Executive Coaching · Bristol, UK
Executive Coaching for Leaders Under Pressure
Former RAF Air Commodore | 35 Years High-Stakes Command
I help senior leaders and leadership teams make clear decisions under real pressure — online, in person or outdoors.
Bristol-based · working with leaders across the UK.
Two Ways to Work Together
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For You
You're a CEO or senior leader carrying decisions with real consequences. You don't need theory — you need a thinking partner who has led when the stakes were high, and who is trained to help you think, not tell you what to think.
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For Your Leadership Team
Your senior team is capable but pulling in slightly different directions. Away days, team coaching and executive retreats that produce alignment and a plan — not just a nice day out.
Both start the same way: a discovery call to see if we're the right fit.
Why Leaders Work With Me
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35 Years of RAF Command
Retired as Air Commodore after a career spanning operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, national workforce strategy for 150,000 Armed Forces personnel, and command of a station of 2,000 people. Awarded the MBE.
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Accredited, Not Just Experience
EMCC Senior Practitioner - one of the highest accreditation levels in professional coaching - with a Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching from Henley Business School.
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Expedition Leadership
Led the British Services' Expedition to Makalu, the world's fifth-highest mountain. Former President of the RAF Mountaineering Association. I bring the outdoors into coaching because new thinking happens outside routine.
Accredited & Affiliated
How We Can Work Together
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Executive Coaching 1:1 & Teams
One-to-one and team executive coaching — online, in person or outdoors. Space to think clearly, navigate complexity and lead sustainably. For CEOs and senior leaders in growth or transition.
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Leadership Team Development Programmes
Facilitated sessions for senior teams - a single day, or a full alignment programme: individual conversations to surface what's going on, then offsite work to address it together. Not team-building for its own sake.
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Executive Retreats & Workshops Leaders & Teams
A structured step back combining coaching, reflection and the outdoors - from a one-day intensive in Bristol to a multi-day residential retreat away. For leaders and teams ready to disconnect and think differently.
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 Say
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"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.”
Lottie, Business Owner
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"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.
Phil G, Director, Charitable Trust
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"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.
Sarah I-F, Business Founder
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"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.
Harry N, Technical Engineer & Programme Lead, Aerospace Sector
About Dave Tait MBE
I spent 35 years in the Royal Air Force, retiring as an Air Commodore — leading people through operations, uncertainty and change. I then trained as an executive coach at Henley Business School and hold EMCC Senior Practitioner accreditation.
I'm also a mountaineer, and I combine coaching with outdoor-led experiences because people think differently when they step outside routine.
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.
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. 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 Lead with Greater Clarity?
Book a discovery call — we'll talk about what you're facing and whether working together makes sense.
Bristol-based · working with leaders across the UK.