

Elevating Professional Services Talent:
From Technical Expert to Commercial Leader
As an EMCC-accredited coach and former BD leader at global law firms, I bring a deep-rooted understanding of the professional services sector to my coaching practice. My focus is to provide practitioners and business services teams with the dedicated space and expert guidance they need to accelerate their growth, personal impact, and commercial success.
I have a particular focus on supporting mid / senior associates and junior partners as they transition from technical experts into commercial leaders. I help clients identify and master the critical pivot points of their careers—moving beyond the billable hour to embrace strategic revenue sourcing and sophisticated (and professional) client relationship management.
My expertise is built on years of experience in key business functions —including Marketing, Sales, Commercial Management, and Senior Business Development Leadership roles at leading global firms such as Linklaters, Slaughter & May, Milbank, HayGroup, and PA Consulting.
I offer a dual approach to creating success:
1. Individual & Career Coaching
I work with highly talented individuals of all levels to overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. Using either 1-2-1 coaching or small group coaching cohorts, I encourage my clients to take meaningful, sustainable action to:
- Successfully navigate career transitions e.g. a) early stage careers, b) developing from technical delivery expert into strategic revenue and client management roles, and c) planning an exit - new career change or retirement.
- Develop the robust, personal business development networks required for senior commercial roles.
- Build resilience and confidence.
- Overcome specific professional and personal hurdles.
2. Business Development Consulting & Training
I provide practical, focused consulting support to teams, practices, and key client account leaders who need a structured, results-driven approach to revenue generation. I work with you to:
- Develop and implement effective business development plans and strategies.
- Provide on-going support to ensure new, profitable behaviours are both learnt and embedded.
+44 (0) 7424 653951


Personal coaching and tailored business support provides high-performing individuals with the space they need to accelerate their growth and impact. It's particularly powerful when focusing on a specific goal, whether that's navigating a new role, improving performance, or developing key behaviours and new skills. I have considerable experience and a particular focus on:
The Transitioning Practitioner
In professional services, the jump from technical excellence to commercial leadership can be the steepest of all. I support associates / consultants as they move into more senior, client-facing roles that demand a greater focus on client relationships and revenue generation.
The Next Generation
I help younger, mid-level associates / consultants establish themselves in a professional services environment and navigate their early years (trainee to 3-4 PQE) in a new and challenging environment.
The Business Services Partner
I work with non-practitioners to help them add real value within a partnership structure, enabling them to shine and build successful careers in this rewarding sector.
+44 (0) 7424 653951

I am accredited by the EMCC (European Mentoring & Coaching Council) and my business is guided by the EMCC’s code of ethics.
The five core ethical principles of the EMCC are:
+44 (0) 7424 653951

My coaching expertise covers a range of critical areas, many of which are frequently encountered by specific client groups. These include:
Guiding emerging talent and high-performing individuals in the legal and professional services sectors as they transition from technical experts into commercial leaders. Providing tailored business development skills and strategies that translate directly into commercial success.
Supporting the implementation of development objectives emerging from internal PDPs, reviews, and assessments to ensure measurable, sustainable growth.
Helping clients make a tangible impact and succeed with new opportunities by instilling focus, driving delivery, and ensuring an effective process. Effective "First-90 Day" support for new promoted / appointed candidates.
Suddenly realising: You're no longer the mentee, you are the role model. I help clients confidently step into that new level of leadership and influence by being the leader they would have wanted themselves to be.
Careers are always changing—by design or necessity. I help clients stay in control of their professional journey, remain challenged, and keep moving forward.
Developing strategies to effectively manage difficult personalities and high-stakes conversations, ensuring they don't compromise performance, motivation, or key working relationships.
New challenges demand preparation. I help you to prepare for any new role, project, or opportunity. includes general Career Coaching support, CV preparation, personal brand and networking.
Developing effective strategies for managing competing demands and sustaining a critical work-life balance whilst continuing to deliver to the high standards required in the professional services sector.
Cultivating the presence and confidence that naturally inspires trust and affirms belief in your capability.
“The coaching helped me gain clarity on how to effectively communicate my achievements and value to decision-makers. I learned the importance of aligning my goals with the wider business objectives to persuade more stakeholder support and how to strategically position myself as a thought leader.”
“The focus on identifying my strengths and preparing for difficult conversations with stakeholders was incredibly valuable. Richard’s supportive and encouraging approach made me feel confident and motivated throughout the process.”
“Personally, I think what I have learnt most from these sessions is to always take a step back to analyse before to really flesh out the issue/worry and then be able to plan approach. I really liked the clear structure in the sessions, specially where Richard would always ask "so what are you going to do about it" once our discussion of the issue had finished. I will definitely be taking this as a key learning point and look to apply it in both personal and professional situations.”
“A particular standout session was the challenge/invitation from Richard to step out and not ‘hide my light under a bushel’. This really challenged me, and I found myself consistently coming back to this statement over the past few months and also sharing with friends and family as it was so impactful.”
“In every session, I really enjoyed how we would identify the issue, discuss it, take a step back to analyse and then devise a plan / approach.”
“Through coaching, I’ve gained greater clarity around my strengths as a facilitator and communicator, particularly in leading workshops and presenting ideas with impact.”
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