No-nonsense, career coaching with an edge
Confidence, clarity and control over your professional choices
WHAT IS THE Cynical Coach ALL ABOUT?
Time-efficient management: Time is precious, and my approach to coaching involves straight-talking to help you work through the most intractable issues in a supportive, yet pragmatic and actionable way.
Discretion & professionalism: Whether you suffer from imposter syndrome, burnout, poor work-life balance, fear of speaking up, fear of public engagements, low visibility, or an inability to progress, I work through issues organically so that you can find your impact and unique leadership style while maintaining authenticity.
Clear outcomes: I focus clients' energy and reflections on the future, on how issues can be fixed and what specific steps they can take to help themselves. This forward-looking method helps people focus on the journey ahead and feel like they’re making tangible progress.
Is Cynical Coaching for You?
Suitability:
Coaching is a methodology, which in theory should be subject-agnostic. Nevertheless, having almost always found myself at the intersection between the public and the private sector - acting as a bridge between the two - my experience might appeal particularly to individuals in corporate roles that are public sector-facing or civil servants, regulators, government agencies, international organisations, voluntary or public bodies.
I have been particularly effective in coaching early and mid-career professionals, but I am flexible and open to considering anyone who thinks I might be a good fit for them regardless. Coaching is, after all, an approach that lends itself to a wide variety of people and contexts.
Outcomes you can expect:
· Support with professional transitions (career progression, career pivots, returns from parental leave, secondments or career breaks)
· More confidence, influence, and presence at work and at public speaking
· Success navigating authority, visibility, and boundaries
· Greater clarity in your decision-making
· Identifying a leadership style and approach that feels right for you
· Better work-life balance
· Improvement in managing up and down
· Fewer conflicts at work and greater ability to manage invevitable ones
Ways of working:
I tend to do most of my coaching work around lunchtime, in the evenings, and weekends to suit busy working professionals.
If you have any questions, please contact me via the form below. You can generally expect a response within 48 hours.
Schedule a free, 15-min 'chemistry call' to decide whether this is the right coaching for you.
About ME
The person behind The Cynical Coach is me, Ilaria.
I am a qualified coach accredited with the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC).
I spent the last 14 years as a senior civil servant - as His Majesty's Trade Commissioner for Europe, chief negotiator and economic adviser in the UK government.
My international experience includes managing complex teams of over 300 people in 34 European markets during Brexit and Covid - motivating people and encouraging them to be resilient and agile in adverse circumstances.
I began my career in international development, working for the World Bank and World Health Organisation, so I have an appreciation and udnerstanding of the third sector in a range of contexts.
An Italian, French and English speaker, I am an Officer of Order the British Empire (OBE) and Chair of the Board of Trustees of a UK charity which supports the educational needs of Namibian children.
My LinkedIn profile has more information about my background.