Fortem Coaching

Merry Christmas from Fortem Coaching. Hope you’re having a wonderful day. ✨💕

Ever notice how the most capable people are often the ones who doubt themselves the most?

Imposter Syndrome isn’t just an individual issue. It quietly affects performance, visibility and progression.

I love running these sessions because it’s a topic everyone can relate to. Even if you’re not one of the 78% of people who’ve felt it, you almost certainly work with someone who does.

Having delivered these workshops across a variety of organisations, what I love most is seeing the shift that happens in the room. People start to understand what’s behind those feelings, they break down the shame, and most importantly, they leave with tools to help themselves and support others.

I know I wish I’d had a leader who could have done that for me during my own moments of imposter syndrome back in my corporate days.

If your organisation would benefit from a session that builds confidence, connection and conversation, I’d love to talk.

There’s no greater privilege than being trusted with someone’s story. 🌿
Every client who shares their story is trusting me with something precious.
Coaching gives them space to find clarity, confidence, and courage and seeing that shift happen never stops inspiring me. ✨

👀 Notice anything different around here?

I’m so excited to introduce CJ — my new-ish Head of Social Media (and my fabulous eldest!).

We’ve been having an absolute ball working together, and I’m loving the creativity, fresh energy and fun they’ve brought to Fortem.

If you’ve noticed (and liked!) the changes around here, drop this post a ❤️ as I’d love CJ to see how much of a difference they’re making.

Check out CJ's social too:

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September always feels like a fresh start, so it feels like the perfect time to reintroduce myself.

You probably know what I do: I support leaders who want clarity, confidence and space to thrive, and I help people at career crossroads who aren’t sure what comes next.

But do you know why I became a coach in the first place? 👇

The kids are back at school and, much as I love summer, I’m ready for the September reset.

For me, it’s about spaciousness. With the house quiet again, I can focus on projects and ideas that were pushed aside over the summer.

One of my clients recently shared a piece of wisdom I can’t shake: “Think big.”

So that’s my September reset...creating space to think bigger.

👉 What’s yours?

My hot take (or possibly my middle-aged rant): there are just too many ways to be contacted.
Emails, Slack, Teams, WhatsApp, DMs… It’s non-stop.

But when you’re going on holiday, WhatsApp is the sneaky one.
You can set an out-of-office for your emails.
You can delete Slack from your phone.
But WhatsApp? That’s where your mates, the dog sitter, and your family live.

And now it’s where your CEO lives, too.

Work WhatsApp groups have crept in, and suddenly, what used to feel like a social space can catapult you straight into work without you expecting it or choosing it.

So how do you stay connected without getting dragged back into the day job?

💡 Solution: archive the chat.
Turn off ‘reappear in settings’. Protect your peace.

Because work shouldn’t be able to interrupt your holiday unless you decide to let it.

This quote from Brené Brown always makes me think 💭

It lands because there’s such truth in it.

If you’re choosing true courage, you’re stepping outside your comfort zone 💪
If you’re prioritising comfort, chances are, you’re avoiding something that needs your bravery 🙈

Going on holiday is stressful.
You’re trying to wrap everything up, finish the handover notes, and worrying about what you haven’t quite managed to complete…

And then, in that anxious headspace, you write your out-of-office.
Half-apologising. Half-leaving the door open. Just in case.

No. No, no.

You’ve done what you can. This is your time now.
To rest. To restore. To be unavailable.

You don’t need to say sorry.
You don’t need to be reachable.
It’s only a week or a fortnight.

Switch off and mean it.

This one’s a minefield for leaders.
Ever been accused of impacting someone’s psychological safety? Or wondered if the term is being used as a shield against uncomfortable emotions?

It’s something my clients experience from both sides—trying to create safe spaces for their teams, and working in cultures where safety is sorely lacking.

I’ve written a blog exploring whether psychological safety is being misunderstood—or even weaponised. It’s a nuanced issue and one I think we need to talk about.
[https://buff.ly/kvpobPy ]