Vanessa Allen Coaching

I care deeply about the impact coaching can have on people.

Not in a dramatic, overnight life changing kind of way
although sometimes things can shift quite quickly.

More often, it’s in the quieter changes that happen over time.

Where someone starts to feel a bit more confident in themselves
at home, at work, in how they show up.

I see it in the people I work with, and I’ve experienced it myself too.

Because I’m not on a pedestal here.

Life has thrown its fair share of challenges my way as well.

And one of the biggest things coaching has given me is a better understanding of myself, and other people.

Things that might have frustrated me before don’t tend to sit with me in the same way now.

That feeling still shows up occasionally, but it passes much more quickly.

There’s more awareness.
More perspective.
More choice in how I respond.

And that’s what I find so powerful about coaching.

It’s not about fixing people.

It’s about helping them understand themselves more deeply, so they can live and work in a way that feels more aligned and more confident.

Ever found yourself thinking “I have no idea what I’m doing” and quietly hoping no one else notices?

Imposter syndrome doesn’t always shout. Sometimes it shows up with a clipboard and a raised eyebrow, like it’s here to audit your life choices.

I see it all the time. In work conversations, chats with friends, and yes… in the mirror too.

That voice that says:

“You’ve just been lucky.”
“You’re not as good as they think you are.”
“Any minute now, someone’s going to find out.”

It tends to pop up when:

• You’re doing something new
• You’re putting yourself out there
• You actually care

Here’s what I’ve learned:

✨ Feeling like an imposter usually means you’re growing
✨ Your inner critic isn’t always the best judge of character
✨ You don’t have to figure it all out on your own

Having someone in your corner can be a real game changer.



https://vanessaallencoaching.com/

Some days it feels like I’m juggling ten plates and spinning another five.

In practice management and in coaching there’s always more we could take on. But that doesn’t mean we should.

When things feel stretched, I come back to this:

🔹 What could someone else take off my plate?
🔹 What can I let go of without guilt?
🔹 Where does my time really make a difference?

It’s not about whether you’re capable (you are). It’s about where your energy belongs.

Boundaries are brave. Letting go is leadership. Capacity is something we can build, not just burn through.

If today feels heavy, step back. You don’t have to do it all. Just the things that truly matter.

(And no, I can’t really spin plates but this image does look a bit like me, doesn’t it? 😅)



https://vanessaallencoaching.com/

We’re all more than our job titles. Here’s a little of who I am.

What you won’t see on my CV – Part 2

I need time alone to recharge but I’ll always answer the phone if you need me.

I’ve learned to trust my gut, even when it doesn’t make sense on paper.

I don’t need the spotlight but I’ll always cheer others on from the sidelines.

I believe the most powerful changes often begin with a single brave conversation.

I always carry plasters, mints and tissues, just in case.

I’ve never grown out of loving stationery.

I think a good list can calm the mind.

I know what it’s like to start again, and again.

I’m more interested in how people feel than what they do.

And I believe we all carry invisible stories.

Still here. Still learning.

Does any of this sound like you too? I’d love to know.



https://vanessaallencoaching.com/

Vibrant conversations, bold colours, and big-hearted women 💚

This was one of those days that leaves you feeling both uplifted and deeply grounded.

Our Inner Circle meet-up in London didn’t disappoint. A room full of inspiring, wholehearted women, showing up as ourselves, asking real questions and cheering each other on.

This time we explored what it really means to be your best self. Not the polished, performative version, but the one that feels true, free and fully alive.

We asked ourselves:
✨ Who am I at my best?
✨ What (or who) helps me get there more often?
✨ How can I bring more of that into everyday life?

Of course, we embraced the challenge to “dress like a parrot” colourful, confident and unapologetically bold. Safe to say, we nailed it! 🦜

Add in laughter, meaningful chats and a cheeky cocktail or two over a late lunch, and it was the perfect mix of reflection and fun.

These meet-ups are special. They’re about personal growth, genuine connection and walking your talk.

Feeling grateful and inspired, as always 💫

Thank you Angela Cox for leading and bringing us all together 💚



https://vanessaallencoaching.com/

Quietly proud and deeply thankful 💚

I’ve been nominated for Emerging Coach of the Year in the National Coaching Awards.

I had no idea this was coming. The person who nominated me has chosen to stay anonymous, but they shared these words, which made me stop and take a breath:

“You’re in very safe, very astute hands if you are being coached by Vanessa. Her intuition and ability to see what isn’t being said is profound. Forever humble, she doesn’t shout about her capability, but in the coaching seat her ability shines and she is certainly worthy of the Emerging Coach of the Year award.”

To whoever you are, thank you. I’m blown away.

Coaching means the world to me. It’s something I’ve thrown my heart into, and to be recognised like this means more than I can say.



https://vanessaallencoaching.com/

We’re all more than our job titles. Here’s a little of who I am.

What you won’t see on my CV:

I cry at certain songs.

I always make a cup of tea before a tough conversation.

I believe people are more than what they’ve survived.

I love a long walk in the Dales and a pub lunch after.

I talk to dogs before I talk to their owners.

I keep old birthday cards.

I’m the calm one in a crisis but often fall apart afterwards.

I believe in second chances, slow mornings and showing up when it matters.

And I believe that real strength is often quiet.

Just thought I’d share a little more of the human behind the job titles.



https://vanessaallencoaching.com/

Do you check your work emails while you’re on holiday or wait until you’re back?

I used to check mine all the time. Every ping on my phone felt like something I had to deal with straight away. I told myself I was staying on top of things, even getting ahead. But really, I was afraid of missing something. I wasn’t trusting myself or empowering the team around me.

The last couple of years have taught me to practise what I preach.

These days, when my out-of-office goes on, it clearly says I won’t be checking emails until I’m back. If it’s truly urgent, I include a forwarding contact for a senior member of the team.

Tomorrow I’m officially back at work after 10 days off. I had a quick debate with myself this afternoon (yes, it’s raining here in Yorkshire) and decided to log on for a short while. I kept an eye on the time and was delighted it only took 1 hour and 12 minutes to read and sort the 152 emails waiting for me. I’ve made my list and feel ready for the week ahead.

I’m never going to have a completely empty inbox. For every email I clear, another one arrives.

What matters more is that I’ve had a proper break. I’ve switched off, rested and recharged, and that’s what will help me show up at my best tomorrow.

I’m curious, what’s your approach? Total switch off or a quick dip in and out?



https://vanessaallencoaching.com/

What would you do to help your family and friends?

This was the question I asked a colleague over a coffee recently as she was wondering whether to invest in herself for coaching and mentoring this year.

How many of us would do almost anything to make sure our children and partners feel loved and supported? Yet when it comes to ourselves, we often wait until we’re feeling drained or close to burnout before we finally give ourselves permission to say yes.

I’m not judging at all. I was in the same place just two years ago before I decided to invest in my own coaching journey.

It’s a big decision and I know it can feel daunting. But the transformation that comes with it can truly be life changing. Investing in yourself takes both financial and personal commitment but I can honestly say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

If this resonates with you, drop me a message or let’s have a chat about how coaching could support you.

💛

https://vanessaallencoaching.com/