Stephen Ratcliffe

My coaching approach is grounded in more than 35 years of practical experience across a range of demanding and safety-critical environments. I began my career as a Junior Soldier in the British Army and went on to serve in the Parachute Regiment. I later worked in the private security sector as a dog handler and trainer, an advanced driver trainer, and within the petrochemical industry.

Throughout my career, I have experienced first-hand the importance of teamwork, communication, confidence, performance, and unlocking individual potential. I often describe myself as a "Swiss Army Knife” coach, drawing on a broad range of experiences, perspectives, and tools to help people recognise their strengths, overcome barriers, and achieve their goals.

I have a particular interest in neurodiversity and have trained as a neurodivergent coach, enabling me to better support individuals in recognising, understanding, and building on their unique strengths.

My coaching practice is inclusive, strengths-based, and practical. I use dynamic methodologies such as LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®, VoicePrint, and Points of You®, to help clients gain fresh perspectives, increase self-awareness, explore possibilities, and create meaningful personal and professional growth.

One of the coaching outcomes I am most proud of involved supporting a leader who was experiencing significant challenges in managing their direct reports while also struggling with their own mental wellbeing. They found work increasingly overwhelming, which was affecting their confidence, performance, and relationships within the team. Through building trust over the course of our coaching sessions, they felt safe enough to disclose that they were neurodivergent, which became an important turning point in our work together.

Using a strengths-based and collaborative coaching approach, I helped the client explore the impact of their neurodivergence in the workplace and identify practical adjustments that would enable them to perform at their best. With the client's agreement, I also worked alongside their leadership team to increase understanding and co-create reasonable workplace adjustments that met both the individual's needs and the organisation's objectives. This ensured the solutions were sustainable, realistic, and beneficial for everyone involved.

The outcome was extremely positive. The client experienced a significant improvement in their wellbeing, confidence, and ability to lead effectively, while their relationships with colleagues and direct reports became stronger and more productive. The organisation also benefited from a more inclusive approach to leadership and a better understanding of how tailored adjustments can unlock individual potential. This experience reinforced for me the value of creating psychologically safe coaching relationships and the lasting impact that inclusive, person centred coaching can have on both individuals and organisations.