About Leadership Coach

Welcome! I’m Philippa, Leadership Coach

I support purpose-driven leaders to achieve sustainable high performance.

Life is too short to be ‘fine’ or ‘surviving’. As a purpose driven leader or high achieving professional, you deserve to thrive in your role and life!

I am a leadership coach in Christchurch, New Zealand who works with leaders and high achievers from around the world to navigate leadership and transitions with clarity, intention and focused energy, while maintaining a full wholehearted life outside work. I know what it like to be achieving amazing things as a leader and serving your purpose, but at a significant cost to health, relationships and life. It doesn’t have to be this way. I combine theory, practice and lived experience to support leaders and high achievers like you to find an alternative, more sustainable way to achieve high performance.

Who am I?

For over 20 years I have been supporting people to expand their perspectives, stretch, grow and reach their goals. All the while building a community and bringing people together to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. Various leadership and governance roles have allowed me to affect positive and enduring change. However, this did come at a cost, which led me to explore how to achieve sustainable high performance. As a result, I now support leaders and high achievers to find their unique way to sustainable high performance, so they can thrive in their roles and lives.

I believe incredible growth comes from life’s transitions and in times of change. They can be times of intensity, excitement, pain, growth, challenge and incredible transformation. Having someone to support you to thrive through such times can make a real difference.

I grew up in New Zealand, Canada, America, Australia and Bolivia, which taught me how to adapt to new cultures, worldviews and situations. Now I live in a bright purple house in the beautiful garden city of Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand. I’m surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, braided rivers, and mountain ranges, providing the perfect outdoor retreat and playground. However, it hasn’t always been idyllic with earthquakes literally shaking us to our core over a decade ago. Through this I witnessed incredible acts of community, bravery and resilience. I’m a mother to two amazing teenagers, with one off at University already. I love to learn and so will usually either be studying or reading books to learn something new.

The things I most enjoy about leadership coaching, are being fully present with another person and seeing them transform their lives. It is incredibly inspiring to see people tackle challenges, set and achieve goals, and define how they want to show up in the world. Life is way too short to be sleep walking through it or just surviving. It is time to grab hold of our one precious life and thrive!

Education & Experience

Leadership Coach Education

• ICF ACSTH/Level 1 Certificate in Coaching for Transformation, New Zealand Institute of Coaching.
• Extended DISC practitioner.
• TQ certified coach | Navigating Transitions Coaching Certification from coaching.com and MEA.
• Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies (including Solution Focused Brief Therapy), University of Canterbury.
• ACT for perfectionism and people pleasing – Russ Harris, Psychwire.
• ACT for beginners – Russ Harris, Psychwire.
• Motivational Interviewing, University of Canterbury.
• Certified “Mental Health First Aider”. Issued: Te Pou. Expires: November 2026.

Other Education

• PhD and BE Hons (1) in Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Canterbury.
• Postgraduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership, University of Canterbury.
• Postgraduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching, University of Canterbury.
• Certificate of Arts in Te Reo Māori, and Māori and Indigenous Studies, University of Canterbury.

Work experience

• 5 years in senior leadership positions.
• Over 10 years in leadership positions.
• Over 25 years in Engineering and Technology Innovation (Professor of Wireless Communication).
• 4 years as Dean to over 1000 first year engineering students.
• Over 5 years of international Governance experience.

Our Values

• Authenticity, Trust and Genuine Connection: I provide a safe, honest, and supportive space where you can be yourself and feel confident in our partnership.
• Sustainable Well-being and Performance: We’ll work together to create a balanced approach to your life and work, ensuring you thrive without burning out.
• Clarity, Strategy, and Innovation: I’ll help you cut through the noise, gain clear direction, and take intentional steps toward your vision. We’ll explore new perspectives, possibilities and creative solutions, empowering you to overcome any obstacle that comes your way.
• Continuous Growth and Learning: I’m committed to your ongoing personal and professional development. I’ll support you in expanding and confidently applying your knowledge and skills to take control of your life, make empowered decisions, and achieve your goals.
• Making a Meaningful Difference: I’m passionate about helping you create real, positive change that aligns with your values and purpose.

Are you ready to thrive in your roles and life? Let’s start your transformation today.