About Karen:

I’m Karen, a life, work and leadership coach who supports people through the challenges and transitions that shape their lives. After decades of experience in the corporate world and academia, I now focus fully on one-to-one coaching, helping people from all walks of life as they navigate change, manage uncertainty and find a clearer direction for their lives. I am fully qualified, having a PG Diploma in Coaching and a PhD that looked at how leaders successfully managed change in their lives. I offer 30 years of experience, deep psychological knowledge, empathy, emotional intelligence and a genuine belief in people’s ability to grow, even in difficult seasons.

My approach is practical and down-to-earth. I listen deeply, help you untangle what’s going on beneath the surface, and offer perspectives that bring insight and relief. I blend psychological understanding with a grounded practicality, giving you space to think clearly and make decisions that feel right for you. Everything we do together is shaped around your needs, your pace and your real life—not unrealistic ideals or pressure.

I’ve navigated many of life’s turning points myself, and that experience informs how I work. I’m not here to preach or to tell you what to do —I’m here to walk alongside you while you rediscover confidence, purpose and direction. Whether you’re dealing with workplace challenges, personal transitions or a deeper search for meaning, I offer coaching that is accessible, supportive and genuinely transformative.

Karen Blakeley River View

Early Career: Who am I?

I first started my career in banking where I spent a couple of years realising that I was not a banker! However, I loved the buzz of the City and I joined a highly successful training company which was focused on developing bankers. I worked with banks all over the world and particularly in trading rooms, helping people to sell, influence and lead during a time of intense change.

I then went into more general leadership development working for companies in professional services, large corporates and the public sectors. This took me all over the world from Africa to South East Asia. Eventually I returned to an ex-client, Barclays, to help them in a high profile merger. It was during this period that I became fascinated with change and I embarked upon a PhD that looked at how leaders learned when their organisations went through change.

Mid career: Guiding Leaders Through Change

I worked with two organisations for my PhD. One was a nuclear energy consultancy employing people with PhDs in physics.  The other was a logistics company where the management team had left school at 18. There was no difference in how both groups learned and the kinds of blocks to learning they encountered. This confirmed my experience of working with people from all walks of life. I realised that the psychological dynamics of learning lay behind the success of individuals, teams and organisations.  This led to my first book, Leadership Blindspots and What to Do About Them. During this period I continued my work in leadership development and was able to apply my research to a range of organisations – spanning the finance, insurance, public and SME sectors.

Experienced leadership coach UK
Personal growth through coaching

Later career: Teacher, Researcher, Campaigner for Responsible Leadership

I then felt called to enter academia. Luckily, the university closest to me was about to set up a Business School, based on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The School was dedicated to developing students who would be the next generation of responsible business leaders. At last! I could combine my interest in coaching and teaching with my lifelong interest in ethical leadership and power. It was a dream job.

Whilst working at the University of Winchester I conducted research, published papers and set up and ran the Centre for Responsible Management attracting national leaders to give talks around how they practised responsible leadership. I established and led the Doctorate of Business Administration and led the Undergraduate Business Degree. I also taught young undergraduates business ethics, leadership, change and responsible leadership and won awards for my teaching. At this point I conducted research that led to my second book, Leading with Love.

Now: Leadership Coach, Teacher, Speaker and Author

In 2018 I had a life-changing experience which took me along a different path. I left the business school and went around the world exploring different spiritual practices and paths. I now have a broader coaching practice which offers coaching to help people at work, in their personal lives and in their inner lives, as they search for meaning and purpose. I also run workshops and retreats. Having spent much of my life coaching leaders and managers, I now want to offer coaching to everyone at affordable prices. I believe everyone can benefit from coaching but it’s not something that many people consider – I would like to change that!

I am the Basingstoke co-ordinator for Conscious Cafe (a national network) and run a free monthly gathering for anyone wanting to connect with themselves, with others and with life at a deeper level. I also volunteer as a mentor for young people.