Martin Vogel

I truly enjoyed and always looked forward to my coaching sessions with Martin whom I found to be engaging, results-driven and simply professional. He built a supportive environment where I could fully engage my mind, have honest and confidential conversations without any fear of being prejudged. I was left with a strong sense of self-belief, empowerment and achievement e.g. strong communication skills and better management of resources. Martin’s got admirable knowledge and insights in media management matters. A lot of that came through our conversations and his compelling blog. (SM)

My sessions with Martin served as a healthy space to focus and reflect on my professional situation. I was able to understand some of the obstacles that were impeding my progress and development such as my workflow and leadership style. As a result, I was able to approach my work differently by deploying context specific styles dependent on the situation. The aspect of the coaching conversations I valued most was Martin’s investment and understanding. I was initially unsure whether my particular situation could be appreciated by someone external, however Martin demonstrated that he was able to make sense of a variety of situations including my own. M.J.W.

Martin was a thoughtful and progress coach who helped me to believe in my ability to perform in a new role, at a new level. He challenged, supported and above all listened to my thoughts.

I worked with Martin after a false start with another coach. I found his approach to be flexible and dynamic, and he balanced listening to my espoused needs and working with them, and challenging me when appropriate. I was a difficult customer, as I find it easy to identify problems but hard to find solutions when the barriers are my own cognitions and behaviours. Moreover, midway through our series of appointments I went through some significant life changes which he was able to work around and integrate into our discourse about my work identity. Martin was good at identifying and helping me to recognise my competencies and leadership attributes, but more than this was able to help me accommodate to them, and be more realistic and authentic in my goals and actions. I haven't yet found my next HE leadership role, but when I do I feel much better equipped to approach it as myself, and to understand its relationship with the rest of my life.

Martin has played a vital role in helping me author my unique coaching philosophy and approach. The learning comes not only from the supervision space he provides but also from observing him conduct the conversation with such sensitivity, rooted in values and an openness that makes it possible for something fresh and new to emerge. In supervision, he creates a safe space where I can volunteer my practice with all its rough edges and ethical dilemmas and navigate through the complexity with ethical maturity and equanimity. I always leave the supervision space with the experience of being fundamentally validated but also incredibly challenged to expand and deepen and sometimes alter the premises of my work.

I had a coaching relationship with Martin when stepping into a leadership role as Group MD in a media company at a time of huge change and challenge. Martin was excellent at helping me stand back from the day to day and think strategically about challenges, helping me get the best out of myself and team. Martin's calm approach was hugely helpful and he was a great sounding board at points where I felt most challenged.

Martin worked with me over several months to support my leadership and career development while I was working at a leading UK university. Martin has a wonderfully refreshing and reflective style which really helped me form my own views and direction. After working with Martin, I decided to move in a different direction and set up my own business. I would highly recommend Martin, and hope to work with him again in future. Kate Kettle. Founder & Director of Varsity Scholars