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Stu Barnes

stubarnescoaching

Executive Coach | Empowering growth and transformation in Mid-Career Professionals through Career, Leadership and Personal Development
SAKURA Come rain or shine, I love my daily dog wa SAKURA Come rain or shine, I love my daily dog walks with Alba and noticing the change in seasons. Early April means lighter mornings and something else that I always look out for – Cherry Blossom. The beauty of its pale pink petals never fails to draw me in – so colourful and vital, yet so fleeting. Cherry blossom – or Sakura – is the national flower of Japan. In Japanese culture it has come to symbolise the transience of life – its distinctively short lifespan reminds us that change is a theme in all our lives, be it in our feelings, relationships, and goals, or the shifting of the seasons around us. Change and renewal are key themes that I support my clients on, partnering with them to navigate transitions in their lives – be it a new job, a reorganisation at work, or stepping up in a leadership role, to a career pivot, shift in family relationships, or moving location. Transitions can be challenging and feel overwhelming. I empower my clients to achieve more clarity to make decisions for themselves, creating a trusting and safe space to build their self-awareness and confidence through: 🎯 Clarifying what’s important – gaining clarity and perspective by exploring your values, goals, and priorities, and identifying what’s important to you during this time of change. 🍃 Identifying limiting beliefs – gaining a deeper understanding of the beliefs and thought patterns that may be holding you back, and developing new ways of thinking about your situation, which are aligned to your goals and values. 📈 Building momentum – supporting you to develop a set of tools that you can draw on and a plan to help you move forward with confidence, one step at a time. 🔁 Staying on track – providing accountability and support throughout the process, helping you stay on track through commitment and consistency. 🏁 Staying the course – building the resilience to overcome obstacles that arise through feeling confident in coping with change, being adaptable, and knowing when to seek support.. #coaching #development #learning #growth #change #blossom #sakura #transitions #resilience #accountabiity #perspective #momentum #stubarnescoaching
THE BEST 10 COACHING QUESTIONS  I remember think THE BEST 10 COACHING QUESTIONS  I remember thinking before I started my professional coach training that there would be a list of the best 10 coaching questions – tried and tested questions that had been proven to unlock magical and life-affirming insights for clients.  But here’s what I quickly learnt…they don’t exist.  They don’t exist because they are context specific – they emerge within the coaching conversation that unfolds. A question could be amazing or useless depending on the moment in time, the energy in that space. WHAT MAKES A GOOD QUESTION? Whilst there isn’t a list of the best 10 coaching questions, there are some principles for questions that enable client-centred, transformative conversations. These are question that: ❓ Are open and encouraging exploration and reflection through what/how/when/where questions rather than a simple yes/no answer ❓ Focus on the client’s relationship to a topic/issue/challenge/goal, rather than factual information  ❓ Expand thinking and fostering self-awareness, challenging assumptions of limiting beliefs or biases  ❓ Recognise the coachee is naturally creative, resourceful, and whole and has or can find the best answers for themselves  ❓ Are specific to the individual, meeting them where they are and considering their unique context and needs ❓ Are a direct response to what is being said, ‘following the breadcrumbs’ of what the client is saying (and often not saying) I serve my clients by pairing these principles with curiosity and responsiveness in the moment, respect for my client’s autonomy and non-attachment, deep listening skills, and a supportive and respectful space.  ⏭️ The result? A trusting coaching relationship for deep exploration, leading to personal and professional growth and empowered decision-making for my clients. When was the last time a question truly made you pause and reflect? #coaching #midcareer #professional #questions #context #intuition #curiosity #change #learning #development #growth #stubarnescoaching
GETTING SQUIGGLY ‘Squiggly’ careers. I love t GETTING SQUIGGLY ‘Squiggly’ careers. I love this term. It describes beautifully what a lot of us experience in our careers: rather than linear, gradual, and planned career development, in reality our professional paths are characterised by flexibility, change, and personal growth rather than a traditional, hierarchical progression.  In 2018, rather than take a traditional route to more senior positions, I took a 15-month secondment from my corporate role to work on driving strategic organisational capability. I was keen to test my core skills in a new area and take on a fresh challenge.  It was here that I learnt more about the impact and benefits of coaching for individuals and organisations, paving the way for my career transition into full-time coaching. Here’s what my experience taught me: 🎯 Instead of adhering to societal standards of success, defining what success means to you personally – what brings you joy and fulfilment  ⚡Leveraging your own unique skills and interests rather than trying to fit into predefined job roles – being authentically you  ☀ Creating a working life that supports the life you desire, rather than the other way around – designing work that provides freedom and flexibility 🍃 Instead of making drastic changes overnight, taking small, manageable steps toward your desired career – this can feel less daunting and more achievable 🛜 Building genuine connections and a supportive community can help you gain insights and opportunities – and is often more impactful than traditional networking  ♻️ Being resilient and courageous in the face of fear, self-doubt, and societal pressures – building support resources and networks to help you on your journey  If you are navigating your own squiggly career, I’d love to work with you and help you achieve your personal and professional goals. How have you embraced a squiggly career path? #coaching #midcareer #professional #career #squiggly #unconventional #adaptability #curiosity #strengths #authenticity #change #learning #development #growth #stubarnescoaching
UNLEASHING YOUR INNER REBEL I think we all have a UNLEASHING YOUR INNER REBEL I think we all have an inner rebel – a part of us that wants to break the mould, challenge the status quo, and take bold steps towards something better.  It’s that quiet – or sometimes loud – voice urging us to question “why?” and explore “what if?” I call this ‘positive rebellion’ – not rebellion for the sake of it, but a courageous push against conformity with positive intent and a desire for meaningful outcomes. For mid-career professionals, this inner rebel often starts to stir when: 🤔 You feel stuck in a role that no longer challenges or excites you
🤔 You’re following a career path that feels more like obligation than choice
🤔 Leadership decisions around you don’t align with your values, and you sense it’s time to speak up
🤔 You want to step into greater responsibility but fear the risk of getting it wrong
🤔 You’re craving more authenticity – to show up as yourself, not who others expect you to be This is where coaching can help. I can help you unleash your inner rebel by supporting you to: ✅ Identify where conformity is holding you back – and why
✅ Build confidence to take calculated risks and trust your instincts
✅ Explore new approaches to leadership and decision-making that feel more authentic ✅ Challenge the status quo in a professional, positive, and constructive way
✅ Help you reconnect with your values and lead with purpose If you’d like to explore stepping into your power – not through defiance, but through intentional, values-driven action – I’d love to work with you. How does your inner rebel show up? #coaching #midcareer #professionals #leaders #leadership #career #development #growth #rebel #rebellion #positiverebellion #stubarnescoaching
EMBRACING COURAGE & CONNECTION IN CAREER SHIFTS E EMBRACING COURAGE & CONNECTION IN CAREER SHIFTS Embracing courage and building connections when venturing into new professional territories can really help you navigate the uncertainty of a career change: ❓ Are you considering a mid-career change or maybe you’ve already taken the leap? ⚡️ Stepping into the unknown requires courage and connection. 📚 Here’s my story on why embracing both can lead to unparalleled growth. 🎧 Take a listen to this extract from a recent podcast appearance. 🔗 Full podcast link in my bio. #coaching #midcareer #professionals #connection #courage #career #transitions #change #leadership #development #growth #learning #transformation #stubarnescoaching
MID-CAREER SCATTERING In our twenties, we experie MID-CAREER SCATTERING In our twenties, we experience what Mel Robbins calls ‘The Great Scattering’ – a time when our once-synchronised lives start to diverge. Friends move away, career paths shift, and the structured life we once knew begins to fragment. But the truth is that this pattern of scattering doesn’t just happen in our twenties. It can often revisit us in our mid-career, in new and sometimes more profound ways. The close-knit friendships we’ve cherished begin to loosen as life pulls us in different directions. Our children grow up and prepare to leave home for university or work. Our parents may now need more care and support as they age. Careers that once felt secure may start to shift, and the sense of identity we’ve built over decades can feel uncertain. COACHING & CHANGE Navigating this stage of life can feel overwhelming. Taking the time to reflect on what is most important to you and how you can make that a reality can help you navigate these changes. I work with you as a mid-career professionals who is experiencing your own version of ‘The Great Scattering’ to help you gain clarity and perspective by: 🍃 Reconnecting with what matters most, what values drive you, and where you draw meaning and purpose 🍃 Defining a vision aligned to your personal and professional goals 🍃 Building the behaviours and confidence to embrace change and uncertainty 🍃 Developing the skills to manage shifting relationships, whether in the workplace or at home 🍃 Creating a sense of stability and clarity amid the evolving landscape of your life 🍃 Providing a safe, reflective, and encouraging space to increase your self-awareness and personal accountability If you’re feeling the impact of change in your mid-career years, you’re not alone – and you don’t have to navigate it alone. If this resonates with you, l can offer you the space to reflect, find focus, and move forward with intention. What tips would you share on navigating change in life? #coaching #midcareer #professionals #greatscattering #confidence #change #uncertainty #stability #reflection #perspective #clarity #support #stubarnescoaching
MIRROR MOMENT 
“If you are still looking for t MIRROR MOMENT 
“If you are still looking for that one person who will change your life, take a look in the mirror” – Roman Price When was the last time you paused to check in with yourself – to truly look at yourself in the mirror: not just how you’re doing but where you are and where you want to be? Thriving in life is often rooted in the ability to pause, reflect, and deepen self-awareness. Reflection is a cornerstone of coaching, offering individuals the space to gain deeper self-awareness, uncover insights, and create meaningful change. The ability to reflect is like a muscle – it can be grown and flexed if done consistently as a habit. It can be a superpower!  Here’s how I support my clients through a ‘mirror moment’: 📍 Reflecting on your journey: What have you accomplished in the past year and what lessons have shaped you? 🙏🏼 Practicing gratitude: What things in your life are you grateful for? 
✅ Identifying what’s working: Which habits, relationships, and activities energise you and align with your values? ❓ Challenging your assumptions: What could you be wrong about in your life? 
⏪ Exploring what’s holding you back: Where do you feel stuck, drained, or out of alignment with your goals? 🌀 Deepening relationships: What relationships, connections, and networks do you want to invest in more? 
🪜 Planning your next step: What’s one shift – big or small – you could make today that would move you closer to your goals? My coaching allows clients to genuinely pause, explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, and connect them to their goals and values, giving them more choice and agency in their lives. How have you grown your reflective muscles?  #coaching #midcareer #professionals #reflection #selfawareness #growth #leadership #career #personal #development #growth #learning #stubarnescoaching
GETTING UNSTUCK  
Have you ever felt like you’re running on the spot? You’re working hard, delivering results, and meeting expectations – but deep down, you know there’s more for you. That’s the feeling of a career plateau. It’s not failure; it’s a sign you’ve outgrown your current situation. Whilst it can feel frustrating, it’s also an invitation to rediscover what we need to feel motivated and fulfilled and to realign your personal and professional goals. In working with mid-career professionals, I often have clients who feel stuck but don’t know how to move forward.  Here’s the top three things I’ve learned: 1️⃣ Pause to reflect — Plateaus often happen when we’re too busy doing to see where we’re going — Take time to step back and ask yourself: what do I really want? 
2️⃣ Reframe the narrative — Being stuck isn’t the end – it’s a starting point — Use this moment to explore new possibilities, skills, or roles that excite you 
3️⃣ Take bold steps — Growth doesn’t come from waiting for things to happen — Commit to one action you can each day to move closer to your vision I can help you turn your plateau into a launchpad by stepping back to reassess your values, strengths, motivations and desires – whether that’s in your leadership development, career development, personal development or all three. What’s the one small thing you could do today to help you feel less stuck? #coaching #midcareer #professionals #plateau #stuck #unstuck #career #development #leadership #growth #learning #stubarnescoaching
PLAYING TO YOUR STRENGTHS 
In our drive to grow PLAYING TO YOUR STRENGTHS 
In our drive to grow and succeed, we can often focus on fixing our weaknesses. It’s natural – our brains are wired to notice what’s wrong.  But what if the key to unlocking your true potential wasn’t in fixing gaps but in amplifying your strengths? Working with mid-career professionals, I’ve seen this time and again: when you identify and lean into your natural talents, your confidence, performance, and fulfilment skyrocket. AMPLIFYING YOUR STRENGTHS Understanding your strengths and amplifying them effectively can make you better equipped to navigate challenge, build resilience, and thrive: ⬆️ Well-being: Research shows that people who thrive at what they do strongly agree that they have the chance to play to their strengths everyday – reporting lower levels of stress, more energy, and better mental and physical health ⬆️ Fulfilment: Using strengths contributes to greater job satisfaction and sense of meaning – with research showing that people who strongly agreed they were excited to work every day were more likely to succeed at what they were doing ⬆️ Confidence: Understanding and amplifying strengths boosts self-acceptance, self-esteem, productivity, and self-confidence ⬆️ Growth: Building self-awareness of strengths can help when learning something new and experiencing things outside of the comfort zone, facilitating deeper personal and professional development ⬆️ Resilience: Developing strengths supports adaptation to change and embracing uncertainty, building resilience and the ability to bounce back from life’s challenges If you would like to explore how you can play more to your strengths to increase your confidence, performance, and fulfilment, I’d love to hear from you. What’s one strength you have that you could amplify in 2025 to unlock your potential? #coaching #midcareer #professional #strengths #confidence #growth #resilience #fulfillment #development #leadership #career #stubarnescoaching
THE COMPOUND EFFECT  We often think personal gro THE COMPOUND EFFECT  We often think personal growth happens in big, transformative moments – a major promotion, a career shift, or achieving a long-held personal goal.  But in my experience, both in my corporate career and as an executive coach, sustainable growth comes from discipline and consistency – from the small, habitual actions we take every day. Forming positive habits is a key theme that my clients bring to sessions, whether it’s around leadership development, career development, or personal development. Here’s what I encourage my clients to focus on: ➡️ Building awareness: Keep a log of your daily habits and whether they are positive, negative, or neutral in relation to your goals 
➡️ Starting small: Commit to one meaningful habit, ensuring you can do this initially in 2 minutes, then slowly scale up ➡️ Using environment: Make cues for habits visible in your day – e.g. placing water bottle by your laptop if you’re trying to drink more water in the working day ➡️ Rewarding yourself: Do something you enjoy before a difficult task – e.g. listening to your favourite music before tackling that tricky board report you’ve been delaying 
➡️ Tracking progress: Regularly reflect on what’s working to understand the benefits and where adjustments are needed to support further progress ➡️ Celebrating wins: Recognising progress, no matter how small, to reinforce momentum and stay committed   If you’d like to explore how building effective daily habits could give you the discipline and consistency to propel you to your personal and professional goals, I’d love to partner with you as your coach. What’s one small action you could take today that your future self will thank you for? #coaching #midcareer #professionals #habits #consistency #discipline #growth #leadership #development #progress #results #stubarnescoaching
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ICF Associate Certified Coach and Qualified ILM level 7 Executive Coach

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