At the start of this week, I received the most wonderful news...
I’ve been nominated for a National Coaching Award in the Leadership Coach of the Year category.
The nomination came from Amy Wilkinson, who shared these kind words:
“Donna is one of those rare coaches who manages to be both your greatest challenger and your fiercest supporter. She has an extraordinary ability to push you to go deeper than you thought possible, asking the brave questions you’d rather avoid but know you need to face. Her coaching is never surface level – she creates a space where you feel safe enough to be honest, yet bold enough to stretch yourself far beyond your comfort zone.
As a leadership coach and facilitator, Donna balances insight with empathy. She calls out blind spots with clarity and compassion, helping leaders uncover what truly holds them back. At the same time, she is the person you want by your side – steady, encouraging, and genuinely invested in your success.
I can say with absolute certainty that I would not be where I am today as a leader in business without Donna. She is the best “wing woman” a leader could ask for: someone who will challenge you, champion you, and make sure you rise. Donna exemplifies what courageous, impactful coaching should be.”
Reading Amy’s words was a moment of real reflection for me.
Coaching, for me, has never been about titles or awards – it’s about people. It’s about creating brave, honest, human-centred spaces where leaders can stretch themselves beyond what they thought possible, while feeling safe enough to explore what’s really going on beneath the surface.
To have that work recognised nationally is both humbling and affirming. It’s a reminder that the path I chose, leaving behind the security of employment to step out on my own, was absolutely the right one.
Whether I win or not, I already feel incredibly grateful. Grateful for the leaders I get to work with, the organisations that trust me to support their people, and for colleagues, friends, and clients who continue to champion and challenge me too.
Thank you, Amy, for the nomination and thank you to every leader who has allowed me to walk alongside you on your journey.
Here’s to continuing the work that matters most: developing emotionally intelligent leaders, teams and workplaces.
