Steve Ridgley

I would gladly recommend Steve to people interested in coaching for a very wide range of reasons. His approach is absolutely client-centred, looking to identify the vital but harder-to-spot issues that often underlie more immediate challenges. In my case, I was aware of an urgent need to re-evaluate some of my priorities and perspectives, particularly in relation to work, following an experience of significant burnout. I knew there was no quick fix and didn’t want one – it felt much more important to find a path forward built on solid foundations. Steve shared various tools to help me re-establish my foundations of values and identity in ways that helped me find practical steps forward, including a healthier life balance. In doing so, he both challenged and reassured me in ways that were genuinely helpful. Life’s journey continues but I feel significantly better equipped for the next stages as a result of Steve’s skilful assistance.

Steve coached me through a tricky time in my career and my life. His style is patient, creative, unbiased, challenging (when needed) and supporting. His vast experience means he is unphased by what anyone (including me) might bring! I would unreservedly recommend him.

I worked with Steve for six months, and would simply describe the experience in two worlds: life changing. I feel more in tune with myself now than I ever have: who I am, what is important to me, and who I want to be in the future. It’s also made me far more aware of relationship dynamics with others, in all aspects of my life. Steve is a genuinely nice guy, sincere, and was a pleasure to spend time with. Layer onto that his coaching skills, knowledge, experience, and you’ve got a winning combination. I’d recommend Steve as a coach without hesitation.

Steve has worked with me both as a coach and more latterly as my coach supervisor. His style is relaxed and open which encourages great thinking and discovery for his clients. Steve’s knowledge and perceptive ability enables him to challenge where appropriate, therefore addressing limiting assumptions. Highly recommended.

I was not sure what to expect and felt quite nervous about where coaching would go. It was an amazing experience of self discovery and I understand more about why I behave in certain circumstances. The coaching has absolutely helped me work to meeting my objective. Steve has an amazing calmness about him and his thoughtful reflections created a safe environment where I ended up sharing things I was not expecting. Steve, you have such a warm and open approach that you made it very easy for me to share some personal stuff that I was not expecting but at the same time you did not let me ignore any part of what was happening. I am now re-programming my mind to look at the things that would have worried me with what feels like a new set of eyes and a calmer more confident approach. I am giving myself more time and space to reflect on situations that have gone well and asking for more feedback on how I have been perceived and what behaviours have been observed to give me that evidence I need to continue with confidence. I have more of an appreciation of others around me that they might be feeling just as nervous and self aware as I am. This has helped me to feel less like everyone else has control. I really appreciate the time and space Steve created for me and the commitment we both had to attending each session. On something so personal as confidence, the one to one time was extremely beneficial and it felt safe to share. This is one of the most beneficial learning experiences I have had.

Steve was my Coaching Supervisor, a role he performed really well. He is astute, challenging and thought provoking and more often than not he got me thinking well beyond the obvious. I always came out of supervision feeling energised about my role as a coach and highly reflective on the ideas he'd help me generate. What Steve is also able to do extremely well is adapt his style to meet the needs of the Coach. He's astute and intuitive and so very good at being able tailor the session in the most appropriate way. Sometimes a Coach just needs encouragement, support and a confidence boost which Steve was always able to supply. I wouldn't hesitate to seek out Steve's help in the future, both as a Coach and as a Supervisor.

Steve coached me last year and it is the best experience of my life. I am not generally a dramatic person but I do mean this. I had asked Steve for some coaching to help me make a work decision and over the course of about 6 sessions it became about so much more than a work decision. Steve has a calm, quiet, supportive approach but he does not 'let you off the hook'. He is persistent, honest and diligent. I am good at taking people off subject on to a different trajectory to deflect away from painful subjects. I was able to trust Steve so completely that I didn't need to do that and as a result I have had some life changing break through moments. I found coaching with Steve so valuable that I recommended him to my sister and she is now his client too. I have no hesitation in recommending Steve who is, in my experience, the best coach I know.

I worked with Steve when I was facing into the possibility of redundancy. I went to him adamant that I wanted to get myself into the best possible position to secure a role in the new structure by confronting some deeply held limiting beliefs. From the initial chemistry meeting via Skype, Steve and I built a great rapport. Always checking that I was comfortable with our surroundings and the intensity of his questioning, Steve helped me to delve deep inside myself and to confront the reality that I’d hidden from myself - I was ready to move on and leave my current employer. I liken the process to diving into the sea looking for pearls with Steve as the rock I was attached to. By really listening to me, Steve helped me to challenge myself and select a different viewpoint, indeed there were occasions when I’d respond to one of his questions and be surprised by my answer, not knowing I felt that way until I articulated it. Personable, caring, focussed and challenging, Steve helped me to change the course of my life for the better. I’m very grateful to him and would recommend anyone to work with him in a heartbeat. It was a privilege to get to work with him.