Coaching

How I Work

Coaching is a creative partnership. It’s a process that inspires people to make the professional and personal changes they want to make. It’s not therapy. It’s not mentoring. It’s not advice.

As your coach, I will give you my full attention. I’ll ask you powerful questions, act as a sounding board and challenge your blind spots. I’ll encourage you to think deeply and find fresh perspectives, but we’ll focus on the future, not the past. Coaching is about moving forward. We can all talk for ever about our problems, but meanwhile the clock is ticking, the world is burning and life can pass us by.

My coaching style is a mix of empathy, warmth and gentle (sometimes sparky) challenge. One of my former bosses once took a bite of a tangerine and said: “mm, sweet with a tang, like Christina!” That’s about right. Do you want to change or do you not want to change? In the end, it’s up to you.

I’m suspicious of those company websites that list their values. So many sound like a mix of Mother Theresa and Nelson Mandela. But here are some of the things that matter to me: beauty, truth, creativity, intelligence, integrity, courage, curiosity, laughter, coffee, cake, art, books, wine and crisps.

I’ll help you clarify your goals and challenge you to think hard and dig deep, but I’ll also encourage you to listen to your heart.

My aim is not just to help you make the most of your talent. It’s to help you think about the mark you want to make.

I’m an ACC certified coach and am also trained in systemic team coaching, somatic and group coaching. I’m a member of the International Coaching Federation and uphold their code of ethics. You can read more about it here.

I usually work with people on Zoom, for six to twelve months, but it’s sometimes possible to arrange sessions in central London.

I work with bright, thoughtful, interesting people who want to have an impact in the world. I’m happy working with people at the most senior levels and with those who want to fly higher. 

Are you up for the challenge? If so, let’s talk. You can book a free 30-minute consultation with me here.  

What People Say

Counselling and Mental Health Manager
Sheona Alexander

Christina was utterly refreshing as a coach, direct and challenging yet compassionate and insightful. Her humour throughout the coaching was also really welcome. Christina was able to slow me down from racing thoughts to a more considered and well contained internal voice. She navigated me though some difficult decisions, I never felt judged but utterly championed throughout our sessions. As a trained coach and counsellor myself, and someone who has used coaching before, I would highly recommend Christina and be continually grateful for the insights I gained whilst working with her.

Professor of Media and Politics
Heather S

I had reached the top of my profession; I had been in the same sector for over 20 years and was looking for a new challenge. I'd read Christina's book The Art of Not Falling Apart. I found it so inspiring that I contacted her, she became my coach and the rest is my empowering new history. I have now embarked on a completely different new career trajectory, through Christina's wise, thoughtful and empowering coaching. Christina has been a literal life changer.

Music Psychologist, Corporate DJ, Startup Advisor
Dr Michelle Ulor

I spent my previous years being both a mentor and mentee, and it’s always something I advocate for. Last year I decided to explore having a coach and was lucky enough to have worked with Christina Patterson. Since 2021, I've been navigating life post-academia and a word that perfectly describes my experience so far is ‘transitions.’ Christina has been instrumental in providing me with the necessary support to allow me to find clarity in moments of uncertainty, with her enthusiasm, kindness and thoughtful nature.

If anyone is looking for a coach, I’d highly recommend her. She does team and group work, individual coaching and organisational coaching.