UK Enterprise 2017

56 WORLDWIDE BUSINESS REVIEW / UK Enterprise Awards 2017 , Best Independent Coaching Consultancy 2017 Cathy Stewart Associates was founded to provide accessible coaching to all people in the workplace fromcleaner to CEO. Cathy herself talks us through how the firmachieves this through its service offering. Cathy Stewart Associates is a progressive, personal and effective business coaching practice specialising in one to one coaching. Cathy discusses the importance of offering personal sessions and how this helps clients to truly benefit from her service. “Cathy Stewart Associates offer one to one coaching in a confidential and friendly environment to ensure that - clients feel safe during the consultation. Although I normally visit the offices for the coaching session I am flexible and can accommodate alternative locations for those clients who wish to be private about their coaching either in my riverside studio, a convenient place or by Skype. The initial ‘chemistry’ session is generally conducted face to face in an informal setting.” What sets Cathy apart from other consultants is her approach and experience, which set her clients at ease and ensure that they always get the very highest standard of service, as she states. “Personally, I am a qualified coach with a post-graduate Diploma in Coaching which gives clients and myself confidence in my professional ability. It has been said that I have a unique natural and supportive style that appeals particular to a clientele where WUK17054 confidence may be an issue. This enables me to encourage my clients to explore their full potential and recognise their abilities and value in the workplace. I offer a different coaching experience based on the personal needs of my client and their individual personality. My commissions tend to be based on building confidence and self-esteem which requires a particular approach. Many employees are nervous of the ‘business coach’ however whist I work towards achieving improved business performance I have a humanistic manner.” One of Cathy’s core focuses is supporting women to succeed in the male dominated property and constuction industries, which she is proud to explain in more detail. “My mission is to enable all women to reach their full potential in the workplace, whatever that might be. With a background in property (I am also a chartered architect) I have a particular interest in helping women in male dominated environments. This interest extends beyond coaching as I have experience leading design teams for large projects and being the first women at boardroom level for an international architectural practice. “This background, combined with a natural and relaxed style, ensures the client receives maximum benefits of coaching. I focus on inspiring individuals to achieve their full potential in the business world with a particular interest in empowering women throughout their career. I assist in career development, future growth and behavioural change for both men and women. “To be more effective for my clients and to offer a greater range of techniques I felt it was important to learn the ‘tools of the trade’ to ensure that I offer the most appropriate coaching experience I am currently writing a research paper on the influence of stereo-typical gender characteristics in the advancement of women to senior roles. This will aid understanding how to improve gender diversity ratio’s in traditional male industries. This is the final stage of an MSc in Coaching and Behavioural Change which I am studying at Henley Executive Business School.” Drawing on her vast experience in the market, Cathy has noticed a number of trends in the property and construction industries which she is keen to emphasise. “Issues around diversity at the senior levels of business and specifically improving the gender balance are subjects that I support through coaching and research. Many aspiring women find the male dominated arena daunting and senior male executives do not know how to fully embrace a different approach to leadership. Coaching both sides of the table helps bridge the gap and encourages a collaborative understanding.” Although Cathy has done a great deal over the years to support her clients and create a safer space for women in the workplace, there is more still to be done, as she highlights in her concluding comments. “Looking to the future, I am planning organic growth primarily based on recommendations and recognition through awards such as the UK Enterprise awards programme. Business development for the future of the company is focussed on coaching to improve gender diversity together with developing corporate strategies to assist in the implementation of policies supporting gender ratio targets within male dominated environments. Contact: Cathy Stewart Contact Email: cathy@ cathystewartassociates.co.uk Address:: Rosecroft Studios, Twickenham, Middlesex, UK Phone: 07887 657646 Web Address: www.cathystewartassociates.co.uk Twitter: @cstewartassoc