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 academia and leadership coaching, I shifted my focus to helping individuals—people from all walks of life as they navigate change, manage uncertainty, or 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 and their teams managed change in their lives. I offer breadth of experience, 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 sense of presence, 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 who to be—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?

When I started my career I just wanted to live up to my parents’ expectations. Unfortunately for me, this meant becoming the first female socialist Prime Minister in the UK! After years of trying – and failing – to live up to their expectations, I was deeply unhappy and completely out of touch with myself. I clearly had to take a step back and ask myself some deep questions. Who am I? What do I want? What are my talents and skills? How can I make a contribution?

I discovered that I was a teacher or mentor (see Carolyn Myss’ list of archetypes to help you find your archetype here). This meant that I loved facilitating the emotional, intellectual and spiritual growth of others. The energy of the mentor is gentler, slower, more thoughtful, less action and more other-oriented than many of the politicians I was aware of. I simply was not cut out to be a politician – but I was cut out to be a coach, mentor and teacher.

Mid career: Guiding Leaders Through Change

I was working in the corporate world when I decided to change career, so I did a quick turnaround and went into management development which took me all over the world from Africa to South East Asia. I then went into leadership development during the 90s – a time of intense change and disruption. This is when I decided to sign up for a PhD looking at how leaders and their teams learned (or failed to learn) during periods of intense change. This led to my first book, Leadership Blindspots and What to Do About Them.

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 for people from all walks of life. 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.