Frequently Asked Questions

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Coaching is a method that empowers an individual to make decisions that give them greater satisfaction, success and development.  The coaching mindset states that the coachee has the inherent knowledge, wisdom and experience to devise and create their own solutions.

Executive coaching is a highly personalised, one-on-one process designed to enhance the performance, leadership impact, and strategic thinking of professionals, typically in mid-to-senior level roles. However, its value is increasingly recognised across all organisational levels. 

The focus is on unlocking potential, setting clear, actionable goals, and crafting tailored strategies to navigate complex business challenges. Unlike traditional leadership programs with standardised curricula, executive coaching offers a bespoke approach, aligning with the unique needs and aspirations of each individual. 

The ultimate difference between executive coaching and all other coaching is that accredited executive coaches deliver results in the business environment. Because the coaching is bespoke and caters to each individual, the results can be profound and compelling - both for the coachee and for their business.

Arcadia Coaching is the executive coaching division of Arcadia Search, designed to complement our recruitment and headhunting services by empowering leaders and teams to excel. 

While Arcadia Search connects businesses with top-tier talent in communications, PR, and marketing, Arcadia Coaching focuses on unlocking the full potential of that talent through tailored coaching programs. Together, we provide a holistic approach to leadership and organisational success.

Quite simply, one week is not enough to do the deep work.  Life is fast and our bandwidths are stretched. Before you know it, the week is over and its the next session! A two week period between session is when deeply transformative change can take place - and your coach is always at the end of the phone or email for a check in if needed.

Coaching is distinct from advising, mentoring, counselling, and consulting—though all share the common goal of facilitating change.

Advising involves an expert providing guidance based on their specialist knowledge and experience.

Mentoring offers direction and support, typically from someone more experienced, and may include innovative approaches such as cross-generational mentoring.

Counselling helps individuals navigate difficulties or distress, often addressing past challenges to foster healing and resolution.

Consulting leverages expertise to fill gaps in a client’s knowledge or skills, driving transformation through new insights.

Unlike these methods, pure coaching does not rely on the coach’s expertise to direct or solve; instead, it empowers individuals to unlock their own potential and devise solutions tailored to their unique journey.

Many Arcadia clients prefer a blend of coaching and mentoring, drawing on Penny’s 30 years’ experience in business - particularly within the PR, marketing and creative industries.

While typically designed for mid-to-senior level leaders, executive coaching is valuable for professionals at all levels who want to develop their potential, overcome challenges, and achieve their goals.

Executive coaching by definition is about transformation over a defined period. Our coaching programmes are tailored to be transformative due to our approach and the deep work that takes place between sessions. 

From time to time, clients find us due to a pressing need that has prompted their curiosity about executive coaching.  Such a need might be a workplace conflict, crushing imposter syndrome or navigating a challenging interview process.

In this event, we maintain scheduled blocks for urgent Pilot Sessions and for Ignition packages, so if your need is of urgency within a business setting, please email us to arrange a call.  We will always be honest with you if we think there may be a more appropriate coach or solution than the options we offer.

Arcadia Coaching combines 30 years of real-world leadership experience with globally accredited coaching standards and formal practitioner diploma.

We offer a highly personalised approach, deep sector expertise, and a genuine commitment to your success.  While Arcadia Coaching is open to all ambitious professionals, we bring particular insight and expertise to those in communications, PR, and creative sectors.

Arcadia’s coaching philosophy is grounded in abundance - there is enough success to go around for everyone. Penny brings resilience, resourcefulness, and kindness to every client relationship, tailoring each journey to the individual.

We blend creative approaches - storytelling, metaphor, and world-class assessment tools - with a discreet, partnership-driven co-active ethos.

We adhere fully to the EMCC's Ethical Code of Practice, ensuring every engagement meets the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism.

Yes, confidentiality is a cornerstone of our coaching practice. We adhere to strict ethical guidelines and global accreditation practices to ensure all sessions remain private, creating a safe space for open, honest and transformative discussions.

Our coaching process begins with an initial consultation, the Pilot, to explore and understand your goals. From there, we develop a customised plan, with regular one-on-one sessions to track progress and adapt strategies as needed. At the end, we will wrap up with a FINISH LINE wrap-up session to conclude and celebrate your work.

The duration varies based on individual needs, but most engagements range from three to twelve months, with sessions scheduled fortnightly.

Our popular Accelerator package lasts for a duration of three months and a series of six fortnightly in-depth coaching sessions.  This package can be transformative and is an excellent first step into exploring how coaching can raise both individuals and organisations to new levels of satisfaction and commercial success.

Yes. All Arcadia Coaching programmes include access to formally validated personality and strengths assessments (such as MBTI, DISC and Positive Intelligence) as part of your leadership development journey. These professional-grade assessment tools provide deep, actionable insights into your leadership style, natural strengths, and growth opportunities. Your results are fully debriefed within your coaching sessions, ensuring your executive coaching experience is highly personalised, data-driven, and aligned with your professional goals.

Including these industry-leading assessments means you benefit from a science-backed approach to personal growth, executive performance, and leadership effectiveness. This added value differentiates Arcadia Coaching and supports measurable, long-term results.

Absolutely. While based in London, we also have extensive experience working with clients across the Middle East and emerging global markets as well as across the USA. Our practice is globally accredited and we adhere to global coaching ethics - as such, we are available for virtual coaching to a worldwide client set.

If you’re looking to enhance your leadership skills, navigate challenges, or achieve specific professional goals, coaching could be the transformative step you need. We offer an initial consultation to help you decide.

At Arcadia Coaching, we understand that every individual’s journey is unique, and sometimes challenges extend beyond executive or leadership development. Life is complicated and if we identify that your needs are better suited to a different type of support, we will be honest with you.  

Over the years, we have built a network of impressive specialist coaches - with specialisms such as ADHD coaching, health coaching, or grief coaching - and we are always happy to refer clients to trusted specialists in those areas. Our goal is to ensure you receive the most effective support for your personal and professional growth.

Absolutely. Many clients begin with a shorter package and upgrade as their goals evolve. We’ll review your progress together and map out the best route for your ongoing development.

Every coaching journey is unique. We offer a range of tailored packages - including bespoke, self-funded, retained, enterprise, and scholarship options, with flexible payment plans and incentives for payment in full. 

Please contact us to explore the best solution for you. 

We’re happy to invoice your organisation directly and provide any necessary documentation for HR or finance teams.

Book a complimentary Pilot session and we’ll explore your goals together, ensuring you’re presented package options that best fit your needs and ambitions.

While most Arcadia sessions take place over Zoom - ensuring focus, privacy, and global reach - we also curate bespoke coaching in nature experiences, available on request. These immersive sessions bring clarity and renewal through the unique perspective only the natural world can offer.

Yes, we’re happy to support you in making the business case for executive coaching. We can provide tailored information, business-focused justifications, and a formal proposal or supporting documentation to help you present the value of leadership coaching to your employer or HR team. 

Investing in executive coaching drives measurable results in leadership development, performance, and organisational success. If you’d like guidance on how to start the conversation or need materials to support your request, just let us know - we're here to help you secure employer sponsorship for your professional growth.

Our mission is to provide transformational support that empowers every client to achieve meaningful and lasting change

To ensure this, we carefully manage our capacity. If we’re unable to accommodate you immediately, we can either place you on the waiting list or recommend other highly accredited coaches within our trusted network who align with your needs. All the coaches that we recommend are known to us personally, so we are able to make suggestions depending on your individual focus and goals.  If executive coaching is not the answer to your current needs, we will suggest and recommend alternative support.

We have many satisfied clients who have happily shared their thoughts and feelings on their experience with Arcadia Coaching.  Their testimonials are shared throughout our website and are shared in such a way that respects their confidentiality. 

With that client confidentiality paramount, Arcadia is privileged to support leaders and teams across some of the world’s most respected global businesses and creative organisations. Potential corporate clients can ask to be connected with other Arcadia businesses for a more personal testimonial as appropriate to the enquiry.