Executive Coaching for Leaders

Contribute to Doctoral Research on Leadership — Receive Professional Coaching at No Cost.

Are you in a leadership role and open to fresh perspectives?

This doctoral research study explores how structured coaching conversations can support leaders facing complex or conflicting role demands.

About the Researcher

Cal O’Neill (PCC, ICF; Coaching Psychologist, BPS) is our CEO and a PhD candidate at Henley Business School (University of Reading). His research focuses on leadership, coaching, and organisational behaviours.

This study has received full ethical approval from the University of Reading Research Ethics Committee (England, UK).

Purpose of the Study

The research investigates how experiential coaching techniques (including reflective dialogue, perspective-taking, and structured exploration of role challenges) can support leaders in navigating workplace pressures and complexity.

It focuses on how individuals make sense of their roles, how these relate to personal values and leadership styles, and what internal shifts occur over time.

Why participate?

• Receive structured, executive coaching at no cost.

• Reflect on how your leadership roles, style, and decision-making processes are evolving.

• Contribute to doctoral research shaping future leadership development.

What’s involved?

• Six one-to-one coaching sessions, conducted monthly via Zoom (60 minutes each), completed by December 2025.

• A short 10–15 minute debrief conducted after each session to reflect on your experience.

• One final follow-up interview (online, 30 minutes).

Who can take part?

You are encouraged to express interest if:

• Currently hold a middle or senior leadership role

• Are navigating challenges such as competing expectations, unclear boundaries, or tensions between your leadership approach and role demands

• Are open to exploring these issues through a structured coaching process that includes reflective conversation and practical, perspective-shifting techniques

• Can commit to six monthly sessions and a final interview, to be completed by December 2025

Participation is entirely voluntary and confidential. You may withdraw from the study at any time without consequence.

To express your desire to participate, please email Cal O’Neill at [c.p.oneill@pgr.reading.ac.uk]. Include a short note about your current leadership role and why this opportunity might interest you.

Places are limited and selection will aim for a balanced participant group across leadership demographics and sectors.