Richard Bentley

Richard is an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and works as a facilitator, leadership coach and coaching skills trainer. He works with leaders who want to get the best from themselves, and from those they lead. He is committed to helping organisations realise the bottom-line value of leading in a way that empowers and motivates others rather than controls and restricts them. Where he can make most impact is in helping individuals develop self-belief, communicate effectively, and develop strong and productive relationships with others, either with their people or their clients/customers.

During his time as a coach, Richard has also developed a strong track record as a highly effective trainer in coaching and leadership skills working both with independent professionals and managers/leaders within organisations. He has also served in leadership roles within the International Coach Federation (ICF), as Co-President of the UK ICF and on the ICF´s global board of directors.

He has worked with both public and private sector organisations, including significant projects with Ericsson, NHS Direct, Oxfam, Ulster Bank, Kingfisher Group and one of the UK´s fastest growing legal firms. He has also been involved in global projects with Results Coaching Systems, such as with the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York.

Prior to taking up coaching, Richard worked as a communications consultant, journalist and marital therapist and founded his own corporate communications consultancy which he ran for 15 years. During this period he also held a variety of leadership positions in not-for-profit organisations.

Richard recently completed a post-graduate Certificate in Coaching (Warwick University) and as an ICF accredited coach he has regular supervision on this practice. He has a Certificate of Advanced Coaching Skills (Results Coaching Systems) and is a Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centered Coach. Richard holds Hogan Assessment Certification and ABL SAFETY Accreditation (Individual and Teams).

He lives in Exeter and took up horse riding in his 50s.

“Richard is an excellent coach and facilitator, particularly adept at dealing with the idiosyncrasies and temperaments of senior leaders. He has a simple and pragmatic style, well-versed in the theory and practice of leadership and coaching, delivered in a results-focused manner. In a world which attracts charlatans and evangelists alike, Richard exemplifies the practical application of a powerful and potentially life-changing approach to personal and professional development.”