Who supports leaders when the pressure builds?

For many leaders, there’s little space to pause, reflect and think clearly about how they want to lead. Executive coach Tamsin Willis-Stovold shares what she’s seeing among senior leaders right now, and why creating that space has never been more important.

By Tamsin Willis-Stovold FCIPD, Founder of Natural Steps Coaching, and one of TBE’s Most Inspiring Women in Swindon & Wiltshire 2026.

Who do leaders turn to when times are tough?

Over the past year, one theme has surfaced again and again in my coaching work with senior leaders in charities, education organisations and B Corps: overwhelm.

These are people who have chosen purpose‑driven work. They care deeply about impact. But that same commitment often pulls them in multiple directions. The pace, the responsibility, the emotional load, it all accumulates. And the consequences can be lasting.

Leadership can be lonely. There’s pressure to have the answers, to stay resilient, adaptable, positive. Yet the best leaders I know don’t perform resilience, they tell the truth about their experience. They create space to understand what’s happening beneath the surface and how they want to show up for their people. That space is rare.

For many clients, our sessions are the only time they step off the treadmill long enough to notice what’s really going on. To ask: Is this the life I want to live? Is this the way I want to lead?

And when a leader is overwhelmed, the organisation feels it, in culture, in team dynamics, in the quality of decisions. Thriving organisations need leaders who can hold multiple perspectives, manage ambiguity and adjust. That’s almost impossible when resilience is depleted.

When is coaching the right answer?

When I meet a new client, we start by exploring what they want from the coaching process, and what will be required of them. My role is to move their thinking forward.

I take a person‑centred, integrated approach. In practice, that means deep thinking, honest reflection and challenging questions. We look at the systems they’re operating in, what’s hidden, and what’s driving them. This creates the insight they need to move forward with clarity and intention.

How do I support leaders’ wellbeing?

Clients choose how we work together – face to face, online, or increasingly, outdoors.

I’ve been integrating nature into my coaching for three years, and the benefits are striking.

Side‑by‑side coaching on a walk can unlock a different quality of thinking and help reset the nervous system. For others, a natural environment offers metaphors that make difficult conversations feel safer and more accessible. It’s a powerful way to support wellbeing while doing meaningful leadership work.

What’s the business case for investment?

In the current climate, development budgets are under scrutiny. Organisations need to see a clear return.

The impact of a leader who isn’t thriving is tangible:

• higher staff turnover
• slower or poorer decision‑making
• lack of clarity on priorities
• cultural drift

The cost of these far outweighs the cost of coaching.

A shift in thinking that leads to a shift in performance has exponential value — for the leader, their team and the organisation. I often ask clients to consider the cost of notchanging. It’s rarely small.

If you’re a leader feeling the stretch…

You’re not alone. And you don’t have to navigate it alone.

I have space for a small number of new clients this year, particularly senior leaders in purpose‑driven organisations who want to lead with clarity, courage and sustainability.

If this resonates, I’d be happy to talk.

To get in touch with Tamsin, email: Tamsin.Willis-Stovold@naturalstepscoaching.co.uk , call: 077 368 38 703 and visit: naturalstepscoaching.co.uk