About
I am a strong advocate for the power of coaching as an empowering and effective approach. I have previously launched a coaching pilot for students and been a postgraduate career coach at another London university. I am a coach and Associate for Advance-HE.
I have an interest in leadership and I’m a leadership development coach for Frontline social work and have completed a Senior Leadership MBA Apprenticeship.
I have a passion for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and coaches on numerous EDI projects. This includes Advance HE’s Success on the Board, which aims to diversify governing boards, a maternity coaching programme at a global technology company and disabled councillors for the Local Government Association.
Coaching experience
- Coaching experience: Senior Level
I have a wealth of experience coaching for more than five years at a range of levels, this includes Associate Deans and Senior Lecturers. I have worked in a leadership role in a University and I’m accustomed with working with senior stakeholders.
I am a Leadership Development Coach at social work training provider Frontline where I coach social work leaders. I currently coach Heads of Departments at a Housing Association and have even coached the Mayor of the London Borough of Waltham Forest.
- Coaching experience: Sectors
I currently work across a broad range of sectors including higher education, social work, mental health research, local Government, housing associations, technology, NHS, Civil Service and charities. I enjoy the variety of sectors and flexing my style to support a range of professionals. I’m drawn to working for organisations making a positive difference. This is demonstrated by my range of experience in the public sector.
- Coaching approach and influences
My coaching style is informed by a number of psychological approaches, including person-centred and Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT). My experience of leading teams in a complex higher education institution and interest in leadership training, engagement and communications also inform my work. My Senior Leadership MBA Apprenticeship further informs my leadership coaching. My Organisational Development role and interests inform my coaching, as well as my work developing leadership training for Middlesex University.
- Examples of issues explored in sessions
Leadership, confidence/authority, values, authenticity, transition, managing teams and people, performance management, career progression, time management, handling difficult conversations, influence and impact, returning from maternity leave, navigating and building relationships, handling crises, development, work-life balance and diversity.
Professional Background
I have a passion for development and as a result work in an Organisational Development Team at a London university. In this role I coach, mentor, develop leadership training, facilitate training and identify and address development needs. I have coached staff at universities across the UK and at Advance HE. I have held staff development roles at Middlesex University, Advance HE and in Local Government.
I have held a range of roles in HE, including leadership roles in communication, marketing and alumni relations. I have nearly 15 years’ experience in the higher education sector. My passion for coaching, mentoring and development grew from developing my teams and colleagues, and mentoring new staff and students.
I’ve also held roles in local Government, membership bodies, charities, the civil service and the private sector. I have 15 years’ experience in communications, engagement and marketing.
Qualifications and accreditations
- Coaching and Mentoring – post-graduate certificate
- European Mentoring & Coaching Council (EMCC) Senior Practitioner Award in progress – Due May 2025
- Senior Leadership MBA Apprenticeship and Chartered Manager accreditation
- Psychometric test Strengthscope Accredited
- Communications and Media Studies – BSc Hons
Case Studies
- Client title and institution – e.g. Head of Department, University
Senior Communications and Campaigns Officer, Local Government
- Client issue: one summary paragraph
The client’s goal was to transfer from a compliance role to communications. She wanted to make a career transition, get relevant experience and feel confident. I coached her to explore what was holding her back, identify and fill gaps in experience, in applying for roles, preparing for interview, setting in the new role and applying and securing a promotion.
- Outcome: one summary sentence
The coaching supported her to successfully and confidently make the career transition, overcome imposter syndrome and successfully apply and secure a more senior promotion a year later.
Testimonials
Shazia is able to display a consistently empathetic and positive approach to her coaching. She has the essential qualities to formulate relationships that empower clients to find solutions to their circumstances in ways that suit them.
In my case, she coached me to find out my values so that I could choose a career that was right for me. Whilst I thought the process would be A to B, she allowed me to look at the broader picture to really understand my motivations. Through a series of exercises, challenges, homework and conversations, Shazia helped me realise the complexity of the objective. However, this didn’t deter me, as she made me feel reassured that I should take time to find out what I want most. This lesson was a particular eureka moment and has helped alter my mindset- from where I felt I should be to one of focusing more on the journey of discovering myself.
I am incredibly grateful for the coaching she offered and have felt it has allowed me to grow beyond what I expected. I cannot recommend a more capable, engaging and supportive Coach to anyone who is requiring additional support.
Senior Communications Manager HE
