Let’s Talk About the Elephant in the Boardroom
You’ve seen the posts. The LinkedIn testimonials. The speaker panels. “Empowerment,” “visibility,” “executive presence.” Executive coaching, especially for women, seems to be everywhere in the UK professional space. But if you’re a woman who’s ever quietly wondered, “Is this legit, or is it just another overpriced pep talk with better branding?” this one’s for you.
Because here’s the truth: executive coaching isn’t a trend. For women in leadership across the UK, it’s become a necessary tool for staying sharp, sane, and strategic in systems that still weren’t built for us.
Let me explain.
The Reality of Being a Female Leader in the UK (Yes, Still)
The UK’s corporate world is evolving, but slowly. Despite decades of DEI initiatives, the stats remain sobering:
- Only 8% of FTSE 100 CEOs are women (2025)
- Women are still less likely to be promoted to senior roles despite equal (or higher) performance ratings
- The double-bind remains: be likeable or be respected, but rarely both
Now layer on motherhood, cultural nuance, ageism, and the pressure to outperform while under-earning… Yeah. Coaching doesn’t sound so “fluffy” anymore, does it?
So What Does Executive Coaching Actually Do?
Let’s be clear: Executive coaching isn’t about fixing you. It’s about giving you the frameworks, mindset tools, and real-world strategies to lead like you, without muting your voice or losing your mind.
Dr. Kerstin Brehm works with female leaders across the UK, from emerging department heads to seasoned C-level execs and here’s what they actually get out of coaching:
- Clarity in decision-making
- Confidence in negotiations, reviews, and conflict
- Presence in rooms that weren’t designed to hold them
- Boundaries that protect their energy and power
- Language that shifts perception without overexplaining
It’s not therapy. Its performance meets permission to lead without apology.
“But Can’t I Just Figure It Out on My Own?”
Sure. You could. You could also cut your own fringe. Doesn’t mean it’s a great idea.
Here’s what most women don’t realise until they’re already burnt out:
- Leading is lonely.
- Over-functioning isn’t a strategy — it’s a coping mechanism.
- People don’t promote “quiet value” — they promote visible leadership.
You can wing it, yes. But it’s slower. It’s harder. And often, it’s way more expensive in missed opportunities, depleted energy, and delayed promotions.
Coaching doesn’t replace your intelligence. It unleashes it with strategy.
Why Dr. Kerstin Brehm? Because She’s Been in the Pressure Seat
Before she coached women through boardroom tension and confidence dips, Dr. Brehm led surgical teams as a cardiac surgeon.
She knows what it’s like to be the only woman in the room. To feel pressure to perform perfectly. To lead in high-stakes environments where failure isn’t an option — and neither is softness.
Now, she brings that same precision, calm authority, and no-nonsense clarity to female leaders in the UK who are done:
- Shrinking
- Over-pleasing
- Apologising for their ambition
This isn’t girlboss energy. This is a grown-woman strategy.
Real Wins from Real Women
“Before coaching, I thought I had to be less to be taken seriously. After 3 months, I got the promotion and didn’t lose myself getting there.”
“Dr. Brehm helped me stop performing and start leading. And I’ll never go back.”
Common Coaching Myths (That Are Keeping You Stuck)
“Coaching is for people who are struggling.” Nope. It’s for people who are done struggling in silence.
“I should be able to figure this out myself.” Sure. But the people accelerating around you? They’re getting help.
“It’s too expensive.” Compared to what? Another year underpaid, undervalued, and over-functioning?
Is It Time for You to Consider Coaching?
Let’s do a quick check-in:
- Are you tired of playing small, but unsure how to “go bigger” without backlash?
- Do you want more influence, but hate office politics?
- Do you need clarity because your calendar is full but your purpose feels foggy?
- Are you secretly wondering, “Is this as good as it gets?”
If you answered “yes” more than once… you’re probably ready.
Ready to Work Together?
Dr. Brehm offers private, high-trust coaching for women in UK leadership positions who want to rise, without losing themselves in the process.
No fluff. No performative empowerment. Just clear, bold coaching that works.
Book a Discovery Call. You don’t need to hustle harder, you need a different strategy.
