——— About Leigh Howes

Hi, I’m Leigh. The Thought Partner for High-Performing Executives Who Want to Lead & Communicate Better.

Leadership is exhilarating – but also isolating. The higher up you go, the fewer people you trust. Decisions are bigger, expectations are higher and the margin for error feels razor-thin. Whether you’re on the trajectory for a board-level position, stepping into greater leadership influence, or navigating a business that’s scaling rapidly, you need a thought partner.

Someone who helps you see the patterns you can’t. Someone who helps you shift your thinking to unlock the next level of your leadership.

That’s where I come in.

For over 25 years, I’ve partnered with senior executives in big hospitality and retail brands alongside founders in high-growth brands. I help leaders think more critically, communicate more powerfully, and lead more effectively, whilst prioritising what matters most personally. I am a massive advocate of conscious leadership; empowering high performance, strong boundaries and personal wellbeing to coexist.

I specialise in external and internal high-stakes leadership conversations – the ones that shape courageous leadership, drive up careers, redefine business strategy and shift entire organisations. Most leaders avoid these conversations because they don’t know how to navigate them powerfully. My job is to ensure that they do.

As a certified executive coach, consultant and published author, I bring the perfect balance of challenge and empathy. My clients describe me as their secret weapon – the trusted ally they turn to when they need game-changing clarity, high-impact influence, and a leadership edge that sets them apart.

——— The Personal Contract™

When I was diagnosed with cancer, I had to rethink everything. The way I worked, the way I structured my time, the way I lived.

I looked at my diary alongside my chemo schedule and realised – this isn’t going to work. So, I made a radical decision: I booked 10 consecutive days off after every chemo session, no commitments, no exceptions.

That single decision changed everything.

Those 10 days became a game-changer, inspiring my best thinking, my clearest decision-making, and ultimately, my healthiest recovery. I realised something powerful: Leaders don’t need more time. They need more space.

That’s how The Personal Contract™ was born.

It’s the methodology I now use with my clients – helping them bring greater consciousness into their leadership and create intentional boundaries & team structures that protect their energy, elevate their leadership and allow them to perform at their peak.

And no, booking 10 days off regularly isn’t realistic for most people – but making a personal contract to yourself? That’s the key to unlocking sustainable high performance. It’s how I help my clients create space for the work that truly matters – strategising, influencing, impacting, leading and executing critical conversations powerfully.

——— The 3-Way Conversation Model: A Leadership Differentiator

I embrace The 3-Way Conversation Model in my coaching, because I saw a gap in leadership development and open conversation. Too often, coaching conversations happen in isolation – leaders make progress in their sessions, but their organisations don’t see or support the transformation.

That’s why my process is different.

From the start, I bring in key stakeholders (often a line manager or HR director) to align expectations, clarify focus areas, and ensure the impact of coaching is felt at an organisational level – not just an individual one. This approach creates transparency, accountability and a direct link between personal development and business performance.

My Background & Credentials

Clients include senior executives at Burger King, Greene King, IceKing (servicing brands like M&S, Pret and KFC), Kontoor Brands Inc. (Wrangler, Lee, Rock & Republic) and other leading, high-growth brands

25+ years of experience across HR, Operations, Recruitment and Leadership Development

Executive Coach & Consultant to senior leaders at market-leading hospitality & retail brands

ICF Certified; trained through Center for Executive Coaching

Strengthscope Master Practioner, with significant strength of critical thinking – a strength highly valued by leaders hiring executive coaches

Published Author: Foundations to Lead From (5-star rated on Amazon)

Certified “Exactly What to Say” Guide, integrating Phil M. Jones’ world-renowned framework into leadership coaching

Featured Speaker & Podcast Guest, covering leadership impact, communication, self-leadership.

Ready to Elevate Your Leadership?

Whether you’re a senior leader preparing for your next critical conversation, a founder scaling your business, or an executive stepping into a higher-stakes role, my coaching will give you the clarity, confidence and strategic edge you need.

I help leaders sharpen their communication, leadership influence and decision-making – without sacrificing what matters most. If you’re ready to realign your time, impact and performance, let’s talk.

Team Solutions for HR Directors, CEOs, CFOs, COOs

If you’re looking to enhance the leadership impact of your senior executives or develop a high-performance culture within your organisation, my tailored executive coaching programs create measurable change at both an individual and organisational level.

Enquire now to explore coaching solutions for your team. [link for corporate enquiries]

I’m based in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, working with clients across the UK, including London, the South East and beyond – both online and in-person. Global partnership opportunities are also available.

Let’s Connect

🔹 Want to level up your leadership? Let’s start the conversation.
📩 Enquire: hello@leighhowes.com
📚 Get the Book
🎙 Speaking & Media Requests Here.