive firsthand experience and a strong network of professional connections. Since 2013, he has been a Board/NED and C-suite Career & Performance Coach, working with organisations from Fortune 500 companies to ambitious start-ups. Jeremy also coaches individuals, including CEOs, Board members, aspiring executives, and prominent personalities.
A self-described “positive maverick,” Jeremy is dedicated to revolutionising how leaders and organisations manage relationships with employees, suppliers, customers and communities. He champions accountability, governance and environmental responsibility.
I had the pleasure of working with Jeremy as I was transitioning from an intense sale process and getting ready for my next challenge. His considered, structured and holistic approach to coaching was great for me. He helped me challenge myself about the kinds of opportunities I would pursue. He pushed me to think deeply about what was really important for me and helped me think about the best ways to target the opportunities where I could best use my skills, but also where I could continue to grow in ways that will support my long term plans. Things that seem simple but are easily overlooked when you're busy getting things done! I really appreciated the time that we spent together and I would not hesitate in recommending Jeremy (in fact I already have) to anyone considering Executive Coaching.
Ruth Odih IEMA – Europe
Area of expertise
Mentor and Facilitator
About Ruth
Ruth is a respected authority in corporate governance. As a faculty member at the Corporate Governance Institute and an educator with Duke Corporate Education, she combines academic rigour with practical experience to nurture the future cadre of Non-Executive Directors (NEDs).
As a member of the NED Network Advisory Board, Ruth plays a crucial role in supporting senior executives transitioning into NED roles and keeps seasoned directors informed on the latest boardroom trends. With a rich background spanning multiple industries, Ruth offers clients invaluable guidance on their NED journeys, providing actionable insights into risk management and the development of effective board-level strategies.
A key member of the Secretariat Team at Centrica plc., Ruth draws on extensive experience across domestic and international corporate landscapes. She has delivered essential governance support to directors and boards in catering, oil and gas, private equity, financial services, and energy.
Ruth’s understanding of the qualities that define effective NEDs is enhanced by her dedication to diversity and inclusion. In addition to her professional achievements, Ruth serves as a community-focused trustee and is engaged on the leadership and insights committees at TIDE Taskforce. She holds both a degree and a master’s in law.
Ruth was a very knowledgeable and insightful trainer, who led the sessions with such passion and professionalism.
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