About a year ago, I joined the NHS National Peer Ambassador Programme. I felt a strong sense of responsibility not just for myself, but for others to be the best ambassador I could be. As I navigated my responsibilities, identified professional gaps, and searched for opportunities to grow, I was fortunate to be offered coaching with Barry.

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At first, I felt nervous about opening up and sharing my challenges, including some difficult professional moments. However, Barry quickly created a safe and supportive space where the reality could be shared honestly. Our monthly one‑hour sessions helped shine a light on things I had never thought mattered and encouraged me to see challenges from a different perspective often turning them into opportunities.

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Each session provided practical tools and clear actions. I committed to doing my “homework” between sessions to get the most from the coaching experience. Barry also shared helpful resources and book recommendations, which I genuinely enjoyed and continue to use.

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Through coaching, I became aware of how much time I spent procrastinating and learned how to take control and stay in the driver’s seat especially while working at regional and national levels. As a result, I became involved in a range of projects, both big and small, and started contributing to conversations I never thought I would be part of. This significantly boosted my confidence.

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I have since expanded my boundaries beyond primary care and am now engaging more widely across health sectors to support the NHS 10‑Year Plan, taking small but meaningful steps. One of the most important outcomes for me was learning how to ask for help—reaching out to colleagues, learning from their journeys, and building valuable connections. Without coaching, I would likely have stayed in my comfort zone, waiting for opportunities rather than creating them.

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Now, challenges feel far more manageable because I know how to break them down and take action.

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I would highly recommend coaching to anyone, regardless of role, who feels a little lost or wants to become a better version of themselves. Coaching truly worked wonders for me, and I cannot thank Barry enough for the opportunity to be coached by him.