Ventura Sawyerr
5.0
(14)
Studied at Henley Business School
Works at The Changemakers' Coach
Successful clients at
Not currently taking new clients
About Ventura
I love the moment when something suddenly clicks for someone. That “aha” point where things start to make sense, and what felt stuck begins to loosen. Those moments change how people see themselves and what they believe is possible. That’s what I love about coaching. I’ve always been curious about people and what shapes us, especially growing up with challenges and trying to make sense of the world early on. That curiosity grew into a deep interest in how we change, grow, and find our way when life feels complicated. People come to me when they’re juggling career progression, work-life balance, or feeling pulled in too many directions. They’re often capable, thoughtful people who feel overstretched or unsure about their next move. My style is insightful, challenging but kind and practical. I listen carefully, help you understand what’s really going on, and support you to take grounded, realistic steps forward. Sessions are reflective, but also energising. I know the juggle between work and family life, and I’ve navigated serious ill health with long Covid, which reshaped how I think about pace, wellbeing and sustainable change. Outside of work, I meditate, enjoy basketball, and try to stay balanced in the middle of a full life. If you’re ready for something to shift, coaching with me offers space to think clearly, reconnect with what matters, and move forward with more confidence.
Why do I coach?
I coach because I believe even small moments of support can make a big difference in how people experience their lives. We often carry a lot on our own: decisions, pressure, uncertainty, and the feeling that we should have things figured out. In reality, most meaningful change happens when we have space to pause, think clearly, and be properly heard. Coaching matters to me because it offers that space. It’s a chance to step out of the noise, make sense of what’s going on beneath the surface, and reconnect with what feels important. Over time, those small shifts in perspective and self-trust can change the direction someone takes. That’s why I do this work. It’s about helping people reconnect with themselves and feel more able to choose their next step with clarity and confidence.
Work Experience
Director
The Changemakers' Coach
January 2025 - Present
At The Changemakers' Coach, I work alongside senior leaders and executive teams who are steering their organisations through change, often in complex environments. My role is to help them find clarity when things feel uncertain, build leadership confidence, and create transformation that sticks. I bring together 20+ years of experience, hands-on leadership insight, and doctoral research into what really drives and embeds meaningful organisational change. Whether through 1:1 coaching, team programmes, or transformation partnerships, I support leaders to shift culture, align people, and make change feel not just possible, but energising. My style is practical, collaborative, and always people-focused. Because the best transformations don’t just deliver outcomes, they grow the people who make them happen. Executive Coaching, Team Coaching and +4 skills
Executive Coaching
Henley Business School UK
2023 - 2024
Director
HSM
January 2022 - October 2022
Our focus was on bridging the gap between strategy and culture, helping leadership teams align their organisational goals with how they envisioned people working and collaborating in the future. Using research-led insights, we supported clients to co-create sustainable, future-fit ways of working. As Director, I led key client projects across sectors, with a particular focus on my research into the specific transformation challenges facing the energy sector. I also spoke regularly at client forums, sharing insights and facilitating dialogue around culture, leadership, and the future of work. We partnered with FTSE 100 firms, Magic Circle law practices, and Big Four consultancies, helping them turn evidence into action and build meaningful, long-term impact. Passionate about Work, Strategic Thinking and +8 skills
Manager and Senior Consultant, People and Change
Change Projects
April 2009 - November 2020
“Ventura took us where conventional consultancies couldn't, helping people to commit to change rather than resist it. She helped my team to find a new direction and create a new organisational culture.” Willy Carroll, Head of Business Operations, Siemens Business Services. I worked with organisations to shape more collaborative, people-centred approaches to change, supporting leaders and teams to navigate transition with clarity and confidence. This included advising on how to design their organisation to better support strategic goals, facilitating leadership forums, and helping senior teams explore new ways of working that fit their unique context. Alongside this, I coached change leaders, supported teams to build agile, adaptive practices, and helped them tackle complex business challenges in more responsive, sustainable ways. I also designed and facilitated mentoring programmes, and provided executive coaching to individuals and teams, strengthening leadership capability and supporting long-term development. Passionate about Work, Strategic Thinking and +9 skills
Senior Faculty & Client Director
Ashridge Executive Education
April 2008 - March 2009
“Coaching with Ventura was the best personal development experience of my working life.” Hugh Montgomery, Senior Manager, National Savings. At Ashridge, I worked with senior leaders across global organisations to design and deliver leadership development and executive coaching programmes that were practical, engaging, and grounded in real-world challenges. I led strategic change and culture programmes, supporting organisations through major restructuring and large-scale transformation. Over a 9-month period, I secured over £1.2 million in new business through strong client relationships and co-created solutions that delivered real value. My role involved managing a diverse client portfolio, overseeing complex programmes, and contributing to research and content development for the Innovation, Strategy and Change faculty group. I also lectured on the MBA programme and spoke at international leadership conferences, sharing insights on leadership, culture, and change in a fast-evolving business landscape. Passionate about Work, Strategic Thinking and +10 skills
Education
Henley Business School
Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching, People and Performance
2023 - 2024
Grade: Professional Certification Training and certification in Executive Coaching Change Management, Culture Change and +3 skills
Institute for the Future
Futures thinking, Organisational transformation
2022 - 2022
Grade: Completed
University of East London
PhD , People & Business Transformation
14 Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
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