Good leadership is vital to the success of organisations. It can differentiate. It can  increase profitability and productivity. Even more importantly it can help give real meaning and yes, joy, to those who work there. There are some great examples of leadership in the built environment and, unfortunately, some really poor ones. I’d love for there to be more of the former and so that’s the focus of my work.

In 2024, I undertook a piece of research into ‘shifting attitudes to work and meaning for leaders’. This research highlighted the increased demand placed on leaders, the need for leaders to better understand human behaviours and for them to be equipped to harness the range of styles and motivations in their teams.

I enjoy working with architects, engineers and other built environment consultants who are serious about leading well. My company name, AreBe, reflects the theme of change which runs through my work – a shift from where you ‘are’ to where you want to ‘be’. Of course, it also reminds me of my initials RB!

The shifts we create together might be in your ability or that of the whole senior team to inspire, motivate, empower and communicate with others, or in confidence and clarity of leaders’ styles and impact. Or maybe, it will be an improvement in your collective impact and the way you lead together. As it can be lonely at the top, I also provide a confidential space for thinking, reflection and making sense of the swirling myriad of ideas, thoughts and dilemmas.

A deep-seated fascination in people, what makes them tick and how they work together drove me to study business and inspired me to start my career in the human-centred profession of business development and marketing. In 2016 that same fascination led me to train as a coach – business, leadership and personal. I now combine this interest in people with my strategic perspective, broad business background and my coaching skills to support change, personal development and/or growth in individuals and businesses. As every individual and organisation is different, my approach is bespoke and sensitive to the character and strengths of those with whom I work.

I enjoy collaborating and frequently design and deliver (Step Up) leadership development programmes for emerging leaders with another coach, Louise Rodgers. Louise and I also co-host the podcast ‘Coaches On The Couch’. I co-host, with brand strategist and writer Emma Keyte, a second, more occasional podcast and event series called The Listening Post Project. Emma is another frequent collaborator.

I am a qualified (2016) and ICF PCC accredited coach with additional accreditations in Team Coaching, Lego Serious Play and neurodiversity in the workplace.

I have a specialist strand of work coaching Autistic people, ADHDers and Dyslexic thinkers in the workplace, often also working with their managers to help build mutual understanding.

Before founding AreBe, I was Operational Director for project managers, Buro Four and I bring almost 30 years’ experience of the built environment sector.