What I Offer
Executive Coaching
For leaders who need clarity, not just conversation.
A calm, challenging space to think deeply, grow confidently, and lead with clarity.
My coaching is centred entirely around you. Your goals, your leadership, and the growth you want to create. I combine 35 years of leadership in the Royal Air Force with professional training: EMCC Senior Practitioner accreditation and a Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching from Henley Business School. Sessions are online, in person or outdoors - Bristol-based, working with leaders UK-wide.
Is Executive Coaching Right for You?
Executive coaching works best when you're facing something that requires clarity, not just advice. You might be:
- Navigating a transition — new role, new team, new level of responsibility
- Making high-stakes decisions with incomplete information and conflicting pressures
- Managing complex stakeholders where relationships matter as much as strategy
- Leading through uncertainty — organisational change, market shifts, operational challenges
- Feeling the weight of leadership — pressure, isolation, or questioning your approach
- Ready to grow — you know there's a next level in your leadership but can't see it clearly yet
If you're looking for quick fixes, cheerleading or someone to tell you what to do — this isn't the right fit. If you want a thinking partner who will challenge you respectfully and help you find your own answers — let's talk.
What Coaching with Me Looks Like
STEP 1
Discovery Call
We explore what you're facing, what you want from coaching, and whether my approach fits. An honest conversation about fit, both ways.
STEP 2
Coaching Agreement
If we're a good fit, we agree the format (60 or 90 minutes), delivery (online, in person or outdoors), frequency (typically every 2–4 weeks) and an initial commitment — usually six sessions. You set the goals; everything is confidential.
STEP 3
Ongoing Partnership
Each session: progress check-in, deep work on the current challenge, structured reflection, and specific actions to take forward — with brief email support between sessions. You leave every session with greater clarity and renewed confidence in your direction.
Choose the Format That Fits Your Thinking
Standard Coaching Session
- 60 or 90 minutes
- Online via Zoom, or in person — Bristol or your location
- Ideal for steady progress on defined goals: ongoing development, accountability, momentum
- Most clients book a bundle of 6 × 90-minute sessions over 6 months — the space between sessions lets the self-work embed, with optional check-ins in between
Outdoor Coaching Intensives
- Half-day (3–4 hours) or full-day
- Walking-based reflection — Clifton Downs and Ashton Court locally, or the Mendips and Brecon Beacons
- Ideal for major transitions, strategic thinking and breaking patterns
- No outdoor experience needed — we walk and talk at a comfortable pace
Looking for coaching for your whole leadership team? See Team Programmes →
Leadership Under Pressure
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Helping Leaders and Teams Scale New Heights
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Leadership Under Pressure • Helping Leaders and Teams Scale New Heights •
What Leaders Bring to Coaching
Leadership Identity & Confidence
Moving into a bigger role. Finding your voice. Overcoming imposter syndrome.
Managing Change & Transition
Leading through restructuring, market uncertainty, role changes.
Strategic Thinking & Prioritisation
Seeing the bigger picture. Cutting through noise.
Culture & Leadership
Building high-performing teams. Addressing underperformance.
Clarity in Decision-Making
Navigating complexity. Weighing options when there's no clear answer..
Relationships & Difficult Conversations
Stakeholder management. Building trust. Team dynamics.
Purpose & Direction
Reconnecting with why you lead. What's next after success?
Resilience, Pressure & Wellbeing
Sustainable performance. Managing stress. Avoiding burnout.
My coaching is client-centred, non-directive and grounded in partnership. You set the agenda — I don't tell you what to do; I help you think more clearly so you make better decisions. I challenge respectfully: I'll ask the questions you're avoiding and name what I notice, always in service of your growth.
I bring lived experience — 35 years leading in high-stakes environments — alongside professional training: a Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching from Henley Business School and EMCC Senior Practitioner accreditation, one of the highest coaching standards in Europe.
In sessions I draw on established approaches — the GROW model, cognitive-behavioural tools, solutions-focused techniques and Gestalt methods — matched to what you need, not applied by formula. And when it helps, we take the thinking outdoors: some of the best insights don't emerge in an office.
How I Coach
Accredited & Affiliated
What Leaders Say
"An absolutely incredible experience"
“I took part in the leadership retreat run by Dave and wow — what an absolutely incredible experience. I cannot thank Dave enough for the tools and lessons I’ve taken away. I went in sceptical — what would a military leader know about running a small business? How wrong I was. I learnt so much and have implemented the tools from day one. I can immediately see the benefits in my business and would recommend the retreat and Dave’s coaching to anyone in a position of leadership or management. Truly worth every penny.”
"Impactful coaching that accelerates growth"
“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. I would strongly recommend Dave to anyone looking for impactful coaching that accelerates growth and effectiveness.”
"Authenticity and credibility you can feel"
“Highly practical and very well structured. 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 authenticity and credibility you can really feel.”
"Coaching outdoors made a
world of difference"
“Coaching outdoors made a world of difference. Dave helped me look holistically at my life to uncover what I truly value most — the insights I needed to see exactly where to put my energy.”
Invest in Your Leadership
Executive coaching is an investment in how you think, decide and lead.
Investment is discussed on your discovery call.
Every engagement includes all coaching sessions, between-session email support, confidential action summaries, and access to coaching frameworks and resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
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CEOs and senior leaders of UK companies — typically SMEs and established mid-sized organisations navigating growth, transition or pressure. I work with individuals 1:1 and with whole leadership teams.
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Bristol, UK. For coaching I cover the M4 corridor, London, the South West, Birmingham, Cardiff and Exeter, with national reach for residential retreats. Clients also work with me — sessions can be online, in person, or outdoors.
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I combine 35 years of military command experience with accredited executive coaching (EMCC Senior Practitioner, Henley Business School) and outdoor-led development. Most coaches offer theory; I've led operations, strategy and large organisations first-hand.
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Yes — online via video call, in person in Bristol or at your location, or outdoors through walking, climbing and mountain experiences.
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Investment depends on scope and format. Book a discovery call and I'll give you a tailored proposal.
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Yes. I hold EMCC Senior Practitioner accreditation and a Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching from Henley Business School, and I abide by the EMCC Global Code of Ethics.
Ready to Think More Clearly
Book a discovery call. We'll explore what you're facing, what you want to achieve, and whether coaching with me is the right fit.
Or email me directly: hello@davetait.co.uk