1:1 Leadership Coaching

I started Forza as a pop-up in 2012 and it went through many iterations until we ended up a restaurant company with exciting growth plans and the opportunity to open a site in a national institution. At the same time as all of this, two major personal life events meant that I found myself burned out and struggling to see a path through to the next stage of growth.

I had met Madeleine through her work at Hawksmoor, so she wasn't a stranger. She'd done some small, but brilliant things with me in COVID, so she was the first (and only) call I made to help find the 'path'. With a specific brief to 'equip me with the tools' to create consistency and calm in this path, we set to work. Working with Madeleine I have discovered the importance of self-care on a much deeper level. I’ve made some changes to my life and experienced how impactful these habits can be. More importantly, I have the tools, and plan I need to guide the business through the next 3 years.

Bash Redford, Founder, Forza Restaurants

Madeleine is the person in my life I didn’t know I needed. Her subtle but firm approach has been really important in helping me frame my priorities, providing me with much needed focus. The journey over the course of a session is as enjoyable as it is challenging, often ending up far out from where you thought you would be. Like you’re the driver but she’s the one with the map giving directions. I look forward to working with her for the foreseeable future and continuing our journey together.

Conor Gadd, Owner - Director - Chef, Trullo

Working with Madeleine was excellent. Her coaching is insightful. And her knowledge of the industry was invaluable. I would highly recommend her.

Jane Alty, Chef-Founder, The Begging Bowl

Coaching with Madeleine has been a career-defining moment. She helped me shape my entire business moving forward and I am so pleased I did it. She was excellent at helping me come up with solutions to problems I didn’t think I could solve. She is very real, you can really open up and I ended up saying things out loud I had never thought of before. Madeleine is outstanding at what she does – I know this because I have talked to other people she has worked with. And we all agree, she is changing lives.

Lauren Linford, Founder, Home Hospitality

I began work with Madeleine when I took on a new MD role and some self doubt was bubbling up. From the start I felt listened to and comfortable. 6 months later I know my strengths and believe in myself, and I'm able to face challenges head on. I've also got a bunch of practical tools that help me manage my day to day work and mindset. I loved how she pushed me to figure out some things myself and made me feel more confident in my own ability. 10/10!

Jen Thompson, MD, Crate + Silo

Professional, supportive, galvanising and highly skilled Madeleine’s the all-round wonderful person you want on your team. Highly recommend.

Rachel Chisholm, Restaurateur & Co-Founder, Leftfield, Edinburgh

After six months of work with Madeleine I've shifted from feeling overworked and struggling to balance home and my work life as a chef-owner. I now have a better balance. I've got tools to deal with a stressful service and managing people. I'm much calmer and clearer in my head and am confident in how I am leading the team.

Noya Pawlyn, Owner - Chef, Noya's Kitchen, Bath

Our work has helped me gain more clarity and confidence, allowing me to tackle issues that weren’t even properly conceptualized in my mind before. I now feel better equipped to deal with things, in a more calm, rational, and detached manner. I have more clarity and feel more in control of my professional life. My confidence has increased, and I trust myself more. I’m mostly proud that I was able to commit to certain goals and follow through.

Ianthi Michalaki, Founder & Head Baker, Kora Bakery, Athens

The coaching sessions have enabled me to strategize and compartmentalize my work, delegate more effectively and allow me to feel a strong sense of achievement.

Karl Thompson, Culinary Director, White Rabbit Projects

The best thing I have done this year! Coaching opened my eyes to how life and work can be and how I look after my mental health. I feel more confident in the work I do, the decisions I make, and also in my life outside of work. This has also been boosted by my CODE 100 award, and its recognition of my work.

Claire Wright, CODE 100 Most Influential Women, 2022

I worked with Madeleine as I stepped into a new job and a senior role. She helped me to communicate and present my strategy with confidence and to build strong relationships. The support from her allowed me to ride out a few challenges and come out feeling positive. I have just had a very encouraging review – the impact of my approach (and our work together) has been recognised.

Fernanda Antonio, Head of People

Since working with Madeleine I have dramatically changed my relationship with stress. I am taking better care of myself, feel more confident in my abilities, am communicating better and have much more headspace to be creative.

JE, Head Baker

From the first session I knew there was something special about Madeleine and I very quickly warmed up to our sessions. She is very approachable, but at the same time, she knew how to challenge me when it was required. We started at a difficult point in my life, and she has not only made an impact, she has given me very good tools to continue my life journey. I will eternally be grateful for what I have learnt and the work we have done together.

JM, Director of Operations