ALISON CUMMINGS

Works in:
West Yorkshire

Background

My organisational background spans over 25 years as a manager, trainer and practitioner across a wide range of voluntary and mainstream statutory settings. My work has been in multi agency team leadership, developing staff, value based reflective practice, management and research, mainly within integrated children's services.

I have recently completed national research projects in developing collaborative leadership, and I have been engaged in job share, peer leadership and mentoring relationships over many years.

Currently

As a consultant working in developmental alliance with leaders and leadership teams I am interested in the process of transformation and whole centre engagement when amalgamating teams from different backgrounds, professions and cultures.

Executive Development

I enjoy the process of helping leaders to open up choices for themselves and their organisations in ethical and responsible leadership, and finding a satisfying, creative work-life balance. My own experiential learning has been built up from Oasis Diploma level leadership and change management programmes and over seven years' personal mentoring with Oasis Human Relations.

CHRIS LAZENBY

Works In:
Yorkshire and
Central London

I have worked for private sector businesses in manufacturing, leisure, travel and financial services. In the mutual sector from 1992 to 2006, I thrived on the ethos of customers being more important than shareholders or profit.

Originally, I worked in Information Technology where I was responsible for a wide variety of technology projects. My remit broadened into business change and I have led a number of initiatives, including restructuring, integrating an acquisition, launching new product, developing an Internet channel to market and creating a call centre. As an internal management consultant, I have developed business strategy, defined corporate management information and set up a performance management process. Latterly, I held general management roles including Operations management for a life assurance company.

After a time, even a new business issue seems familiar as an old problem turns up in a new form but people are always fascinating. Each brings their own unique experience to their roles and the demands of their organization. Supporting others as they tackle the almost endless challenges that they face has always been the most rewarding aspect of my life.

Executive Development

I have a passion for seeing people grow and develop to meet new challenges. Rather than being a disinterested adviser, I like to collaborate and work to achieve a common aim. I enjoy playing a part and take pleasure in exploring issues and ideas. I think that mentoring should be based on mutual respect and trust. To help achieve this, my values include openness, clarity, directness, and integrity. My approach involves being genuine, accepting and empathic. I am both supportive and challenging. I listen carefully and am direct when voicing my views ...and always make room for laughter.

CHRIS TAYLOR

Works In:
North East

I have fifteen years experience in health and social care, including five years at Director level. During this time I benefited from being both mentor and mentored and came to realise the importance of mentoring - particularly at crucial points in an individual's life or career.

Prior to joining the public sector I worked in the voluntary sector and still hold Board positions in a number of voluntary organisations, including two thriving social enterprises and a small international development charity. Outside of work I retain a strong interest in International Development issues, having a degree and some practical experience in this area.

As a consultant I provide a range of strategy and project management services to public and third sector organisations. My particular interest is in supporting strategic change and service transformations. This has recently included introducing personalised services and Individual Budgets, reproviding traditional service models and establishing micro-enterprises.

I would describe my style as relaxed, inclusive and supportive.

CLAIRE MAXWELL

Works:
Nationally

An extensive career in the public sector fostered and encouraged a deeply held interest in the process of change; whether or not the change was imposed or chosen, on an individual or organisational level. What I learned was, that regardless of 'what' the change may be, any experience was significantly affected by the quality of relationship that existed between people.

That valuable experience was later translated into a different sphere. Since 1999, I have been working as an independent consultant, specialising in developing collaborative approaches to whole organisational development. I have also enjoyed a longstanding and close relationship with the Oasis School of Human Relations, most recently taking on the role of Associate Director.

Running alongside and connected to the organisational development is a life long association with theatre and drama, in all its forms. Working on a voluntary basis, I am a Company Director of a thriving Arts Centre in Northumberland and involved in a range of youth drama projects. I am also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a member of the North East Committee.

EXECUTIVE MENTORING

'All effective development starts with a good question'

Having benefited enormously from the experience of mentoring, I am a strong advocate of a process which enables a person to really deepen their understanding of the key questions in their lives and, in the company of another, to work out what needs to happen in order for difference to be experienced. I see the mentor's role as actively 'walking alongside' the person, bringing whatever support and challenge is requested or required in order that there is a greater freedom and a wider range of options for action.

DAVE BARTHRAM

Works In:
North and West
Yorkshire

Background

My early career was as a manager in the GPO, Post Office and BT. I started out in quality improvement project work and have always had an interest in finding ways in which to do things better, quicker, more economically etc. I spent some time in planning and forecasting for the growth of the telephone network but returned to quality improvement, facilitating the introduction of Total Quality Management (TQM). I so enjoyed facilitating quality improvement teams and mentoring Board members and senior managers who were introducing TQM into their departments that I decided to make working with people my future career. I started training with Oasis in 1992, whilst I was still with BT, and went on to complete an Advanced Diploma in the practice of Counselling and the Management of Change, an Advanced Certificate in Affective Competence, a Certificate in Trainer Development and a Certificate in Facilitating Learning in Organisations: Mentoring, Coaching and Supervision. Also, for several years, I have facilitated Oasis certificate and diploma courses in counselling, individual development, human relations practice and the developmental alliance.

Current work/life experience

I am an independent practitioner offering facilitation, non-managerial mentoring, life coaching, counselling, supervision and career development. I work with an interesting clientele who bring a wide range of issues. I relish the opportunity they bring, to build a sound working relationship within which they can locate themselves within their issues and find a way forward that best fits for them in their current life stage. My aim is to help them develop their own resources and coping skills. I am essentially forward looking and concerned with personal change and personal development. I am enjoying the unfolding of my life and continue my own developmental journey. More information about me is available on my website; www.davebarthram.co.uk should you care to look.

Executive Development

I have been interested in individual consulting and mentoring since my days in change management and TQM. I take a whole person approach and look to help the individual locate themselves within their work life and their domestic life. I am interested in helping people to discover their purpose in life and to work towards achieving their career goals in a satisfying way. I have a particular interest in helping individuals and organisations to find a way forward that will make sense for them and take account of human and environmental issues.

HELEN LILL

Works In:
Harrogate and
Pateley Bridge,
North Yorkshire

Background

I have spent the majority of my organisational life within the public sector, although initially I was a Building Society Manager. In local government I worked operationally and managerially, having held roles in Social Services and the Corporate Centre. Latterly as a Human Resources Development Manager I gained experience in Organisation Development, Management Development, and Development of Strategic Thinking in a Multicultural Environment, Leadership, Mentoring, Coaching, Personal Development and Training. I gained experience of board level to operational level consultancy supporting organisational change agendas, including working with Elected Members and broader local communities.

Before leaving Local Government I led an Initiative resulting from an external Stress Audit of 10,000 staff across the Council. The outcome of which influenced a multi-level programme of organisational change tackling workplace stress across the organisation. As Lead Officer I became responsible for managing Health Promotion, Workplace Counselling and Work-Life Balance Initiatives.

Current

Since 2002 I have worked as an independent consultant, my focus has been consultation, facilitation and mediation. I also work with individuals mentoring, coaching, supervising and counselling. My private practise includes both organisation contracts and individual work. In addition I manage a Staff Counselling Service in an NHS Trust.

Executive Development

I love working in relationship with people who are facing challenges and changes in their lives or who are consciously choosing to make changes for themselves. I believe it is a privilege to work with others, to build trust and create a place where hopes and fears, dreams and opportunities can be explored and be made into sense with people. It is not a simple process, and in the complexity I aim to create a genuineness, understanding and in collaboration, enable others to grow and learn. I hope I assist in developing a person's inherent potential. Over time I have benefited from my own personal development, having had opportunities to be mentored and coached. I believe it can be potentially life changing.

JANE SENIOR

Works In:
Cumbria
NW England
Edinburgh

I have worked for 10 years in a commercial environment and 5 years in education & health, bringing a unique perspective to management and organisational development across both public and private sectors.

Starting in industrial relations my career has progressed though human resources to my area of expertise; employee development. With considerable line management experience enhanced by wider commercial exposure through senior positions in sales and marketing, I have focused in recent years on bringing my full range of skill and understanding to support directors and senior managers in their development.

Current

I work across a range of organisations, offering a powerful blend of practical application, strong theoretical base and a personal pursuit of knowledge that ensure highly successful consulting relationships. My work involves practical facilitation, change management, communications, and executive development. I focus on the practical application of theory to make a real impact on performance.

Executive Development

With my background in communication and interpersonal skills I develop highly successful mentoring relationships based on my ability to enable individuals to connect with their personal power and significantly enhance their performance. I enjoy working with people who are looking to work things out in challenging environments.

JILL COX

Works In:
North Yorkshire
Central London

I bring a background of extensive board level experience following a career which started with law and politics and turned into being a nurse, for the most part a mental health nurse. It was whilst studying to be a community mental health nurse that I discovered the work of John Heron and the style of work that leads me to work with Oasis. Working at Guys in London as a nurse manager I was "encouraged" to go and study management properly, which I did through the OU and at City University. There I discovered the power of coaching and learning sets as well as those things which enabled me to move into director roles, finance and business planning for example.

It was whilst working as a Director of Nursing in 1998 that I decided to make the move into a portfolio career, talked about by Charles Handy but a new concept in my world, and set up a small company that would work with others. I remain Managing Director but the business has grown. It was not long before I was asked to undertake my first interim role, the first of many lasting from a few weeks to two years. I have been CEO of a mental health trust, taking it into merger and taking the clinicians and staff fully on board with this was key. Other interim director roles have been interesting, including the separation of provider services from a London PCT. Not all the roles have been in the NHS, I have undertaken lots of work recently with membership organisations including for one year as Director Scotland for the Royal College of Nursing where I was glad I had studied politics, as we managed to achieve a full pay rise for nurses in Scotland whilst in England it was staged.

Current

I am working with PCTs in West London as they develop and change alongside the separation of their provided services and collaborating with others on a series of commissioning led service reviews.

Executive Development

Alongside interim management has been extensive coaching and mentoring as well as organisational diagnostics and team and personal development. In one to one work I will challenge whilst working towards changes and development the client identifies, this has included shopping for the right work style and working on personal presentation. An enjoyable partnership. I like to work in the area of "difficult conversations" , where individuals and teams can really grow as the benefits of clarity and understanding really make a difference.

PENNY JONES

Works In:
Yorkshire and the Humber,
NE & NW England,
and Central London

I provide coaching and mentoring for senior leaders across the public, not for profit and private sector. I have developed a special interest in working with people managing organisational and or personal transitions. Prior to establishing Azurite Coaching I had 20 years leadership experience in the Local Authority and the NHS most recently as a PCT Chief Executive. I delivered challenging performance and financial targets and have turnaround experience as an Interim Chief Executive. I have planned and implemented complex and strategic organisational change and supported people through the implications of this. I am committed to organisational and personal development having supported the development of coaching skills for managers and leaders in the context of a learning organization.

I am a member of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council and work within its Code of Ethics, Complaint Procedure and Diversity Statement. I hold an Advanced Coaching Diploma from the Oxford School of Coaching and Mentoring (2003) and a Masters in Professional Coaching with i-coach academy (2007). I have recently undertaken a research project exploring the role and value of coaching for senior leaders experiencing significant career transitions to complete an MA (Professional Coaching) with i-coach academy and Middlesex University.

Executive Development

In most areas of my life my preferred learning approach has been 1:1 coaching or mentoring. It provides a valuable learning partnership that can gives the protected time, space and challenge to support individualised learning. My approach has at its centre the importance of creating a relationship of mutual trust and respect between the mentor and client along with supporting the client in their self-organised learning and development. Personal choice and responsibility are key themes in my work where, in partnership with the client, we develop a coaching agenda following an exploration of the client's personal perspective and their context. My overall aim is to establish what really matters to the client, develop a strategy for moving towards this, therefore supporting the clients in complex situations to make the best decisions and subsequent action plans.

PETER STOTT

Works In:
North East
England

I have worked in the fields of housing, homelessness and community development since 1976. Since 1993 I have been (and continue to be) a member of senior/leadership teams, first at Circle 33 Housing Trust in London, and currently at Home Group, a national affordable housing and care services provider based in the North East, where I was Acting CEO during most of 2008.

I have extensive direct experience both of operations leadership and the leadership of strategic services including organisational strategy and business planning, marketing and procurement. I hold the Open University MBA.

Executive Development

I place a strong emphasis on personal, team and organisational development and have gained many benefits myself from good mentors. My approach as a mentor is to facilitate the working out of key questions by the mentee, and then to assist in keeping focus on those questions, and provide an active listening space in which they can be explored.

YAAKOV ATIK

Works In:
Within a radius of
approx 100 miles
of Leeds

Background

I have worked as a facilitator and consultant for over 30 years in the area of people management. My focus has been in the areas of teambuilding, coaching, action learning and consultancy. I first learned the skills of facilitation in the Teambuilding unit of the Israel Defense Forces. I moved to England in 1990 and completed an MSc in Organisational Psychology with a thesis on the relationship between conductors and orchestras.

I have worked independently since 1992 in the public sector, mostly in the NHS. Between 2004 and 2006 I was a full-time facilitator for the Clinical Teams Programme, a pilot project run by the Royal College of Nursing. In addition to some coaching and teambuilding, I am currently working as a volunteer mediator for the Leeds Community Mediation Service.

Executive Development

try to build an atmosphere of collaboration with those I work with and see my coaching and mentoring work as that of building a relationship. Recently a senior GP/Manager that I coach described my work with him as follows: Yaakov helped me to feel the feelings that others feel about me." If that's a bit scary, you might want to try a lesser coach."

I am influenced by the theory of Dialogue, as described by William Isaacs. The whole area of conflict resolution interests me greatly but I am also aware of the many obstacles that prevent resolution. I like the Bridges model of Change and Transition and have felt a particular empathy with Gestalt Psychology. I am particularly fond of the saying, "It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness." Sometimes I manage to live by that adage.

STEVE DILWORTH

Works In:
Kent,
central London,
Hertfordshire and
NW England

Background

Since embarking on a freelance path, more than a decade ago and after more than 15 years in the NHS I have extended my work across traditional organisational boundaries, working within the commercial, public and voluntary sectors always striving to share knowledge and understanding between sectors. I am committed to the development of individuals, groups and organisations.

Current

My client work extends across a range of organisations and levels. I offer clinical and professional supervision in a wide range of health contexts and executive coaching within other organisations.

I am regularly involved in project work as an external facilitator and am currently writing a thesis as part of a professional doctorate programme that emphasises the development of 'scholarly professionals' rather than 'professional scholars'. My thesis relates to the concept of presence in facilitation.

Executive Development

My style is based on humanistic values and a passion for learning - I confidently expect people to find answers to their own dilemmas - my role is to help them to reach within (and without) to find their own answers. When I listen clients say they feel heard - my attention and presence are key skills.

Clients can expect to be supported gently and challenged deeply. I have trained in humanistic approaches and hold an MSc. in Change Agent Skills and Strategies. These qualifications form the bedrock of my approach. I use simple models to orientate my work whilst focusing on the information, context and experience brought by the client.

I regularly and instinctively use situational humour - seeing the funny side of situations seems to help clients to put issues in perspective and discover insights they may otherwise have missed.

NICK ELLERBY

Works In:
Yorkshire
London

I bring 'in the swamp' experience, having held director and governance positions. I have a commitment to sustainability, entrepreneurship and delivering 'human scale' strategic processes for individuals, teams and organisations. Freedom, personal development, human relations, working with the future and choice underpin my approach - developed through relationships with good mentors.

The last twenty years as a co-director of the Oasis School, a not for profit social enterprise, has involved being a lead consultant on how to influence, shape and create sustainable and inclusive futures and cultures. Both nationally and internationally I enjoy (if that is the right word) working with issues of responsible leadership, whole person learning and developing organisations of tomorrow that bring together public, business and third sector influences.

My educational background encompasses psychology, education, strategic change agency, counselling and developing learning relationships. I have been a lecturer and facilitator in higher education and currently advise, co-design and deliver leadership processes in public, private and third sector settings.

Executive Development

With developing the whole person at the heart of any learning relationship I aim to work with those who are open to exploring and working with their questions - as they arise within themselves and from the wider world they live and work within. I consider effective executive mentoring as an aspect of social change.

I see the way a person's context influences their decisions as subtle and complex, going beyond what is visible and taken for granted. How people understand, interact and negotiate with the world around them, openness to discovery and pausing for reflection, as well as shaping approaches that enable change, all are part of the mentoring process, together with sufficient time.

Application in practice to make a genuine difference is fundamental to my contribution. This is informed by my work as an organisational development consultant, team facilitator and company director involved in real time issues and challenges.

JUSTINE OLDFIELD-ROWELL

Works In:
North East
England

With a substantial background in education in both primary settings and higher education I developed my work in the field of child and adult development.

From the late-eighties I built on my behavioural and emotional specialisms and have worked extensively as a counsellor in both private practice and within employee assistance schemes. This has lead to receiving professional accreditation in my roles as both counsellor and supervisor.

Latterly my contribution has extended to working with individuals interested in examining their own career development and the issues facing them in their work setting as individuals, managers or leaders.

Executive Development

The consulting process is such that both involved carry responsibility and accountability. It is a place where an individual can be supported to find their own voice and work out their own decisions through conversation that matter.

RICK CROSS

Works In:
North Cumbria

My experience is as a Manager, Chief Executive and Company Director, working across the Private, Public and Voluntary sectors within Design Teams and Regeneration Initiatives.

I have learned to build alliances that encourage an honest exchange of thoughts and feelings based on trust and mutual understanding. From this foundation it is possible to support my clients personal enquiry and unlock new understanding as to how personality and life experience converge and are expressed in personal responses to current dilemmas. Together we can discover what limits and optimises effective personal and cooperative action and enable positive change. Increasingly my work has focussed on developing people through enabling personal creative processes and supporting the manifestation of new initiatives and directions in response to growing uncertainty and the profound cultural crises emerging in organisations and communities. I am motivated to support leaders at all levels of society to reaffirm their underlying values and reach for positive change for themselves, for others with whom they work and the wider world, as part of my wider commitment to building a sustainable future for the emerging transition generation.

I currently work as a mentor, coach, relationship counsellor and Human Relations Consultant with a wide diversity of individuals and groups from across all sectors and positions in life..

Executive Development

My practice is grounded in a philosophy of environmental humanism and applies a Whole Systems, Person-Centred approach. I am motivated to enable a positive contribution to change from the full diversity of people in organisations and communities, by discovering new ways to meet and enable learning. As we respond to contemporary challenges and dilemmas, I believe that with tenacity and courage we can bridge the gulf between strategic leadership and practical solutions for people.

SOO REDSHAW

Works In:
NW & NE England
and into Scotland
including Edinburgh
and Glasgow and
Central London

Background

I am informal experiential educator by preference. I work with people in the less tangible aspects of organisational life -behaviour both individual and corporate!! I spent a number of years as an outdoor educator before taking the scary step into self employment. This has enabled me into work with corporate, public and voluntary organisations, large and small. I have a strong interest in the holistic expression of being human.

Current

I have a 50% contract with LSIS working with senior leaders and managers to develop leadership and sector improvement within Further Education with special emphasis on Work Based and Adult and Community Learning.

The rest of my time is full of work with people across a spectrum of organisations working with cross section of ages, roles and development needs, as well as being a trustee of a youth organisation.

Executive Development

My approach to coaching is eclectic. I work with the emergent and create action and solution based on the client's story. I believe my role is to amplify, notice pattern and offer observation for critical reflection and comment by the client. The exciting part of working with people is the adventure of the creation of the relationship to share the development journey.

LIZ GOULD

I have over 20 years experience working in the field of organisation development (OD), capacity-building, learning and change, primarily in the international development and UK voluntary and public sector. I have a background in adult education and community development in both Africa and UK. I have worked with a wide range of organisations as an OD practitioner, facilitator and mentor, as well as being a co-Director of a small NGO that runs a Masters Leadership programme for Directors of Foundations in Eastern and Central Europe. .I presently have an independent consultancy and mentoring practice based in Oxford.

In my work with organisations and individuals, I am keen to support spaces for people to be, think and talk differently together around those questions and issues that matter to them, their practice and context. This leads me to pay particular attention to the quality of relationships, conversation and the handling of difference within organisational life. I combine an ability to inquire into underlying mind-sets and stuck patterns of behaviour that may limit or defend against new thinking, learning and creativity, along with an appreciative stance that seeks to build on what is already working well and where there is energy for movement.

I am interested in supporting more participatory and emergent, rather than top-down and linear approaches to change and transition. My approach to change is informed by a number of influences including; human relations, Gestalt, complexity theory, systemic thinking - as well as the rapidly changing socio-political context I work in and my own interest in therapy and spiritual development. Concerns around social justice and sustainability at a local and global level are integral to my work and life.

I am passionate about supporting a more reflective developmental practice with the individuals and organisations I work with as I see this as core to health and long-term sustainable impact. I am also committed to my own development and learning as a 'reflective practitioner', having a mentor myself and recently completing a Masters in Organisation Consulting at Ashridge Management School.

Executive Development

My mentoring work is informed by much of the above. Having experienced the benefits of mentoring myself, I see the importance of having regular opportunities to step back, reflect and work through knotty issues and key questions in your practice and learning journey with a trusted speaking/thinking partner who you can trust and be open with; and who is not directly involved in your work or life. I pay particular attention to the relationship with whoever I am working with, as it is through relationship that learning and change can arise- for us both.

Mentoring clients have included Directors, senior and middle managers, from organisations ranging from public sector bodies, universities, international agencies and community associations. I have also mentored Directors on the aforementioned Masters Leadership programme.

ZENA BERNACCA

Works In:
North and West
Yorkshire
(will travel)

I began my career within the health service with an interest in creating new ways of working as the complexity of modern life began to make its impact forcefully on public services.

Since then, I have worked with Oasis across sectors but predominantly with organisations within the third sector. Throughout, developing people has been a passion and delight to me, coupled with a curiosity in how we 'manifest our future' - never more fascinating nor more urgent than our current circumstances of how do we attend to the planetary challenges that face us?

People who inspired me early on include Charles Handy and Tom Peters. Those shaping my current practice include John Heron, Mario van Boeschoten, Will Schutz, and Bryce Taylor; my colleagues at Oasis as well as clients, participants and other peers I have worked with over the last twenty years.

Current

The inspiration that working with people gives me continues unabated and I continue to deepen my understanding and appreciation of Whole Person Learning; the approach that underpins my work. The range of what I do includes design and delivery of development programmes from stand alone 2-3 day processes to long-term masters level programmes; initiating co-operative inquiries, organisational consulting; and mentoring, coaching and supervision.

Executive Development

Working with individuals effectively has to start with the building of trust. Unless we can create a genuine feeling of understanding and being understood; challenges, hopes and fears or concerns do not get aired. Once trust in the relationship is built, the building of resilience and resourcefulness is a usual outcome to any creative mentoring or coaching, in addition to specific goals brought by the individual.

Within Oasis

As one of my responsibilities as co-director of Oasis I held the lead in the development of the support and promotional services within Oasis for many years. Currently, I have a lead responsibility with regard to finance and contribute to the development of the Executive Developers service. Whilst having a small number of people who work 'behind the scenes' we work collaboratively and imaginatively, bringing alive the working practices that we facilitate the practice of in other organisations!

CHRIS NELIGAN

Works In:
Wetherby area
(will travel)

Prior to my involvement in Oasis, I worked in Primary Care as a health practitioner in a large general practice. I established and developed a Primary Care counselling practice. From 1999 to 2007 I was a Company Director with Oasis and the Lead Director in Employee Development Schemes for commercial and non-profit sector organisations. This gave me the responsibility for assisting organisations design the most appropriate intervention for their employees' physical, mental and emotional needs.

I also worked as a consultant and facilitator of a range of long and short programmes, including the Oasis Developmental Alliance (coaching, mentoring and supervision). In addition, over the last fifteen years I have maintained a one-to-one practice offering individuals' developmental mentoring and counselling.

Current

I am now a non-executive Director for Oasis and maintain a keen interest in individuals' growth and development, as well as the future development of Oasis with the current issues facing society, organisations and individuals. I am exploring the new space and challenges of the "pre-retirement" phase.

Executive Development

I enjoy the challenge of working with people who are facing changes in their working life - whether this is through a development process facilitated by Oasis, through personal change or due to challenges arising from other sources. I relish the opportunity to understand more about individuals' motivation, the way in which organisations operate and the chance to find more in myself to offer others. I work through a "Whole Person Learning" approach and use the breadth of my experience and interests to provide a safe developmental space for the other to face themselves and realise potentials.

BRYCE TAYLOR

I've had an interest in one to one work since the beginning of Oasis (25 years). I look upon the individual as meeting steps in their development throughout life and those steps may 'appear' in work or in life, but they usually have an impact on both. My interest lies is helping the person locate themselves and their concerns in their wider perspective in order to be more effective as the person they are and not simply 'better' at the role they perform.

Current work/life experience

I write a lot about the concerns and interests of Oasis; currently a book on Whole Person Learning. I enjoy the educational aspect to all our work, whether at the centre or in organisations, I spend more time when I am in organisations working out issues of development for the group or the team rather than 'solving' specific problems.

Executive Development

I regard one to one support and development as an indispensable part of any individual's resources for managing the complexities of a changing world, at any level of the organisational 'ladder'. Learning about how the role, the work and the organisation combine inside the person is an always fascinating process. 'Working With Others' expresses my theory and practice stance to all this and worth looking through if you are inclined.

MARION RAGALIAUSKAS

Works In:
Wetherby area

Background

I have been working in the field of Human Relations for over eighteen years, initially in the not-for-profit sector, both as a practitioner and manager of support services, and then within training and development. I began working with Oasis in the early 1990's, becoming a Co-Director in 1996

My work over the last fifteen years has ranged from facilitating longer term Certificate and Diploma Human Relations programmes, working with conflict processes - building resilience, conflict resolution and facilitation - to team development and working alongside organisations in developing practitioners, managers, leaders that take account of the human dimension in organisational development.

Executive Development

I enjoy working with those who recognise that development begins with the 'self' - those who have an interest in engaging with the internal, as well as external questions and challenges one faces in the process of becoming.

I have a particular interest in the exploration of freedom, responsibility and accountability at an individual, organisational and societal level and working with personal, interpersonal or organisational resistances to change

In the consulting process I bring a whole person perspective and a commitment to working with and embracing real diversity, collaboration and working through relationship.

CHRISTINA BACHINI

Works In:
Berkshire

I am an experienced professional facilitator and executive development coach, working with organisations, teams and individuals to develop and build on their interpersonal and personal skills and capabilities. I have gained extensive experience working in the Finance and Banking, Pharmaceutical, Telecommunications, Civil Aviation and Public Sectors, working at an emerging leader and executive level. I am an Accredited Coach awarded by the Association for Coaching.

I started Chrysalis Executive Development in 1982, in order to provide a specialist range of services to client's worldwide. Typically organisations will have spent time and effort recruiting talented people, who then, may not perform to expectations. Often individuals under perform, because of underlying lack of self-confidence, limiting beliefs about their abilities, interpersonal conflict, or loss of professional trust. These issues need addressing to bring about a successful outcome for all parties. When these underlying issues are raised and dealt with, individuals can transform into purposeful, fulfilled, happy, successful and productive people.

Executive Development

I discovered that I really enjoy the opportunity of working with individuals in a 1:1 relationship. I also realised that I have a real skill for getting to the heart of the matter quickly, by using my ability to understand and investigate what needs to be dealt with. I feel privileged; to have the opportunity to work with people at a deep level, bringing about meaningful and lasting change to create better work life balance and success. Coaching uses my strengths of challenging and straightforward communication with a caring and insightful manner. I believe that everyone has a great capacity for developing his or her potential. Helping people to achieve their desired results is my primary objective as I work with a solutions model of coaching.

SALLY CHERRY

Works In:
The Midlands

Sally's background is in the Probation Service, first motivated by an interest in people and what makes them tick. This expanded to an interest in what enables people to change and grow. Her career encompasses learning and development with a strong focus on management within the third sector (National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders) and local authorities.

After eight years of successfully developing and operating her own consultancy she was ready for a change and was appointed Assistant Director to a West Midlands Training Consortium, and currently has a lead role in the development of leaders and managers. Sally is one of the UK's leading exponents of Pro-social Modelling; a principled people centred way of working with involuntary clients. Sally believes in this approach with a passion and brings many of the underlying values to all of her work. She is author of 'Transforming Behaviour; Pro-social Modelling in Practice' (Willan 2005) which is acknowledged as being the primary source material for the UK, as well as a recognised international resource.

In outlining her stance to executive development, Sally explains, 'Whatever I have been doing I have never lost my interest in working alongside people as they develop. Whatever expertise I have is not in providing answers but in listening, developing empathy and nudging people towards finding their own answers. Through direct experience of its effectiveness, I have been influenced by ways of working that embrace solution focussed approaches. The words of Bill O'Connell go some way to describing the elements that I bring in my practice: the (developer) should trust the client's best instincts and see the client as creative, imaginative and resourceful. The (developer), too, is optimistic, resourceful, creative and imaginative. S/he helps the client to keep going in the direction of his/her goals, but is not the expert who chooses what direction that should be.'

JUDI STEEL

Judi Steel has been involved with Oasis since 1993 and has been employed by the organisation since 2002.

Judi has a background in the NHS working as a nurse in Emergency Care both in this country and overseas. Through this work she has developed a knowledge and empathy with those experiencing distress through life events.

During the 1990's, Judi trained as a counsellor with Oasis and went on to work with a bereavement service in Leeds and then for Leeds MIND. She widened her interest in working with people and trained as a massage therapist to integrate other options in the management of stress.

Judi was employed by Oasis in July 2002 as administrator for Oasis Peoplecare when she was responsible for developing the infrastructure to support a growing and successful service and was appointed Peoplecare Contracts Manager in 2004.

Through the work she has gained insight and experience in translating organisational needs into reality to ensure that Oasis Peoplecare provides a high quality service.

KATHY BIGGAR

Kathy brings deep understanding and demonstrable skills in leadership and development within the third and public sectors and brings significant experience in chair roles with governance and advisory boards, both regionally and nationally. Kathy has also been a member of several voluntary sector management committees and served on the Executive Committee of the Samaritans for eight years including three years as Vice Chair

Kathy has lead significant national partnership working between government and the Third Sector as well as holding Prison Service responsibilities relating to high profile, high risk activities. Having successfully shaped and contributed to national strategy over a number of years within the Home Office, Kathy brings experience of pioneering change and development within demanding political, social and organisational contexts.

Most of her working experience, in both the public and voluntary sector, has focused on enabling others (managers, leaders, peers and volunteers) to work together, to take on the very difficult challenges of treating people caught up in the criminal justice system with humanity and respect and to enable offenders to rebuild their lives positively. Kathy worked in the criminal justice system for thirty three years, including eight years as a Senior Probation Officer in the London Probation Service (managing the Probation Unit at HMP Wandsworth and a Resettlement Team in Central London). In 2001 she transferred to the Prison Service where she worked with the Safer Custody Group until she retired.

Currently, Kathy is an active consultant with the Prison Reform Trust, supporting their advice and information team and working on their older people in prison project, as well as a member of the Oasis 1-1 Executive Development Forum, bringing many years of experience in assisting others to reach their potential.

BJÖRN LARSSON

CEO of The ForeSight Group, founded 1979 in Washington D.C.. The ForeSight Group has pioneered the field of internal entrepreneurship (intrapreneurship) and has licensed its methods and concepts to management consulting firms in 13 countries, forming the ForeSight Network. Today The ForeSight Group is a portal to supporting organizations to help create and action-test options for the future.

The ForeSight Group works with management teams on transformational issues in parallel with real life front-line innovation by intrapreneurs, increasing the speed of getting new ventures, products and services to market or to speed up the implementation of major change efforts.

In recent years Bjorn has been applying The ForeSight Group entrepreneurial methods in designing and co-running The Globally Responsible Leaders Initiative, involving representatives for business and business schools, spanning all continents, as well as The World's Childrens Prize (the world's largest education activity on human rights, democracy and respect for the environment for the coming generation)

Björn has a background as economist, journalist and diplomat and thrives in the intersection between commercialism and humanism, where things work and have a meaning.

Björn is a Swede, born 1958, married with a son and a daughter. He enjoys his family and a lively network from all walks of life.

GLYN FUSSELL

Works In:
SW England
Midlands
South Wales
Central London

For the last 10 years I have worked in leadership development, designing and delivering innovative educational practices for leaders from all sectors and all walks of life.

My career has been an eclectic one from 12 years working in the performing arts to 4 years as the Training Director for a blue chip company in Central London. I have come to several career crossroads in my life and am very aware of the stresses and strains change of this kind can bring!

As a consultant and coach, I have worked with a very wide range of individuals, teams and organisations. In my work with international leadership development organisation, Common Purpose, I was privileged to work with some of the UK's most influential and high profile leaders. My experience has lead to a uniquely informed view of the leadership challenges faced by decisions makers and the agility necessary for success.

Executive Development

My approach to executive development places self awareness and authenticity right at its centre. I believe that most effective people are effective because they have a strong sense of who they are; warts and all and find real strength and acceptance in that self-knowledge. When working alongside individuals I am always keen to listen first and to work hard to create a space where people can find their own, unique solutions - perhaps surprising themselves as to what they are capable of achieving. I am trained to post graduate level as an executive coach.

SASIKI HUBBERSTEY

Works In:
North Yorkshire
Willing to travel

For several years I lived and worked in Sri Lanka and India, where questions of identity, difference and belonging were paramount to me, and work relationships, particularly hierarchical ones, were very different. Since returning to the UK I have supported a large number of adults who are experiencing some form of cultural change at work. I have undertaken several programmes with Oasis on the management of change, leadership and identity.

Executive Development

Many people find that although they may have the qualifications and experience that suit their particular job or role, there are occasions when changes in the work situation require paralleled changes in behaviour that are at times difficult to manage. One-to-one work with an experienced person who is also an outsider to the situation can be extremely beneficial, and early support can make a significant difference both for the individual, members of that individual's team, and the workplace. Individuals can self-refer; often they are referred by a line-manager or employer.

Specailist 1:1 Focus

I provide specialist support for those born outside the UK who are experiencing cultural differences that they wish to explore further, and those born in the UK whose work culture is changing and who want to work out what this requires of them, and how to manage this.

My work in 'culture change' covers the following:

• cultural integration for those from other cultures: managing new styles of hierarchical relationships in the UK; language and communication
• exam preparation - stress management, revision techniques, exam techniques
• stress
• time management, organisational skills
• presentation and interview skills
• managing the difficult boss, or a new boss

My sessions last up to two hours, are very focussed but relaxed, and we develop strategies and techniques based on the client specific situation and needs that the individual practises between sessions. Some clients keep a journal of their experiences and reflections on them. Sometimes we role-play particular situations that the client wants to practise. Clients might send me written work if they are studying for exams, which I will comment and advise on between sessions.

FRANCES O'SULLIVAN

Works In:
West Yorkshire

Background

My career began in Finance and Accountancy working in practice, industry and commerce. I worked exclusively in the private sector for small organisations where roles are multi-faceted and constant innovation and differentiation are necessary to remain viable. By their very nature these types of organisation are more humanly 'intense' and it was the lack of a 'human relations' element that lead me to reflect and reconsider the types of organisations I was working for.

With a keen and constant interest in Health Care, both from a personal and nationwide perspective, I embarked on a new path in the field of Health and Social Care. Over the last 15 years I have worked within a Hospice, Care Home Group, GP group practice and currently a PCT.

Experience

My experience covers systems and process innovation, change management, tendering for new services, workforce development, organisational development, computer system upgrades, re-design of management Information systems, business and strategic planning

I am currently working in project management and developing as an interim manager and facilitator with a variety of remits. I work in collaboration with Oasis and as an independent consultant.

Approach

I am a keen proponent of 1:1 development as it has proved to be an invaluable resource for me at turning points in my working life. From my own developer I have learned that areas of resistance are usually the areas we need to visit most and that uncertainty and change is a constant. Having an objective third party to listen, inquire and engage with can bring renewed purpose and perspective.

On a practical level I have been influenced by the work of Tom Peters, Michael Porter and Paul Trott. On a more intangible level I am interested in working with metaphors, patterns, our visceral reactions, and what information we gather intuitively about people, situations and / or organisations.

JOHN PRICE

Works In:
Rutland
London
Willing to travel

Background

I have twenty-five years' experience in the Mars Group, working in a number of functions at manager, director and managing director level. I spent two years working in Sweden and have ten years' experience of managing cross-European teams. I am the director of a property company, and Chairman of Trustees of Mars Pension Trustee Ltd.

During my career I found that a facilitative and learning-based management style achieved better results and supported individual and organizational development. To develop this interest further, after retiring from Mars I completed an Advanced Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling at the Oasis School of Human Relations, and an MA in Coaching and Mentoring Practice at Oxford Brookes University. I am a Member of the Association for Coaching.

Executive Development

I enjoy helping people to build a clear understanding of the opportunities and issues they face. We then work together to see how their unique skills can be best applied to achieving goals that both reflect business needs and engage their interest. The main aim of Executive Development is for the person to learn new ways of working that they can continue to apply well after the 1:1 work is finished.

I am convinced that all of us can improve our performance and make our work more rewarding. We do so by understanding better the things we are good at and like doing, and then doing them more often and more fully. Learning new thinking and new behaviours to manage problems we meet on the way supports this core approach of concentrating on using our strengths and those of the people around us.

CHARLES GREENWOOD

Works In:
Yorkshire and the
North East

Background

I have worked for 30 years within the commercial sector gaining experience in a number of disciplines and sizes of organisations from multi-nationals to working on my own as an interim consultant. This experience has broadly been at functional head and director level in Procurement and wider Commercial roles. This has frequently required overseas travel and working with businesses in the Far East, Africa and throughout Europe.

Throughout this working period, a number of common themes have emerged: The critical nature of team building and working with colleagues to build clear personal and business objectives; the importance of providing your business partners (customer/supplier/colleague) with best value and good service so as to build long term relations; finally, the constant impact of change on individuals and organisations.

Currently

I work with large and small businesses utilising a highly personalised approach built on mutual trust and need to understand the effects of actual or planned change programmes. The requirement for consultancy is usually driven by the need to 'fix' something and I find this is more often about helping individuals adapt to new initiatives and establish relations with other stakeholders who share the impact of the challenges or strategic developments.

Executive Development

I enjoy working with leaders who are looking to make sense of how their personal and organisational worlds inter-react. This might involve re-ordering priorities, adopting new business cultures or just dealing with the personal impact of rising to the challenge of constant change. Executive Development provides a safe personal environment in which to question, reflect upon and re-evaluate core principles - this can be through a practical experiential approach but also a creative and imaginative dialogue. The outcomes can be extremely rewarding - renewed enthusiasm, energy and motivation; as well as the almost inevitable performance improvements.

JULIE BARNES

Works In:
East Midlands,
UK and
Worldwide
Willing to travel

As an executive developer, my aim is to work with you on what you want to achieve, in the way that best suits you; challenging and supporting you in reaching your potential and increasing your impact, influence and enjoyment of what you do best. In doing this, we can't help but improve every part of ourselves, our life, work and the situations we face.

If you want to go faster, go alone. If you want to go further, go together.
African Proverb

How i work

With a background in social research, counselling and appreciative inquiry, I am fascinated by what helps people learn, grow and unlock their potential. What helps us to be the best we can possibly be - as leaders, as professionals and as people?

I work alongside people taking that 'learning journey':

• Co-creating a reflective space in which they can explore, experiment and learn from their own experience;
• Helping them to understand when they are at their best and to figure out their next moves;
• Building on their strengths and learning new skills to achieve even their wildest dreams.

I encourage people to work in the way that best suits them, being creative and innovative, within a supportive and accepting environment. This might be in an office, an art gallery, walking in the park or something more adventurous! We co-create the space we need to do our best work and take the time to reflect and learn.

Background

I bring whole person principles to each of my working activities. My background is in social care research and inspection; and I have trained as a person centred counsellor (Rogers) and appreciative inquiry facilitator (Cooperrider), working with individuals, teams and whole organisations, in the public sector.

As an employee, I have worked in local government, the Civil Service (Department of Health) and for the National College of School Leadership. Working freelance since 2002, I have combined working with individuals on their personal and professional development; and facilitating whole system learning and sustainable change for central, regional and local government and other public bodies in England and Wales. I am a program associate for the NTL Institute in the USA and part of Communication Now, a professional support organisation for school staff in the UK.

I live in Nottingham with my husband Stewart, with good friends, family and step-grandchildren close by. I love travelling, movies and storytelling, playing and listening to music, walking my dog and making use of the many fruits from our allotment!

BENITA TREANOR

Works In:
Scotland,
North East
Yorkshire
London

"Every action in the outer world has a place inside the imagination or the intelligence from which it begins. Our ability to live and thrive at work in a complex, changing world depends on how well we build the bridge between what is occurring on the inside and the actions we must take on the outside".
David Whyte

Every new stage in the life of an organisation experiences a period of uncertainty, moving from the familiar to generating the future potential.

I seek to co-create a trusting and respectful partnership with you to breathe new meaning and life into focused purpose and action. I offer you a place to draw on existing strengths in order to navigate change and find new ways of thinking about work puzzles and issues.

The challenge is often to give attention to what is important to you, noticing any patterns that hold you back, and redirect attention to move beyond perceived limits. It may also require you to move to focused and non judgmental observation that allows you to open and connect with other viewpoints. I believe through accessing a deeper learning we can create change that serves the highest possibilities of both the organisation and the individual.

I convey a 'whole' perspective and systemic way of approaching the many different challenges and contexts of our working lives, bringing long standing experience in working with political, ethical and cultural change, generating constructive dialogue for sustainable development.

Background

I offer vitality and robust commitment in bringing useful inquiry for change to individuals and organisations.

I began my working life delivering customers services within the financial sector. Following a career break for my children I set up my own businesses in events catering, advice work, physical therapy, service development Through these experiences I recognised the consequence of people playing to their strengths in enabling successful outcomes for customers and business alike. It was during this time my desire to develop myself and others through one to one and group interventions became my passion. I have continued to work with a diverse client group from Private (utilities, finance, retail, manufacturing, IT) and Public (NHS, Police, Local Authorities, Social Services) to the Voluntary sector.

JOANNA CROSSE

Works In:
South West,
Willing to Travel

Helping individuals and organisations to find their voice is at the heart of all the work I do. I have a background as a network television and radio broadcaster, and as a journalist have devoted many years to social campaigning in one form or another. I am a voice and presentation coach to media professionals and also work in the private, corporate and public sector.

I have discovered whether I work with lawyers, health professionals, teachers, authors, the police or CEOs, helping them to ignore their inner critic and speak their truth has been the foundation stone of all my sessions. Clear communication can truly transform our lives both personally and professionally.

I am a trained Frameworks for Change facilitator, and having been in recovery for many years I have an interest and commitment to helping people with addiction issues.

The core development areas I offer include media training, voice and presentation skills, corporate coaching, assertiveness skills, profile raising, interview techniques, team building and leadership development. My fifth book ‘Find Your Voice’ has recently been published by Little Brown.

Whilst I am based in Bath and work mainly in the South West of England I do travel more widely within the UK.

WENDY WILSON

Works In:
Yorkshire

As a consultant and mentor I hope to see individuals, teams and organisations grow and develop to meet new challenges.

I am intrigued by the seemingly simple 'levers' used within a one to one relationship to generate change in thought processes and actions in what appear to be impossible situations.

Achieving personal change and personal development within a multi-agency working environment is of particular interest to me. Experiencing the potency of mentoring within my career inspired my interest in developing other people and it is in this area that I continue to enhance my skills and approach.

Background

As a consultant and mentor I hope to see individuals, teams and organisations grow and develop to meet new challenges.

I am intrigued by the seemingly simple 'levers' used within a one to one relationship to generate change in thought processes and actions in what appear to be impossible situations.

Achieving personal change and personal development within a multi-agency working environment is of particular interest to me. Experiencing the potency of mentoring within my career inspired my interest in developing other people and it is in this area that I continue to enhance my skills and approach.