Dr Julia Carden
Julia partners with leaders to help them gain clarity on how they show up and who they are becoming, enabling them to understand their impact and lead with greater authenticity. She creates a reflective, spacious environment that encourages deep thinking and fresh insight.
Her coaching is grounded in extensive research and a long-standing passion for self‑awareness. Guided by the belief that “who we are is how we lead,” Julia invites leaders into meaningful exploration and constructive challenge. Her work strengthens self‑connection and enhances the quality of relationships with others, building the capacity to navigate uncertainty with confidence.
As a relational coach, Julia brings both compassion and challenge to her work with individuals and groups. She focuses on who leaders are, what shapes their behaviour, and how they show up in their roles. This approach helps leaders feel more empowered, grounded and authentic.
She coaches leaders at all levels across public and private sectors. Her clients include Adyen, London Fire Brigade, BMW, NHS, Hampshire Air Ambulance, Thames Water, Arts Council, JLL and Sytner Group.
Julia began her career as a Royal Naval Officer before moving into professional services and the civil service. After specialising in designing and running assessment centres, she transitioned into coaching. She is a PCC ICF and EMCC Master Accredited Coach with an MSc in Coaching for Behavioural Change. She is also an NLP Master Practitioner, a Time to Think accredited coach, and holds Level A and B qualifications for psychometric testing (MBTI, 16PF, Lumina Spark, OPQ). Alongside her coaching practice, she is a visiting tutor at Henley Business School.
Testimonials
“Julia has managed to take my thoughts and ideas into places I never knew existed ……. I’m a far better individual both personally and professionally after the coaching.”
“Working with Julia was insightful and helpful ….. Together we identified barriers and challenges and sought solutions.”
“Working with Julia was an incredible, transformative experience and one I will always be grateful for.”
“With Julia’s support I was reminded/encouraged to be who I am, my values and what is important to me. Julia’s style is challenging but supportive. Providing straightforward exercises and material for me to work through between sessions. Her style was trusting. With Julia’s help I have regained confidence and looking forward to life with renewed energy”
“With her wider knowledge base and clients of such different backgrounds I found it really rewarding to be part of this coaching as it is interesting to find out the theory behind my own behaviors and reassuring to know that whatever arises Julia can expand on. Julia’s communication skills are also very good so that technical explanations are quickly understood/grasped.”