A north-east entrepreneur has re-invented herself after leaving behind a successful career in the corporate world to launch a new venture that will support fellow professionals achieve their full potential.
Karen Arthur – The Coach specialises in positive mind coaching, business mentoring and leadership development services for companies and individuals across the UK and internationally.
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Founder and managing director, Karen Arthur, is the former chief executive of Aberdeen-based charity Inspire PTL, where she led a team of more than 500 people for seven years.
She commented: “The inspiration behind the new business came after my time at Inspire where I introduced and led organisational coaching as a key strategic directional tool and witnessed the impact coaching can have on a business and individuals.”
Following a particularly challenging period at Inspire, Karen was signed off work for five months due to stress and ill health; a common problem affecting people in senior leadership roles.
“I was burnt out,” she explained. “I had to take a step back and re-evaluate what was important in my life. I’m sure other business people who have worked at a high level, and who understand the various pressures involved, will be able to relate as they may have gone through a similar experience.
“It can be difficult to stop what you’re doing and ask for help. For me, it came to a point where I had to take back control. I feel that I have now learnt a great deal from the experience which has informed and supported my coaching practices.”
Karen has a Master’s degree in Management and Leadership from the Robert Gordon University (RGU) in addition to a PgCert in Coaching from the University of Aberdeen. She is the only Sue Stone Foundation accredited coach in Scotland, having received this endorsement from best-selling author, television personality and renowned international coach Sue Stone. Karen completed an intensive, one-on-one training course – organised by the Sue Stone Foundation.
The new business coaching enterprise sees Karen work closely with small to medium-sized companies and directors to provide leadership development, business process improvements, goal setting and strategic training for key personnel.
Within its first few months of trading, Karen has secured a number of SME clients in the north-east and central belt in predominantly people-focused organisations, across multiple industries and the third sector. She has also delivered coaching sessions for international clients via Skype.
Incorporating the Sue Stone model, coaching sessions can vary from a one-off structured session to a course of three or six instalments, all of which are tailored to suit people’s lifestyles, where individuals are empowered to make positive – and lasting – changes in their lives.
Karen added: “The coaching is aimed at both men and women, anyone from students to experienced business people – who want to be the best version of themselves.
“Many people turn to coaching because they face a new challenge at work; be that a new role, promotion to lead a team, if they are working towards a promotion, or they may even be considering a whole new direction in life. That’s where I come in as the coach and offer people the support they need to achieve their goals.”
