Who We Are

Every programme we do is designed around the input of the people we will be working with. 

Our coaches have the experience to understand your challenges - all come from commercial corporate backgrounds and have senior leadership experience.

The Archipelo team includes leading experts and academics in their field. All our coaches are professionally qualified, ICF accredited, Postgraduates in Personal and Business coaching, EQI 2.0 and Tilt365 accredited, CPD committed and coach supervised.

OUR PURPOSE IS TO SUPPORT OUR CLIENTS, TO ACHIEVE THE TRANSFORMATION AND SUSTAINABLE CHANGE THEY WANT IN THEIR BUSINESS AND PERSONAL LIVES.

GARY COLE

Founder and Director

  • Even after doing this for 10+ years, I still feel a child like, magical buzz when an ‘ah ha’ moment has occurred for an individual, an entire team or a programme sponsor. The day I don’t feel this feeling, is the day I will stop coaching, frankly. I believe that generating realisations is the primary aim of a professional coach, and resolving the puzzle to enable a realisation to happen requires incredible versatility, courage and sometimes a bit of playful cheek to keep people on their toes.

  • If I state one thing and nothing else, it is that I am committed to ‘walking the walk of everything that coaches stand for’. My best credentials are the personal insights and wisdom I have earned & learned from self-coaching, self-application & tough behavioural choices – at times when I have been in desperately challenging situations. These personal experiences have enabled a deeper degree of coaching mastery, authenticity and conviction. I am an expert in emotional intelligence & behavioural choice regulation as a Master Practitioner in Tilt365® and EQI 2.0. I am a qualified Team Coach & Executive Coach with the ICF, and I have completed a Post Graduate Degree in Professional Coaching. I am also a graduate of The Conscious Leadership School & I have completed a long-term professional study & personal practice into Zen Buddishm. I am a committed continuous learner and seek to collect & embrace new insights from anywhere I can – not just predictable and orthodox sources.

  • Many clients have described their experiences with me as transformational & life and/or career changing. Clients have often told me that I can and will ‘pack a punch’, but in a velvet glove. Working with me is easeful, will feel very present & I will ‘go there’, often with a cheeky and thought-provoking smile on our faces. I keep the coaching experience as real and accessible as I can – I am incredibly skilled at meeting people where they are at. I am not the coach to choose if you are looking to tick boxes or go through the motions.

  • I am an Impact, a Change Catalyst. My super strength is anything relating to Inspiration and Ideas, as I am incredibly resourceful and innovative. My ego nickname is ‘Don’t Do It Dave’, which is an alter ego spin on the Nike slogan ‘Just Do It’. This is because I have developed a previous and long-standing behaviourial weakness around focussing and completing.

  • My most content moments are when I am outside in the scenic outdoors or wet in water. To help me access these moments, I own four cycles to enjoy different riding styles, I play golf & tennis averagely (and I don’t care) & regularly enjoy my SUP on Brighton seafront. I particularly love walking our dog Nora with my wife Jane and our children. I am the coach of Brighton RFU under 10s, when my professional coaching skills get found out every weekend!!

  • Firstly, reading or listening to anything is really just passive and easy unless you are prepared to learn harder by doing something with it! Many people have heard of Mindset by Carol Dweck, but my challenge is to live like this and explore some inner foibles you might have. Equally, I would encourage Daring Greatly by Brene Brown to embrace ‘couraging’ – tough micro choices in every day moments. Lastly, I’d recommend following @HelenBevan on Twitter if you are serious about culture and change.

Professor Damian Hughes

Partner

A former England schoolboy footballer and Manchester United football coach, Damian helps a wide range of commercial and public sector organisations develop leaders, change catalysts and great achievers.

Damian is the author of seven best-selling books including: Liquid Thinking, The Survival Guide to Change and How to Think Like Sir Alex Ferguson.

He also works as a sports psychology consultant for professional teams, including Great Britain Rugby League, Sale Sharks & West Bromwich Albion

Damian runs a Manchester inner-city youth club, which has helped many kids find a purpose in their lives – from avoiding crime to winning Olympic medals.

He was appointed a Professor of Organisational Psychology and Change at Manchester Metropolitan University in September 2010. And his innovative approach has been praised by Sir Richard Branson, Muhammad Ali, Sir Terry Leahy, Tiger Woods, Jonny Wilkinson and Sir Alex Ferguson.

Today, he uses this wealth of expertise to help organisations build a winning environment and mindset.

Kirsten Gillard

Partner

  • For me it’s about being invited and trusted to be present whilst others think. It’s a real honour to watch clarity evolve and solutions and ideas form. At these moments you can feel the confidence, energy and conviction of people or teams lift, as they realise, they can achieve their ambitions or overcome their challenges. The outcomes can be so positively profound and, in some instances, life changing, which is a joy to be part of.

  • I am a professionally accredited Team and Individual coach recognised by The International Coaching Federation. I am also an accredited Master Practitioner in Tilt365 - the globally recognised emotional intelligence tool. For the past 20+ years I have been a leader, manager, coach and mentor working within the commercial divisions of the largest UK media corporations including, Channel 4, ITV, Capital Radio and Clear Channel. Throughout my career I have and continue to be fascinated about personal development, coupled with a passion for people, high performing teams, and positive organisational cultures. All this has led me to fully embrace a career in coaching, to help individuals, teams and businesses thrive and achieve success.

  • They would say that I bring energy along with a sprinkle of fun to my sessions! I create an environment that is attentive, warm, kind, open and honest. My coachees see me as supportive, encouraging and compassionate. I bring emotional intelligence, combined with the ability to challenge. I enjoy seeing results and I strive to encourage my coachees to experiment and take action through positive provocation. I like to hold my coachees to account, in fact, hearing of their successes is the cherry on the cake for me.

  • You might have picked up already, I am an Impact, a Change Catalyst, I am creative and results driven character, I thrive on ideas. I have a natural tendency for putting ideas into action with energy and drive. My top character strengths are Inspiration, Creativity, Confidence and Boldness. I can move with haste because of a secret fear of not achieving my goals, this can also cause me to over-work. I’ve been lovingly nicknamed ‘My little Impact Pony’, a show pony who is often in a rush to win!

  • Spending time with my friends and family along with laughter, good food, drink and music! When I’m not doing that, I love sport. I can often be found punishing myself in a Cross-Fit box, running or walking somewhere. Like a true Impact, I throw myself into new challenges most years, whether that’s swimming to the Isle of White or running a marathon. I also dabble in a bit of art, in fact, I believe everyone can be artistic, and I’m very open to be challenged on this point. I’m currently being inspired by contemporary colourful artists such as Francoise Nielly or graffiti artist DAIN NYC.

  • I am a big fan of @simonsinek, I particularly love Start with Why. The theory is genius in its simplicity and equally applicable to businesses and individuals alike. For a fun blast of motivation, I turn to Jen Sincero’s series of books ‘You’re a Badass…’ they always leave me feeling like I can do anything. Lastly the work of Nancy Kline is profound and transformational, Time to Think, is a serene book which slows me down and makes me think. It gently outlines a framework to promote thinking environments. A theory that all organisations and individuals should be aware of, especially as quality thinking and listening is desperately needed yet continually undermined.

Brian Cashman

Partner

  • One of my heroes, the great chef, author and traveller Anthony Bourdain once said; ‘Without experimentation, a willingness to ask questions and try new things, we shall surely become static, repetitive, and moribund’. Being a coach compels you to live outside the latter and explore the former. It’s exciting, enlightening, courageous and people-oriented. What’s not to love!

  • With a unique 20 year career in commercial and leadership roles spanning Financial Services, Education, SAAS and Healthcare I’ve experienced success and failure (let's acknowledge it!) across a spectrum of industries. This range allows me to make connections between diverse fields, be more innovative and,ultimately,more impactful for Archipelo’s clients. I enjoy projects involving change management and leading and managing for change. I am an expert in emotional intelligence & behavioural choice regulation as a Master Practitioner in Tilt365® and EQI 2.0 and qualified Team Coach & Executive Coach with the ICF and The University of Chester.

  • I’m a firm believer that whilst hard work doesn't guarantee success, without it you have no chance. The difficulty of a challenge often correlates to the reward it bears so my clients know that I’ll push hard and we’ll explore a little discomfort to see where it takes us. They tell me I’m challenging and thought-provoking with a little bit of Irish humour and wit thrown into the mix.

  • I’m an Impact and there’s a few of us on the team! Tilting in Impact means that generally I like to focus on connecting ideas and action and I have a natural proclivity for inventing new solutions. I’m comfortable with risk and love taking new ideas and putting them into action. I’ve had to work hard throughout my career and my personal values reflect that. I like to think in broad terms and always be pushing forwards. I don't have a nickname but I will tell you that my own primary trademark behaviour is to ‘be nice’. In all my years working it's the most undervalued commodity there is.

  • My heart and soul is found on the grass plains of the Curragh of Kildare. No matter the weather (and it’s usually bad!) I’ll be out running there a few times a week. It’s a place I have a deep connection with and it never fails to lift my spirit. Team sport has always been part of my life and I am involved in my local Gaelic Football club as a coach to my kids teams and with our senior men’s teams too. Eating and drinking also feature high on my list! A meal out in a nice restaurant with my lovely wife or a few pints with friends are always a pleasure. Finally…give me a good book and great whiskey and I’ll be the happiest man alive.

  • The Road by Cormac McCarty was profoundly impactful when I read it first. Although fiction, it wrestles with the best and worst that humanity is capable of and has a number of thought provoking themes. Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann is wonderful commentary on the fabric of ordinary human life. The Diary of CEO podcast by Steven Bartlett is always a quality listen. Lastly, Parts Unknown is Anthony Bourdains unequalled travel show which takes the viewer into the culture and history of some of the worlds more unlikely spots. A must watch!

Ross Boyd MBE

Associate

  • I am a psychologist by training and have been a coach for five years. I was formerly in the military where I completed three combat tours of Afghanistan, on the last of which I was awarded an MBE for leadership. Latterly I spent five years working in financial services. I was chief of staff to the CEO in the FTSE listed Virgin Money. The role was deliberately filled with an ex military person with the grit to keep up with a highly energetic CEO. I arrived just as the business was starting its IPO. I then spent three years in digital product management, designing and building a digital bank fit for the modern age. During the periods of transition

    from military to FS to coaching I have attempted things I never thought possible. I enjoy bringing this perspective into my coaching work, supporting individuals and teams achieve more than they often think they can.

    I am an ICF accredited coach, and trained through Barefoot Coaching and have over 1,000 1:1 and group coaching hours under my belt and incorporate both Hogan and the EQi 2.0 in my coaching work.

    In the military, there is an expectation that leaders will have all the answers. Latterly I have come to find that there is more growth and confidence in not knowing, and that a great question is 10x better than the 'right' answer. This innate curiosity fuels a deep fascination with resilience, emotional intelligence and the philosophy of Buddhism.

  • I have been told by the people I work with that they enjoy the blend of curiosity-based coaching and the ability to be a bit more 'pokey' (with permission!). It can be gentle and it can be hard...'love on the end of a sword'. This approach has helped support a lot of people to achieve some audacious results...and usually with a smile!

  • I am a 'Connection', also known as 'the cross-pollinator'. This means I love people and connection, and show up with a high, optimistic energy in my relationships.

    Whilst not a nickname per se, I have been likened to a labrador often...a reflection of my high energy and wonderment at most things that come my way.

John Perry MA, MSC, FHEA

Partner

John has particular capabilities in the areas of Stress Management, Psychological Resilience, Coaching, Counselling Skills for Managers, Emotional Intelligence, Team Development and Coaching Supervision.

He has a solid commercial knowledge and has delivered coaching, facilitation and consultancy to a wide range of world-class organisations, including financial services, media, manufacturing, government, policing, and health services.

John can help you and your team to manage stress, boost resilience, communicate with clarity and compassion, resolve disputes, re-invigorate teams, boost motivation, play to their strengths and clarify personal and organisational values.

John is an award-winning speaker. He has an optimistic, open, collaborative facilitation style, underpinned by rigorous academic training.

Gary Knight

Associate

Gary has expertise in Leadership Development, Change Management, Communication, and High-Performance Team Alignment.

He brings over 40 years of corporate experience, primarily with ITV plc, combining deep commercial insight with a strong understanding of organisational transformation. Gary has operated at senior levels within large-scale businesses, leading teams of over 200 people and managing multi-billion-pound revenue streams, while successfully bridging the gap between commercial and creative functions.

Gary can help you and your team lead through change with confidence, strengthen communication and influence, and build alignment across complex organisations. He is particularly effective in supporting leaders to refine their messaging, enhance their presence, and guide teams successfully through evolving business landscapes.

Gary has a people-first, highly engaging and creatively driven style. He brings energy, curiosity and constructive challenge to his work, creating a collaborative environment where individuals and teams feel supported to explore new thinking, push boundaries, and perform at their very best.

Carissa Bubb

Associate

Carissa has expertise in Executive and Team Coaching, Leadership Communication, Organisational Development, and Coaching Supervision.

She is an ICF and EMCC accredited executive and organisational coach with over 25 years’ experience in learning, development and organisational change. Carissa works as a trusted adviser to senior leaders and teams, supporting them at pivotal moments of growth and transition.

Carissa can help you and your team strengthen relational intelligence, evolve leadership practice, and align culture with meaningful outcomes. She is particularly effective in supporting boards and executive teams to grow their voice, extend their influence, and lead systemic change across complex organisations.

Carissa has a thoughtful, calm and insightful style. She creates the conditions for authentic connection and courageous conversation, enabling individuals and teams to navigate complexity with clarity, purpose and lasting impact.

Richard Fifield

Associate

Richard has strengths in Executive Coaching, Leadership Development, Board and Founder Coaching, Business Growth, and Navigating Disruption.

He brings over 20 years of experience, with a background as a founder and adviser, working with senior leaders, founders and PE/VC-backed teams to start, scale and successfully exit businesses. Richard combines strong commercial insight with cross-sector expertise, enabling him to quickly understand complex challenges and deliver practical, results-focused support.

Richard can help you and your team sharpen strategic clarity, elevate leadership impact, and make confident decisions in the face of uncertainty. He is particularly effective in supporting leaders operating in high-pressure environments to strengthen resilience, unlock growth and lead with purpose.

He has a direct, grounded and highly supportive style. He creates a trusted, no-nonsense environment where leaders can think clearly, tackle challenges head-on and move forward with confidence and momentum.

Kate Glover

Associate

Kate has expertise in Leadership Development, Coaching and Facilitation, Mindset and Behaviour Change, and Commercial Growth.

She brings over 20 years of senior commercial experience, having worked with leading organisations including ITV, Endemol and Culture Trip. Kate has built and led high-performing teams and delivered strategic partnerships with global brands such as L’Oréal, Diageo, American Express and British Airways, as well as supporting start-ups and scale-ups to grow and succeed.

Kate can help you and your team gain clarity, build confidence and turn insight into meaningful action. She is particularly effective in supporting individuals stepping into new roles or navigating change, helping them unlock their strengths, build momentum and create engaged, high-performing teams.

Kate has a warm, energising and highly practical style. She creates a supportive yet appropriately challenging environment where people feel empowered to think differently, take action and achieve lasting, meaningful change.

Celia Barker

Client Service Director

Celia has expertise in Client Relationship Management, Business Development, Executive Coaching Support, Marketing, Strategic Partnerships, and People Development.

She brings over 20 years of experience across media, consultancy, fundraising, and executive coaching, having built and managed high-value partnerships for organisations including Global Radio, Metro Newspaper, The British Red Cross, and Hobbs Consultancy. Throughout her career, she has led major client relationships, delivered creative campaigns, and supported business growth through strong stakeholder engagement and strategic thinking.

As Client Services Director at Archipelo Coaching, Celia works closely with senior leaders and high-profile clients, overseeing marketing, account management, business development, and operational delivery. She also leads the company’s CEO networking events and supports the delivery of high-impact coaching programmes.

Alongside her commercial career, Celia has a strong interest in mental health and wellbeing. She volunteers as a Crisis Volunteer for Shout and is currently completing her Level 3 CPCAB Counselling qualification, further strengthening her people-focused and empathetic approach.

Celia has a warm, energetic and collaborative style, combining creativity, professionalism and excellent communication skills to build trusted relationships and deliver meaningful impact.

Simon Daglish, Deputy Managing Director Commercial ITV plc

“Archipelo worked closely with the ITV Commercial Team to develop their leadership, creative and communications skills over several months and across a large and diverse team. Post the training the feedback from the team was hugely positive and appreciative of the effort the Archipelo team put in. They found the training both uplifting and incredibly useful in developing their skills whilst 'on the job'. So successful was the training that Archipelo have now become one of ITV's preferred suppliers and continue to work closely with the teams and are part of our future training schedule and plans. ”