Learn to lead change from someone who's lived it

I understand just how challenging leading through uncertainty can be. Not in a vague, theoretical way, but through first-hand experience. Over many years in Higher Education, including as Chief of Staff at a multi-campus university, I’ve been in the room and seen it all: the shifting circumstances, the difficult decisions, the politics and priorities.

 

While leading transformations can feel daunting and draining, I also know that having the right strategies can make all the difference. This experience has informed three passionate beliefs.

I believe that:

1.       Change is felt before it’s understood, so the people side matters most.

2.       It’s not only about the change, but the way it’s done.

3.       Even in tough times, you can act with honesty and integrity.

These beliefs shape my distinctive approach to leadership coaching

What I bring to our partnership

Hard-won strategies that work

I’ve been through the wringer and found a way forwards. Now I can help you do the same. We won’t waste time with fluffy theory. Instead, we’ll focus on practical strategies to lead change while supporting yourself, your team, and the wider university community.

Broad, global perspective

With experience spanning diverse roles, in Australia and the UK, I’ve been exposed to a wide array of viewpoints and perspectives. I’ve also collaborated with people from all areas and levels to effect meaningful change. This background enables me to share fresh insights and perspectives, helping you consider challenges from several angles to find effective solutions.

An oasis of calm

When teams are going through big shifts, tensions can run high. I’ll provide a safe space for you to reflect and regroup. Rather than being a ‘cheerleader’, I offer a calm, level-headed approach where we’ll talk through your challenges and make a clear plan.

To find out more about my coaching and workshop facilitation services, click here

Supporting you to lead change with confidence

To find out more about my coaching and workshop facilitation services, click here

Or, to discuss your requirements, book a call or contact me here with any questions

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Caroline is an experienced leadership coach and change strategist who brings first-hand leadership experience forged in complexity. With over 25 years in senior leadership across universities in the UK and Australia, she combines strategic insight, operational depth, and human-centred leadership to help individuals and organisations navigate transformation.

Having relocated back to the UK from Australia, Caroline brings a depth and breadth of executive experience and a profound understanding of the higher education landscape and cultures from five diverse higher education institutions in the UK and Australia – including Russell Group and Group of Eight universities. Her career has spanned departmental, faculty, and research institute roles, as well as central leadership positions. This perspective gives her a nuanced understanding of how different governance, cultural, and structural contexts shape leadership and change.

Caroline has held senior roles on the executive corridor, including Chief of Staff to a Vice-Chancellor. She has led and coordinated institution-wide change in highly devolved environments, giving her a deep understanding of what it takes to embed sustainable, strategic, and cultural transformation in higher education.

As a trusted adviser to vice-chancellors and executive teams, Caroline has worked across the full span of university portfolios – from strategy, finance and people to engagement and operations. She is known for translating strategy into action, building trust across stakeholder groups, and developing the leadership capability that makes change stick.

Her approach is grounded in empathy, clarity, and purpose. She partners with leaders to clarify the values that guide their actions, the ethical choices they face, and the inclusive cultures they seek to build.

Drawing on lived experience of leading large-scale organisational change, she understands the tensions between performance and wellbeing, ambition and sustainability, pressure and purpose. She helps leaders engage with complexity, lead with integrity, and drive meaningful, people-centred change.

Above all, Caroline believes that leadership is about people. Her coaching and consulting practice is rooted in the belief that when leaders are clear on who they are and what they stand for, they can lead with greater impact, courage, and care.