Communications leadership
beyond the function

Executive and team coaching for senior communications leaders

Senior communications leaders carry significant responsibility—for reputation, risk and stakeholder relationships—often in complex, high-pressure environments.

But the access, influence and authority needed to fulfil that role don't always match.

Most aren't explicitly taught how to navigate this shift. They're expected to work it out as they go.

It's a transition I had to navigate myself, and I now focus on supporting others to do the same.

If any of this sounds familiar, a conversation might be a good place to start.

Book a conversation

Executive and team coaching

I help senior communications leaders and teams operate more effectively in this environment—strengthening their influence, navigating organisational dynamics and contributing more confidently to decision-making at senior level.

In practice, I support leaders to:

  • Build influence beyond the communications function

  • Navigate stakeholder dynamics and organisational complexity with greater clarity

  • Handle high-stakes conversations with sound judgement

  • Create alignment so strategy translates into action

Together, this enables communications to move from a supporting function to an integral part of organisational leadership—anticipating risks, identifying opportunities and shaping what comes next.

Advisory and strategy development

Alongside coaching, I take on a small number of advisory and strategy assignments, drawing on over 20 years in senior marketing and communications roles.

Organisations typically bring me in during moments of change, growth or heightened scrutiny — when external perspective and senior experience can help sharpen decisions. Examples of work I've supported include:

  • Developing or refreshing a marcomms strategy

  • Reviewing the structure or remit of the communications function

  • Advising on a specific reputational or stakeholder challenge

  • Supporting a new senior hire into role

  • Board-level advisory on reputation and communications

If you'd like to explore whether this is the right kind of support for you, I'd welcome a conversation.

Book a conversation

Testimonials

  • "Ann-Mari’s approach is both direct and insightful. In just six sessions, I fundamentally changed how I approach conflict and difficult conversations. I feel more confident, more self-aware, and better equipped to lead effectively. Her coaching has had a lasting impact on how I show up as a leader."

    —Rachel, CEO

  • “Ann-Mari delivered an excellent series of team sessions with a significant impact across the organisation. We’ve seen a clear shift in how people approach difficult conversations, with more constructive behaviours and better outcomes. The results speak for themselves."

    —Katrina, Director of Operations

  • “Ann-Mari is an insightful and highly effective coach. She created a space where I could reflect openly, while also challenging me in a way that felt natural and tailored to my needs. I gained much greater confidence and clarity around my leadership style, along with practical tools which I continue to use."

    —Iona, Head of Customer Marketing

  • "Ann-Mari played a key role in transforming the marketing and communications function, building a high-performing team that delivered real impact. She combines strong strategic thinking with emotional intelligence, while ensuring work is delivered effectively and with measurable results. She is also highly effective at building relationships with a wide range of stakeholders."

    —Corinne, Executive Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications

  • "Ann-Mari led communications for the RAF Bomber Command Memorial unveiling — a highly complex, high-profile national event attended by HM The Queen and members of the Royal Family, alongside senior political figures and significant media scrutiny. She demonstrated exceptional judgement and resilience, managing intense press interest and securing extensive national and international media coverage, despite working with a relatively small team."

    —Mike, Chief of Staff

About me

I spent over 20 years in marketing and communications, with more than a decade at director level — leading teams of up to 35 people and winning PR Week and CIPR Excellence Awards along the way.

That experience shapes how I work with clients now. I bring senior-level understanding of the pressures they face alongside over 1,000 hours of professional coaching practice.

  • ICF-accredited Professional Certified Coach (PCC)

  • Team Coach — Organisation and Relationship Systems Coach (ORSC)

  • Leadership Circle Practitioner

  • Chartered Institute of Public Relations Diploma (MCIPR)

Smiling woman with short curly red hair wearing hoop earrings and a pink top.

If you'd like to explore working together, do get in touch.

Book a conversation