Today’s leaders need to embrace adaptability as a differentiating and essential skill. Adaptability requires curiosity to see through fresh eyes. Creativity to explore different options. Flexibility to switch directions if needed. Self-belief and trust in others. And the ability to make tough choices when you don’t have all the answers. With guidance and support, adaptability is a skill that can be learned, developed and mastered.
Nick Deeming
I have always been motivated by a genuine passion for people and potential, especially in times of change, stress, or crisis. I’ve been through some immensely testing times, overcoming extreme challenges having begun my career in the military before working as an international lawyer for over 25 years and holding a range of non-executive directorships.
My career has included ample opportunities for me to experience the ‘good, the bad and the ugly’ sides of change.
Reflecting on my journey through life, I recognise a valuable asset that has stood me in good stead throughout: my ability (and willingness) to adapt.
This inspired me to make my own transition and become an independent leadership coach several years ago.
Leadership coaching is itself a journey of continuous and rich learning. I am grateful for the generosity of my clients who place their trust me, who have the courage to open up and share their vulnerability, who demonstrate the strength and commitment to stay the course and who allow me to guide and support them through their own game-changing journey.
Leadership coaching has also opened new horizons beyond business, including the sheer pleasure of working with football teams of U14 and U16 boys and inspiring them to believe in themselves and in their team – and reaping the results on the field. Parallels are often made between the worlds of business and sport and the impact on high and sustained performance – this is something I continue to explore.
In my spare time I enjoy an eclectic mix of activities from the thrill of riding a powerful motorbike, to the stillness of a yoga practice, or the reflective practice of writing poetry and indulging my curiosity for life through photography, some of which features in this website.
And, given my army background, I could not sit by and watch the situation in Ukraine from the side-lines. With some former colleagues, in 2022, we cofounded The Ukraine Freedom Company to provide humanitarian supplies that will help sustain the people of Ukraine. Following our first trip we produced a video.
As a former non-executive board director and chair with for-profit and not-for-profit ventures, I combined my ability to encourage fresh and independent thinking with a degree of risk-taking, whilst ensuring the need for trust, compliance and good corporate governance. I’m valued for my sharp, no-nonsense business acumen; cultural and political adeptness; and the ability to create a high-performing team. Together, these enabled boards to align and focus on what really mattered for the good of the organisation, for its ambitions and goals and for its stakeholders.
As a former commercial lawyer, I draw on the deep experience and knowhow gained from a 25+ year career working in General Counsel and leadership roles for a range of organisations globally. I‘ve led and dealt with high-profile litigation, complex mergers & acquisitions and dispute & conflict resolution. Arriving at positive outcomes requires considerable energy, resilience, and creativity, along with political sensitivity, agility, judgement and occasionally a good dose of humour. It also requires an ability to adapt to changing and unforeseen circumstances and dynamics. These all underpin my work now.
Qualifications & Certifications:
- Ashridge Masters in Executive Coaching
- Certified Coach, Meyler Campbell Coaching School – Mastered Programme
- GC Index Accreditation – Change Maker Profile
- Accredited user, Myers Briggs MBTI 1 & 2
- Accredited user, the FIRO-B Test – Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation-Behaviour
- Executive MBA, Cranfield School of Management
- BA Law & Qualified solicitor
Nick worked as a General Counsel for several global quoted companies throughout his career and has now transitioned to a successful executive coach. He brings his years of experience of working with the C Suite into his coaching practice. He provides a strong sounding board – he is a great listener – and his non-directive probing approach, combined with his business experience, brings insights and new directions. He has applied himself successfully, not only with senior execs, entrepreneurs and consultant clinicians within the NHS but also working with teams. He has a facilitating style and a willingness to ask the difficult and revealing questions that teams should be asking of themselves.
CEO, London law firm