Hilary Cowell

Education and Experience: Hilary started her career in HR as a graduate trainee in the telecommunications industry and developed her career with Sony leading their L&D function before joining Cisco and subsequently BAE Systems where she held HR Director roles. She became a consultant in 2007 and has found her commercial experience to be invaluable in informing her pragmatic and results oriented approach. An experienced assessor, coach and facilitator she is skilled in working with individuals, groups and organisations to improve performance, stimulate development and optimise potential.

Professional Skills and expertise: Hilary has experience in leadership assessment, development and coaching. She designs and facilitates management and leadership development programmes and for the last 8 years has worked in partnership with Nestlé Waters on their Mentoring programme. Hilary holds an honours degree in English and History, an MSc in Management Science and is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD). An accredited Change Management practitioner she is qualified in the use of MBTI, Saville Wave, TMS and the Hogan profiling tools which she regularly uses in her coaching work. She is also experienced in the delivery of online learning.
International Experience: Hilary has worked with clients in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, China and South America. She has also designed and facilitated international coaching and mentoring skills development programmes.

Indicative Clients include the British Council, Nestlé Waters, Louis Vuitton; Hager Volkswagen (VW, Audi and Bentley) and Academy schools.

Coaching Style and Approach: Hilary takes time at the beginning of any new coaching relationship to get to know her client and to build genuine trust and rapport. She starts wherever the client is and use models like the Skilled Helper as a guide where a clear process would help. She believes it is important to understand what the client is seeking to achieve and to have clear goals. Contracting at the outset is vita and she ensures that there are regular reviews to ensure that the client is progressing. She is sensitive to the impact of difference and diversity and applies her knowledge both of individuals and of cultures to be effective.