My Story

I bring extensive leadership experience from a 35-year career in the Royal Air Force, spanning operations, strategy, transformation, human resources, and learning and development. I’ve led in complex, high-stakes environments, from operations in Afghanistan and Iraq to delivering national-level training and workforce strategy for all 150,000 Armed Forces personnel.

Alongside this, I am an experienced high-altitude mountaineer. I served as Chair and later President of the RAF Mountaineering Association and led the British Services’ Expedition to Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest mountain.

When I retired from the RAF as an Air Commodore, I took time to reflect on what I wanted from the next chapter of my life. The answer emerged while I was on a climbing trip in the Dolomites where my thinking became clearer and my perspective widened. I realised I wanted to help people grow, through coaching, mentoring and outdoor challenge.

Now, I combine executive coaching, leadership development and outdoor experience to help people build clarity, confidence and resilience.

Dave Tait executive coach leading outdoor leadership session in UK

My coaching is client-centred, non-directive and grounded in partnership. I offer a chemistry session up front, then tailor each programme to the client’s goals.

  • I aim to be supportive, empathetic and emotionally open, while offering constructive challenge to help clients grow. Outdoor coaching forms a natural extension of my practice. People often think differently and access deeper reflection when immersed in nature.

    I draw on tools including:

    • GROW

    • Cognitive behavioural approaches

    • Solutions-focused techniques

    • Gestalt (including empty chair)

    • Values-based work
      Strategic and systems thinking

    My approach is grounded in continuous improvement: I seek honest feedback and remain committed to my own development as I expand this practice.

    • Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching — Henley Business School

    • EMCC accredited at senior practitioner level

    • Qualified Mountain Leader (Summer & Winter)

    • Rock Climbing Instructor

    • Qualified Mentor — The Portfolio Collective

    • MA Defence Studies — King’s College London

    • Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Leadership & Direction — CMI / Alliance Manchester

    • Postgraduate Certificate in Company Direction — Institute of Directors

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Career Background

I began my career as a Royal Air Force Regiment officer and progressed through roles in frontline leadership, strategy, policymaking, procurement and international engagement. As Station Commander, I led 2,000 personnel delivering complex training and operational outputs. My career culminated as Head of Training, Education, Skills, Recruiting & Resettlement for the Armed Forces in the Ministry of Defence.

Alongside my coaching practice, I serve as a trustee and non-executive director of the Mountain Heritage Trust and work as a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition assessor.

How This Shapes my Coaching?

Having led teams through uncertainty, pressure and change, I coach with a blend of calm, pragmatism, humanity and strategic clarity.

Clients describe me as grounded, thoughtful and able to hold challenging conversations with care.

My goal is simple:
To help you think more clearly, perform more sustainably, and lead with confidence and purpose.

Read Leadership Insights on my Blog

  • "Dave Tait’s training ranks amongst the very best I have experienced. What makes it particularly impressive is his humility. He draws thoughtfully on his own leadership experiences to ensure that those he works with are able to learn, develop and deepen their understanding. Dave is calm, measured and entirely credible as a leader in his own right. I very much look forward to working with him again, if he’ll have me!"

    - Neil T., Education Leader.

  • "Dave Tait’s Leadership Under Pressure training is highly practical and very well structured. He strikes a great balance between theory and real-world application, making everything immediately relevant to your own leadership context. What stood out most was the atmosphere of trust he creates in a very short time — it allows for honest reflection and meaningful exchange within the group. His background in the RAF and his experience leading mountain expeditions bring a level of authenticity and credibility that you can really feel. A powerful training for anyone leading in complex or high-pressure environments. Highly recommended!"

    - Sarah I-F., Business Founder.

  • "Dave provided executive coaching during a critical transition into a new leadership role. His approach combined practical strategies with thoughtful insights, which helped me quickly gain clarity on priorities and build confidence in decision-making. The sessions were highly relevant to real-world challenges I faced, and his guidance made a tangible difference in how I navigated complex situations. I would strongly recommend Dave to anyone looking for impactful coaching that accelerates growth and effectiveness, not just in their career."

    — Phil G. Director. Charitable Trust.

  • "I had a fantastic session with Dave. Coaching outdoors made a world of difference; being in nature reminded me that life is a balance in a way that a standard office environment just can't replicate. Dave helped me look holistically at my life to uncover what I truly value most, evoking the insights I needed to see exactly where to put my energy to improve. Thanks Dave! "

    —Harry N. Technical engineer and programme lead. Aerospace Sector.

  • "Great coaching experience. I've not experienced outdoor coaching before and it brought a whole new perspective to the experience that worked and was enjoyable."

    —Sam C. Head of communications. Government Department.

Ready to explore what’s possible?

Book a free, no-obligation discovery call and let’s talk about how I can help you reach new heights.

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