Nice to meet you!
I'm here to listen and support you in achieving the change you seek to make, for yourself and in the world!
After 14+ years in the humanitarian and development sector, I know firsthand the power of coaching in times of crisis or uncertainty. Having a space to reflect, grow and act helped me first as a manager, and then as I moved into full-time coaching.
I’m a trained professional Co-Active Coach, and accredited member of the International Coaching Federation. I also completed a coach-focused program in Positive Intelligence (PQ), a neuroscience approach that has helped CEOs and others handle challenges without mental stress, be happier and perform better, even in the busiest of times.
I have used coaching skills for years to help teams improve how they manage projects, programs and portfolios. I have led projects around the world, supported teams as a country senior leader, and managed complex organizational change across 40 countries. I love building strong and connected teams, and have trained a diverse global community of facilitators.
I also believe in a good sense of humor, love nature, and live in London with my lovely husband and daughter, Brett and Aurora. ~ Lisa Robbins-Garland
Most importantly, I’m here to listen and support you!
MY STORY
Coming from fire
My parents fought forest fires when they were young. They wore heavy packs strapped to their backs, and were taught to lay down in riverbeds when the fire or smoke came too close. Fighting fires was in my blood.
I knew I wanted to work internationally from a young age - the world was so big and yet so small and connected, and people have such power to shape it for good. So I went to work to see where I fit, and eventually found my home in a humanitarian and development organization full of passionate people. Big enough to reach millions across several countries, but small enough to creatively and nimbly affect change.
I jumped into the fire, working in Central African villages affected by the Lord’s Resistance Army who snatched children for sex slaves and soldiers. Working alongside so many driven people and communities to ensure access to emergency education and psycho-social services for survivors, it was a tangled mess of heartbreaking ugliness and inspiring humanity.
I moved on to new roles and places, partnering with incredible people, but more and more at a distance from what felt like the fire. I experienced the guilt and self-doubt of being on the periphery, how dare I spend more time with my husband, decline a trip to a Zika area when I thought I might be pregnant, or find work-life balance when others sacrifice so much. If I really cared, I should jump in closer and sacrifice more, right?
Working with a coach was like finding fresh air, away from the fire or smoke of the periphery. A space to explore without judgement or guilt who I am and what I wanted next. I was allowed and encouraged to think about myself, care for myself - not just take a holiday, binge watch TV or share another beer.
Real self-care. As my mother always said:
“If you don’t take care of yourself, you’re no good to anyone else”.
Follow my joy - something that was a luxury or for "burnouts" became a mantra that gave me permission to live fully and generate more sustainable energy.
I found another home for my favorite skills - listening, caring deeply, believing in people and what’s possible. I want to bring the power of coaching to people working on their own challenges, locally or globally, personally or professionally. I think the skills and self-knowledge unlocked through coaching can be a vital part of any first aid kit, any firefighting pack. So I took the next leap to become a professional coach and build a business to support individuals and teams to sustain their passion and make the difference they seek.