Why I do what I do
Good leadership is vital to the success of organisations.
It needs to adapt as the business needs evolve. 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.
My work is enriched by the research I undertake, the events I organise, the podcasts I co-host and the myriad of conversations I have with people across the built environment daily.
This has included research pieces ‘Rethinking Leadership: shifting attitudes to work and meaning for leaders’ and ‘Evolution of Practice’, 100 episodes of the leadership podcast Coaches On The Couch and a multitude of events including ‘The Listening Post Project’. More on this here.
What’s with the name?
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!
How to work with me
The shifts we create together might involve aligning leadership more closely with the needs of the business as it evolves through growth or succession.
Or focus on strengthening your own ability, or that of the whole senior team, to inspire, motivate, empower and communicate with others. The solution could be for me to co-create with you a programme to build confidence and clarity around leaders’ styles and impact, and improve your collective effectiveness in the way you lead together.
In all my work I combine an interest in people with my strategic perspective, broad business background and my coaching skills to support change, development and growth in individuals, teams and organisations. 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.
My background
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.
Before founding AreBe, I was Operational Director for project managers, Buro Four and I bring almost 30 years’ experience of the built environment sector.
Qualifications
I am a qualified (PGCert) and ICF PCC accredited coach with additional accreditations in Team Coaching, Lego Serious Play, ADHD and neurodiversity in the workplace. I also hold an MBA in organisational development & design, innovation and creativity.
We’ve invested in leadership over the past two years, and it’s been transformational for the business!
“Step Up leadership development group programmes and 1:1 coaching with Rachel and Louise for over 70 of our leaders and emerging leaders have been a fundamental part of that.
Engagement, cohesion, confidence and culture across the leadership team and wider business have been positively impacted.”
— Jo Wright, Managing Director, Perkins & Will London
Architects
Ackroyd Lowrie
Apt
Atomik
Avanti Architects
Barbara Weiss Architects
Bell Phillips
Buckley Gray Yeoman
Gort Scott
Hawkins\Brown
Henley Halebrown
Hutchinson and Partners
Jonathan Tuckey Design
MCW Architects
Metropolitan Workshop
Morrow & Lorraine
Orms
Perkins & Will / Portland
Piercy & Co
Pitman Tozer
Shepherd Epstein Hunter
SOM
Studio Egret West
TateHindle
Consultants
3Fox International
Baily Garner
BHSLA
Buro Four
Civic Engineers
Conisbee
Core Five
ING Media
Opera
Planit