About me

I am a coach and poetry producer. All my work is rooted in listening to people with care.

My background is in literature and the arts. Between 2010-15, I was Relationship Manager for Literature at Arts Council England (the national funding and development agency for arts and culture), where I enabled a wide range of writers and organisations to access funding and to develop their creative work and ambitions.

I also work creatively on various projects – notably The Poetry Exchange – a unique and beautiful project which explores the idea of Poems as Friends.

Some words that guide me:

A question is a powerful thing, a mighty use of words. Questions elicit answers in their likeness. Answers mirror the questions they rise, or fall, to meet…. It’s hard to resist a generous question.

- Krista Tippett
 
Poetry (here I hear myself loudest)
is the human voice,

and are we not of interest to each other?

- Elizabeth Alexander

When a great moment knocks on the door of your life, it is often no louder than the beating of your heart, and it is very easy to miss it.

- Boris Pasternak

I was looking for a coach to support me through a period of change, helping me to identify ways forward and opportunities. As soon as I started working with John, I knew I had chosen the right person. He allows plenty of space for you to explore your thoughts, while guiding you towards plans, results and realisations. He listens attentively and gathers together the strands of your ideas to ensure you find your own insights. After a coaching session with John, I feel brighter, focused and more energised. I’m ready to face challenges with a clearer understanding of my own motivations and my own value in the world. John is warm, friendly and respectful and I would thoroughly recommend him! - Gemma