Neil Scotton | Coach, Author, Thought Leader…About 20 years ago, gripped by an illness, I said my final goodbyes to my wife, children and parents.That sort of thing changes you. A couple of days after the critical night, I spoke with a dear friend from my hospital bed. They were obviously concerned. I remember saying, “It’s strange, but I think something really positive has happened.” And after a rollercoaster ride of recovery, including a period of depression, the positives certainly came through. I learned: Life really is a gift.It can take an incident like that to recognise just how big a gift life is. That it’s important to say what needs to be said, while you can, to everyone who matters to you. To be on as good as possible terms with people at all times. That reinvention is not just possible, it can be essential to really enjoy a purposeful, balanced life. That everyone truly does matter. That everyone is fighting battles I know nothing about. That until I’ve listened, I don’t know anything. That it can be really scary to reveal who we really are to ourselves, let alone to others, but as far as it is safe to, that can be life transforming and incredibly releasing – enabling many to benefit. That everyone really does have gifts. That this world is a truly beautiful place and we need to ensure our children and grandchildren have their chance to experience its joys and wonder. That work can be so much more than ‘something I do’ or ‘something I get paid for’. That the big challenges, real, dark and scary, can be sources of the greatest light and fulfilment. I’ve also learned that my biggest mistakes and regrets all have something at their heart.It is controversial but here it is: I was trying too hard. I was pushing where something was resisting. It exhausted me. And I broke things. In my journey through life, and nearly 20 years as a coach, I’ve learnt that there are easier, natural ways of enabling change and making things happen. More than that, change naturally wants to happen. Life doesn’t have to be a fight.This is built into my work. Clients are often surprised by the speed and depth of the change they experience. This doesn’t mean sitting still and expecting it all to happen. It simply means working on things with awareness and grace; putting in no more and no less effort than is required; being as honest and real as possible; and paying attention to what’s actually happening. Perhaps some of this resonates with you.Whether it’s through one-on-one conversations or engaging with the team around you, finding the space to discuss what matters is crucial. It’s where your thoughts can be set free, where new perspectives can take root. If you are ready to open the box, embrace the unknown, and discover what you truly seek, then I’d love to support you. |
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Story 1 – The Professional
A chartered engineer,
Who became a production manager, then a consultant,
And then a director in a national manufacturing trade body.
Who had a life-changing health issue,
And a mental meltdown.
Who started again
Becoming a multi-award winning coach,
Supporting the evolution of the global coaching profession.
A thought leading writer and columnist.
A trusted sounding board.
Collaborating with exceptional leaders,
Inspiring passionate change-makers,
Engaging with teams and communities,
In many countries, and
Together, building better, healthier futures.
Story 2 – The Personal
Husband, father, and grandfather, in love
Walker, often in wonder
Grower, with hands in the soil
Writer, musing and sharing
Musician, just playing
Citizen, being there with and for others
Lost Pilgrim, always walking,
Wise fool, forever learning,
Caring and concerned ancestor,
Ever hopeful,
Just a soul, happy to be useful.
Different sides | Experiencing different sides of Neil: A Journey of Growth, Authenticity, and TrustI’m Liz Hall, the Editor of ‘Coaching at Work’ Magazine, a practising coach, and a multi-published author in the coaching field. I want to share with you the journey of growth and support that Neil and I have embarked on. This goes beyond a straightforward coach-client working together; we have been there for each other’s personal and professional growth. Coaching Through CrisisDuring a pivotal time for ‘Coaching at Work’ Magazine, Neil’s support proved to be invaluable. The magazine was undergoing changes, with the possibility of being sold or even shut down. I found myself in a state of feeling powerless, as if things were happening to me rather than being driven by my own desires and intentions. Whilst talking about something else, Neil picked up on how I was and offered his support. His coaching went beyond asking powerful coaching questions; he created a safe space for me to reconnect with my vision and tap into my inner resources. With his gentle, spacious yet impactful approach, he helped me find clarity, reignite my creativity, and regain my sense of purpose. His support reminded me of the strength and resilience within me, ultimately guiding me towards my vision for the magazine. Embracing Authenticity, Vulnerability and IntegrationAs coaches or any professional, it’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting to present a perfectly polished facade, disconnecting from our true selves. For years, I had found myself caught up in what I thought was expected of me, even down to what I wore, always adhering to my conference clothes and the like. I had no idea what I thought being ‘professional’ meant but it was with a very capital ‘P’. This disconnection between who I truly was and the mask I presented was exhausting. My relationship with Neil has reinforced my appreciation of the beauty of authenticity. In our interactions, Neil has always seen beyond the professional masks we can often wear. He…
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encouraged me to bring my true self into every aspect of my life. Through his genuine and compassionate presence, he has helped me connect with the power of integrating my personal values, passions, and beliefs into my professional journey. Neil created an environment where I could show up as my authentic self. It has been such a gift. Nowadays, I embrace the idea of being a wounded healer. I have come to realise that I don’t need to have everything figured out, and this acceptance is part of my superpowers. Nurturing Growth through ReciprocityBeing able to support each other in our respective journeys has been wonderful. A lovely aspect of our relationship is the interplay between coaching and writing. In 2010, Neil and I attended a conference in Madrid. It was following the banking crisis, when people were asking ‘Where were the coaches when the banks went down?’. People were then turning their attention to the social and environmental issues. We discussed how the magazine could play a part. It led to Neil writing, initially in collaboration with Dr Alister Scott, a regular column exploring the role of coaches in these important areas. Neil was very uncertain if his writing was any good, and how it might be received. The subject area was very contentious. He sought my feedback and guidance to refine his voice and elevate his writing skills. He approached our exchanges with a receptive mindset, never taking it personally but instead embracing the opportunity to learn. Through working together in different situations, we have nurtured each other’s development, celebrated victories, and navigated challenges with resilience. Neil’s coaching has had a lasting impact on my life, and his support continues to inspire me to this day. Deep Trust and Navigating RelationshipsRecently, I asked Neil if he would bring his coaching to support my daughter, approaching her thirties, who like so many, has been experiencing eco-anxiety. She means so much to me, and she was struggling, so it was very important that I trust implicitly anyone I recommend she work with. And of course, a number of aspects of this make it professionally tricky. I entrusted her wellbeing to him without hesitation. Neil’s genuine approach in navigating the complexities of relationships is quite remarkable; even during challenging or potentially messy situations. She describes it as a ‘brilliant’ experience. Empowering at Every StageI believe Neil’s integrity, empathy and ability to meet individuals where they are on their journey enable him to be an exceptional coach for pretty much anyone, of any age, seeking coaching support. His gentle yet impactful approach empowers others to uncover their true purpose, overcome self-imposed limitations, and step into their potential. When it comes to coaching other professional coaches, Neil continues with his knack for meeting people right where they are. Whether they’re just starting out or have been coaching for years, Neil’s wisdom and insight shine through. For those in the early stages, feeling the pressure to be perfect and afraid of making mistakes, Neil has a talent for connecting and supporting them to find their self-belief, natural style and true purpose. For experienced coaches, Neil is able to adapt his approach, making him a trusted coach, sounding board and mentor no matter where someone is on their path. He embodies the qualities of a wise elder, providing both challenge and support as individuals progress. With Neil, there’s no patronising or mansplaining – just genuine understanding and deep listening. |
CoachingConversations
‘A place to hear myself think’
We pause
We talk
I listen
I ask
You discover
You fly
Connect | If you’re interested in working together…Feel free to reach out and share what support you would like for yourself, your team, your organisation or your community. SEND ME A MESSAGE HERE… |
The Earthquake, the Chasm and the Puzzle
In 2019 I was woken by an earthquake. In Surrey, England. I checked online. There were live seismographs. I wasn’t dreaming. The measurement equipment was apparently installed to monitor fracking. It was a real and metaphorical wake up moment. I wrote a piece for LinkedIn – something very rare for me at the time. It resonated and sparked calls for action around the coaching world.
Neil’s Wheel
Are you seeing what’s going on in the world today and wondering what these events may be calling you to do - close to home or on a bigger stage - to enable something positive? Has work or life lost a little of its sparkle? Or direction? Are you in a team or other relationship and looking to find a way to be more together, and to do more of what...
What can we do? Part 1 – Making Good
How can coaches and coaching help us address the big social, environmental and economic justice issues? In 2011, I began a series of magazine articles exploring this. Here’s the first piece, co-written with Dr Alister Scott. The series went on to run as a regular column for 8 years and win awards for thought leadership.