About me
I’m Joanna Stokes, a leadership and career coach based in Marske-by-the-Sea
I work with people who are at a crossroads – in their career, in their leadership, or in how they want to live and work. My business, My Coach Joanna, exists to help people make decisions they can feel proud of, not pressured into.
I’ve spent most of my career in Further Education – over 25 years in total, with 18 of those in management and leadership, including senior executive roles and time as an Ofsted Inspector.
I know what it’s like to be inside a system that demands a lot, often without space to stop and ask, “Is this still right for me?”
That question – what’s right for me now? – sits at the heart of my work. Whether you’re a midlife professional considering your next chapter, a manager who wants to lead in a way that feels more human, or someone who’s been doing the same job for years and feels disconnected, I help you figure out what matters and what’s next.
Who I work with
I work with professionals, leaders, and ambitious thinkers who are ready to step back and examine who they are, what matters most, and what might need to shift for them to align with their values, strengths, and goals.
I’ve built a strong reputation in the Further Education sector and still work with many colleges, leaders, and teaching staff. But my work now also supports people beyond FE – those in the public and third sectors, education charities, healthcare, and mission-led organisations.
Whether you’re on your own or part of an organisation, I help you find a better way forward.
The people I work with often share the same struggles:
My coaching approach
If you’re ready to focus on what matters and let go of what’s no longer working, we’ll work together to find clarity and direction.
My coaching is straightforward.
I ask well-timed, powerful questions to help you explore your values, strengths and purpose – not what others expect from you, but what you want for your life and work.
Coaching with me is
I’m not a performance coach, line manager, teacher or mentor. I won’t give you a formula or a five-step plan. What I offer is a committed partnership where we focus on meaningful insight and real progress.
We’ll go deep, stay practical and focus on action. This is a space for openness, honesty and thoughtful challenge. If you’re ready to grow and make a change, I’ll support you through a purposeful journey that leads to lasting impact.
How we start
To make sure we’re a good fit, I’ll begin by asking questions about what you want from coaching, how you see change happening, and what matters most to you – professionally and personally.
You’re welcome to ask me questions too. It’s important that we’re aligned before we begin.
My style
I’m not here to tell you what to do. I’m here to help you see your choices clearly and back yourself to make them.
I’m straight-talking, supportive and down to earth. I don’t use jargon or fluffy frameworks. I create space for honest thinking, ask good questions and help you take clear action.
I combine coaching, DISC profiling and leadership and personal development tools in a way that fits your context and your goals. This isn’t off-the-shelf coaching. It’s shaped around you.
My credentials and CPD
Over the past five years, I’ve invested heavily in my own development. I’m a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation, a licensed Firework Career Coach, and DISC accredited.
I engage in regular supervision and ongoing CPD to ensure my practice stays reflective, ethical and effective. I also learn a lot from the people I work with – every coaching conversation sharpens my practice.
How I Can Help
All of my services are rooted in my values: honesty, clarity, empowerment, growth, and freedom. I want you to have work that supports the life you want – not the other way around.
A Bit More About Me
I live by the sea with my partner. I love cooking, cycling, and I am an avid reader, you will often find me giving book recommendations on everything from fiction to personal development and healthy lifestyle.
Running a values-led business matters to me. So does financial freedom, which is why I’ve made some big shifts over the last few years to build a life and business that feel more aligned and sustainable. You can read more about this in articles under “Lifestyle” on the Insights page.
I’m here to help you do the same – in your own way, on your own terms.
Want to explore working together?
Start with a free introductory call – no pressure, just a proper conversation.