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 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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