About Kynesis

Hello, I am Caroline Donaldson, owner of Kynesis Coaching.

As a senior executive coach for more than 30 years, I’ve worked with over 250 client organisations, from Global PLCs to SMEs, family businesses to public and third sector organisations across the UK, and internationally. I’ve coached a hugely diverse set of individuals with equally varied challenges. Working as both an executive coach and organisational development consultant, I have a keen interest in the behavioural aspects of executive and board development.

I believe the power in all of us lies within. Sometimes we need a little help bringing it to the surface. My passion is fed by the results I see every day. Even senior executives will sometimes suffer anxiety, imposter syndrome, lack of direction or change management challenges. Self development is often the key to better outcomes, particularly when they are tailored to your specific situation. The sessions we have together are both enlightening and empowering. It’s why I do what I do.

The Early Days

I started my career in retail, as a graduate trainee with Mothercare, working my way up to store manager before progressing to regional management. I then progressed to work in personnel, training and sales for The Granada Group before moving on to join Pirbic, a consultancy firm working across numerous sectors, as a consultant, senior consultant and then operations manager.

Coaching since 1993

I moved into coaching over 28 years ago, providing the space, time and vision for executives to step away from their daily roles to work on personal effectiveness. This work varies according to each individual but generally falls within my areas of expertise which include:

  • Role of the Director/senior executive
  • Sales and business development
  • Personal development
  • Communication skills
  • Change management
  • Team tension resolution
  • Executive presence
  • Organisational effectiveness and managing complexity
  • Power and Influence
  • Managing culture change following integration with another organisation
  • Talent development and leadership programmes
  • Women leadership programmes
  • Career progression
  • High performing teams

Recent Assignments

I have been involved with the IoD (Institute of Directors) running board behaviour workshops, and with InTouch, coaching various individuals through career changes and preparing for NED roles. In addition, I have been one of the facilitators of Corporate Coach International, an ILM7 accredited programme, and I am now working towards my own supervision of coaches’ accreditation with CSTD.

I run boardroom workshops with the IoD, organise senior women networking dinners, discussions and mentoring to help shift the diversity balance in Boards – a very hot topic at the moment! Other recent projects include the design of mentoring programmes for high potential senior executives in a major PLC, facilitating executive team workshops, and initiating a board shadowing initiative for women. I have also just completed a contract being a coach and WAL (Women as Leaders) tutor with RTC Leadership and provide structured support for culture change in an international engineering consultancy.

A place for you

Whether you are experienced working at Executive or Board level, are new to role, or have specific goals you want to achieve, you are in the right place to begin work on your ambitions, personal effectiveness, management style and even on any areas of frustration for you. I’ve been described as a ‘no-nonsense’ coach, astute, challenging, insightful and compassionate. It’s just the right balance of challenge and support you need to gain clarity and make changes with renewed focus and confidence.

Take a look at my services pages to see the specifics of how we might work together, or please feel free to get in touch to arrange an initial conversation.

In the press

Occasionally I am invited to contribute articles to the press, feel free to read these articles:

How can leaders be protected after the pandemic – The Scotsman January 2022

Leaders need to be compassionate in lockdown – The Scotsman March 2021

Self awareness is key to leadership – The Scotsman August 2017