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Global Coach Training
About the AoEC
15000 +
people trained worldwide
12
global locations
25
years experience of delivering professional coach training
Founded in 1999, we are one of the world’s most certified learning providers
We believe that coaching skills are a new currency for the 21st century workplace and coaching will play an increasingly crucial role in how we construct our corporate cultures, build our company identities, make our businesses more viable and serve the needs of our customers.
We are one of the world’s most certified learning providers with triple accreditation from the industry’s leading professional bodies – Association for Coaching, EMCC Global and International Coaching Federation. Offering training for individuals or for groups in-house, our blended learning, experiential programmes are suited to different career levels and areas of expertise.
With a keen business focus, our executive and team coaching programmes are suitable for coaches, HR and L&D professionals, future leaders, managers at all levels and organisational development specialists. Our expert faculty will work with you in a focused, dynamic, safe, and inspired learning environment in order to support you in developing your own signature presence.
For organisations, our priority is to help your business unlock its full potential with sustainable, lasting results. As well as in-house training, we offer a range of tailored solutions and products alongside bespoke coaching services for teams, young professionals, and senior management.
We are heavily invested in supporting you and our people are solely focused on delivering the best possible experience and outcome for you. Find out more about our services below, and look at our Programmes available.
To view our current vacancies please click here.
Some voices from our team:
John Leary-Joyce, CEO
John is a distinguished figure in the world of executive coaching, renowned for his pioneering contributions and entrepreneurial spirit. He founded the Academy of Executive Coaching in 1999, transforming it from a single-administrator setup into a globally recognised institution with professional accreditations from ICF, EMCC, and AC. Under his visionary leadership, the AoEC has become a hub for innovative coaching methodologies and professional development.
John's extensive experience includes serving as the Managing Director of the Gestalt Centre London, where he significantly expanded the business over six years. His expertise in Gestalt psychotherapy and executive coaching has been instrumental in integrating these disciplines into effective coaching practices. John is also a prolific author, known for his book 'Fertile Void: Gestalt Coaching at Work,' and 'Systemic Team Coaching' with Hilary Lines, both of which have become a staple in the coaching community.
In addition to his accomplishments in coaching, John has a passion for Tango dancing, which he believes complements his work in coaching and leadership. This unique combination of interests highlights his commitment to creating connection, sensitivity, and presence, both in dance and professional settings.
Throughout his career, John has held various leadership roles, including Past President of EMCC UK, where he focused on maintaining coaching and mentoring standards and promoting collaboration among professional bodies. He continues to contribute to the field through his role as CEO at the AoEC and his ongoing work in Gestalt coaching and training.
John Leary-Joyce's legacy is marked by his dedication to excellence, innovation, and the development of future leaders in the coaching industry. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the field, inspiring countless professionals to pursue mastery in executive and team coaching.
Karen Smart - Head of Consultancy
Karen Smart is a distinguished thought leader and member of the AoEC (Academy of Executive Coaching) faculty, serving as the Head of Consultancy. With extensive experience across a diverse array of sectors including financial services, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and public sector organisations, Karen is renowned for her expertise in integrating coaching to drive positive change and enhance business performance.
In her role, Karen specialises in aiding organisations to adopt and harness coaching and coaching skills effectively. She supports organisations by embedding coaching cultures that promote growth, resilience, and improved performance. Her work involves engaging with different sectors, from entertainment to SMEs, ensuring tailored approaches that address specific industry challenges and goals.
Karen’s approach is characterised by a deep commitment to fostering environments where coaching can thrive, enabling individuals and teams to reach their full potential. Her strategic insights and hands-on experience make her a valuable asset to any organisation looking to leverage coaching for developmental and transformational outcomes.
“I find it motivating to build true success – which for me means paying attention to purpose, balance, and business results. It is rewarding when we build long term partnerships with our clients and see first-hand the impact of our work, building strong friendships along the way.” - Karen Smart
Sarah Carrington - Head of Education
Sarah is the Head of Education and is an ICF Accredited Executive Coach with a wealth of experience in enhancing leadership and team performance. Before joining AoEC, Sarah held significant leadership roles in a top FTSE 100 company, where she excelled in managing complex and dynamic environments.
At the AoEC, Sarah plays a pivotal role in shaping the educational offerings, particularly as a member of the Faculty for advanced coaching education and as a coach supervisor. Her approach involves both supporting and challenging individuals to identifying and overcoming self-imposed limitations, driving them towards greater personal and professional growth.
Her qualifications include a Master Practitioner Diploma in Systemic Team Coaching and an Advanced Diploma in Executive Coaching, underscoring her expertise and commitment to the field of executive coaching.
Lisa White - Head of Sales & Service
Lisa White heads up the Sales and Client Experience team at the AoEC, bringing a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for helping people succeed. As a graduate of the Practitioner Diploma, Lisa has seen first hand the transformative impact that coaching can have on leaders and teams, which inspires her work every day.
With over 20 years in sales, account management, and business operations, Lisa thrives on building strong relationships and creating positive experiences for clients. She’s also led teams through big changes, helping them stay steady and focused during transitions. Known for her curiosity and authenticity, Lisa combines a love for data and strategy with a commitment to delivering exceptional results.
Outside of work, Lisa treasures time with her husband, two daughters, and her lively cockapoos. She’s a fan of the arts and loves discovering new ways to bring creativity and energy into her life and work.
Vicky Routledge - Head of Marketing
Vicky joined the AoEC Marketing Department in 2015 having worked in the charity sector for sixteen years and additionally brings a wealth of experience from voluntary activity.
Vicky enjoys organising events, developing information resources, managing teams, planning and developing processes and strategy. She has a wealth of experience and enthusiasm for developing and promoting events and services for a wide range of people. Resources have included websites, publications, newsletters and factsheets. Services include helplines, support groups and methods of data collection and evaluation.
Her passion to achieve the best is portrayed in her attention to detail, organisation and desire for perfection and she loves planning and developing strategy, always in the pursuit of improvement. Vicky has a passion for supporting people to become the best at what they want to be. With a degree in psychology, a certified coach and a wealth of experience in the voluntary sector, she brings a creative energy balanced with a realistic planned approach. She also loves a bit of baking and spends her spare time watching her children play a lot of football!
Sophie Welch - Head of Programmes
Sophie Welch is Head of Programmes at the Academy of Executive Coaching. She brings over fifteen years’ experience from the Higher Education sector, working first in academic and research management at Durham University, and latterly in researcher development as an independent leadership coach and ethics consultant. From 2007 to 2022 Sophie supported ethical research through the NHS, and for the last seven years served as Vice-Chair to the North of Scotland Research Ethics Committees. Sophie is a graduate of Classical Civilisation at the University of Leeds (BA, MA) and an alumna of AoEC Scotland (Practitioner Diploma in Executive Coaching, 2014).
Elif Spreadborough - Head of IT & Projects
Elif has 24 years of experience working for companies with varying type, size and culture within various industries such as Software Development, Digital & Technology, Training & Education, Healthcare, Management Consultancy, Ground Engineering & Environmental Consultancy, and Battery Technology & Manufacturing.
Her focus and expertise has been within strategy creation & implementation, project, programme & portfolio management, and digital & business transformation change projects.
She has a Degree in Healthcare Management, and a Post Graduate Degree in Management, a Certification in Product Management, past studies in Project, Programme, and Portfolio Management, and mental health, and self-development & personal growth. She is also a certified clinical psychotherapist and hypnotherapist.
Our Purpose
Inspiring coaching to enable a better world.
Our Values
Do the right thing
We believe that we all know deep down what is the right thing to do
Stick together
We are loyal to each other. We support each other in pursuit of success as a whole team
Try out new stuff
We try out new ideas and collaborate with exciting individuals who share our values
Say it how it is
We have honest open conversations with respect for everyone and avoid gossiping
Organisations we have supported include:
