My Coach Joanna - My Coach Joanna

Senior leadership and a family life. You don’t have to choose.

I work with women in FE to help them overcome their fears about balancing senior leadership and family life so that they can have the power to choose their next step.

Take the quiz and find out if you’re ready to lead with confidence.

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I work with Further Education leaders to achieve ultimate career fulfilment.

You don’t have to stay where you are. Whether you’re at a career crossroads, craving more meaning in your work, or ready to lead differently – I’ll help you figure out what matters and what’s next.

I can say that with confidence, because I’ve stood exactly where you’re standing.

From the outside you look like the one who holds it all together. Capable, respected, the safe pair of hands. Inside, it’s a quieter, more complicated story.

You probably haven’t said much of it out loud. So let me.

My Coach Joanna - Joanna Stokes, leadership and career coach

I’m Joanna Stokes – career and leadership coach

Based in Marske-by-the-Sea, I work with people who want to make work work better for them.

I’m straight-talking, supportive, and practical. My coaching is rooted in values: honesty, clarity, empowerment, growth, and freedom. I help you get clear, take action, and move forward – in your own way, on your own terms.

I’m a Professional Certified Coach (ICF PCC), DISC accredited, and a licensed Firework Career Coach.

After 25 years in Further Education, including senior leadership roles and time as an Ofsted Inspector – I know the pressures of public service and leadership inside out.

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Today is not just another day. It’s a new opportunity.

Is this you?

You’re good at your job. Genuinely good. You’ve led your department for years and you know you belong at the senior leadership table.

But between knowing it and doing something about it, you get stuck. The circular thinking starts. You talk yourself in, then out, then in again. Nothing changes.

Meanwhile colleagues without your responsibilities move up, and you watch with a guilt you can’t admit, because admitting it means admitting how much you want this.

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Stop holding yourself back.
If you’re not happy, make a change.

The real problem isn’t capability

It’s the belief that stepping up means losing something. Time with your children. Your sense of yourself. The control you’ve built.

You look at the women above you and don’t see yourself, just long hours, evening events, a leadership that feels cold and nothing like you. So you wait for a better moment. It never comes, and the waiting costs more than you expected.

That cost shows up everywhere. The 3am wake-ups with the same questions going round. The snapping at people you love. The cynicism creeping into how you talk about your job and your boss.

You came into FE to make a difference

That person is still there, but she’s tired and wondering if this is just how it is.

The hardest part is you can’t talk honestly about it: at work you can’t show your ambition, at home you can’t explain what’s at stake.

So you carry it quietly and hope something shifts.

Not sure where to start? Let’s talk.

Book a free consultation – no pressure, just a proper conversation.

What my clients say

Really positive experience with Joanna in both 1:1's and the group sessions of 20+. I would highly recommend.

James Butterfield

The sessions with Joanna helped me explore what I wanted from my career and boosted my productivity.

Nicola Richards

Joanna is wonderful to work with. Her support in overcoming those challenges has been immensely helpful.

Louise Kindleyside

Working with Joanna has been an eye-opening experience. Thanks to Joanna’s guidance, I now feel truly empowered.

Ester Montaner

I found the sessions I had with Joanna to be really insightful. I came away from each session with a clearer perspective than when I went in.

Claire Hankey

I highly recommend Joanna to anyone looking to enhance their communication skills and build confidence.

Sarah Cattell

Thanks to Joanna, I now approach my career with renewed confidence and a clear vision for success.

Cassandra Dockery-Pirouzi

Joanna is an amazing coach. Previously, I would not have thought a coach can help me, but it really has.

Kam Kalirai

I cannot thank Joanna enough for the part she played in my coaching journey.

Martha Mairura

Joanna, thank you so much for the interview preparation for a senior leadership role.

Robert Pennington

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Experienced Professionals at a Career Crossroads

You’ve given decades to your role, but lately you’re asking, is this it? If you’re ready to rethink what the next phase of work could look like, I’ll help you make space to explore, reflect, and move forward with clarity.

Values-Driven Leaders Seeking Authenticity

You’re good at what you do but tired of leadership that feels performative or out of sync with your values. Coaching offers a space to lead in a way that feels real – with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

Middle Managers in People-Focused Roles

You want to support your team well, but some days it feels like firefighting with no hose. Coaching helps you grow the confidence, skills, and boundaries to lead in a way that works. For them and for you.

Professionals Exploring a More Purposeful Path

Your work isn’t a disaster, but it’s no longer a fit and you’re not sure what comes next. Whether it’s a role change or a total shift, coaching helps you get clear on your direction and how to move forward.

Forward-Thinking Organisations Seeking Leadership Development

You know your managers need support but not another generic training day. My coaching and workshops are bespoke to you and designed to reflect the real pressures of leadership and build skills that actually stick.

How I Can Help

Career Crossroads

Coaching for individuals ready to rethink their working life

Leadership Coaching

One-to-one support for managers and aspiring leaders

DISC Workshops

Team development with practical tools to boost morale and communication

CV & LinkedIn Coaching

Show up clearly and confidently

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