Name: Barbra Carlisle
Company: Glee Coaching Consultancy
Position: Leadership Coach and Team Performance Facilitator
What do you actually do day-to-day?
Typically start off with a dog walk on the beach and then 121 leadership coaching with clients who have either self-referred, being referred by their employer or are part of a leadership programme.
After the session I spend time reflecting on what I did well, what didn’t work that well and what I would do differently next time.
Some days I am in full extravert delivery mode for my team communication or leadership development training courses. Or I will be scrambling around like a hare sorting out my social media, my calendar, my networking priorities, general admin, and working on the detail of any client training requests (or analysing their psychometric assessment results!).
Depending on the day I may be emersed in interviewing people for my podcast, The Unlikely Executive, aimed at supporting leaders to feel that they can do it and that everyone’s path to leadership is diverse and unique. Follow your purpose with a passion type of vibe.
Have you ever had a mentor? If so, who?
As a coach it would be remiss of me not to walk the walk!
I have had some brilliant mentors in the past, from Alan Brookes, Global CEO of Arcadis to Maryam Al-Makhzoumi an early career reverse mentor – both beneficial and thought provoking. Highly recommend!
Does money motivate you?
Absolutely, with money I have choices. It is not my biggest motivation, but it is a motivator.
What has been the most important event in your working life?
Having the tenacity to set up my own Social Research Agency in 2000.
Who do you most admire?
People who stand up for themselves against the odds.
And Serena Williams
What does leadership mean to you?
Leadership is common decency. It is about respect, collaboration and focus. It is about drawing on your own strengths, and those around you for a higher purpose.
What’s your favourite TV programme?
Queen’s Gambit and Last Tango in Halifax
How do you relax?
Playing with clay, think coach by day ceramist by night!
Fry up or healthy smoothie?
Smoothie – with coffee in it!
Pub or club?
Club to dance the day away
Gym or countryside walk?
Countryside walk – otherwise the dogs wouldn’t be too happy!
Favourite piece of music?
Currently Lola Young. Yes not my generation but a great angry young woman!
Flannels or Florence & Fred?
Are they types of biscuits?
Birkdale or Birkenhead?
Birkenhead – industrial heritage wins every day.