The Importance of Trust & Credibility
Credibility and trust are the essential foundations of effective, transformative coaching. It determines whether a client feels sufficiently safe with the coach to be open, reflective, and willing to change—three conditions that are vital for meaningful growth.
Coaching often involves exploring sensitive topics such as limiting beliefs, interpersonal challenges, or career dilemmas. A credible coach creates an environment where clients feels able to be honest, knowing the coach is professional, ethical, and genuinely invested in their success.
Credibility allows coaches to challenge assumptions, offer new perspectives, and ask difficult questions that prompt deeper insight. Clients are more willing to consider feedback or stretch outside their comfort zone when they believe the coach is competent and reliable.
A credible coach is consistent, prepared, and follows through—behaviours that model accountability. This strengthens the client’s commitment to the process and increases the likelihood of sustained behavioural change.
My approach
I’m an Executive Coach with over 20 years’ experience coaching managers and leaders to be successful. I specialise in empowering health and social care leaders to thrive by building confidence, influence, and resilience. Having spent many years navigating the realities of health and social care, I understand first-hand the pressures, complexities, and rewards of leading in this environment.
Using evidence-based positive psychology principles, I help leaders not only manage but overcome the unique challenges of burnout and overwork in healthcare / public sector, so they can thrive, lead with impact and feel fulfilled. Together, we’ll cultivate the mental agility, energy, and self-assurance needed to excel in a demanding environment and achieve sustainable success while balancing the demands and desires outside of work. My mission is to help you build confidence, influence, and resilience to lead with clarity and purpose, while maintaining balance and fulfilment beyond work.
I take a no-nonsense, evidence-based approach rooted in positive psychology and grounded in a deep understanding of the public sector. Coaching with me isn’t about a cosy chat — it’s about honest reflection, compassionate challenge, and meaningful progress.
Whether through a 1:1 or a group coaching programme, together, we’ll explore where you are in your system, clarify what’s holding you back, and develop practical options for action. I’ll provide compassionate challenge, hold you to account in a safe, respectful space — so that your goals translate into sustainable results
At the heart of my practice are three values:
- Credibility – drawing on years of senior HR experience and professional training.
- Integrity – doing what’s right, even when it’s difficult.
- Compassionate Challenge – balancing empathy with accountability to help you grow.
I also believe in bringing a sense of fun and curiosity to my work — because growth should be energising, not exhausting.
Linda holds an ILM Level 7 Certificate in Executive Coaching and Mentoring, she is accredited as a Senior Executive Coach with the EMCC and complies with the Global Code of Ethics. She has many years’ of experience coaching senior leaders across the Health and Social Care system. Her skills and experience is under-pinned by her HR and OD qualifications, a Fellow of the CIPD and over 20 years leading change in the NHS and other public sector organisations.
Coaching programmes designed to support leaders at different stages of challenge, transition, and growth.
We understand that managing difficult and complex workplace issues can be sensitive, costly and resource intensive. At Ashfold Consulting, we pride ourselves in offering a distinct client centric service underpinned by our core values:
Hear from people who have been coached by us
“Linda completely understood, respected and encouraged me, taking the time to know ‘the real me’. She was supportive and compassionate, challenging me to think differently which has been noticed in the workplace”
Linda is empathetic, patient and very present, constructively challenging, offering suggestions of models which I have stored in my mental toolkit. She supported me to practice reflexivity and without a doubt made the start to my transition so much smoother. Thank you.”
“What a fabulous growing experience: growing in confidence, in strength in ideas. Love the personal touches in your coaching.”
“I built a strong rapport with Linda, who challenged me at just the right level. I have learnt practical skills and have more tools to support me. Setting aside protected time has been really beneficial, allowing me the space I needed to grow and develop. I am really grateful to Linda who absolutely understood the challenges I am facing. Excellent coach, would highly recommend.”
“With Linda’s support I have taken some large positive steps forward in my wellbeing and development, the safe space for conversation and reflection you provided has played a large part in this.”
