Karen Speight

Picture the scene… It is the mid 1980s and there are very few female airline pilots. However as a teenager I was absolutely determined to make that my career.

I looked deep inside myself to find the resources to overcome stereotypes, hurdles and expectations to achieve my goal, becoming one of very few female pilots at the time and later one of the first female trainers.

I am now a captain part-time with a major international airline and have 25 years of experience as a commercial pilot and human behaviour (human factors & CRM) specialist. I understand the unique challenges of the lifestyle and the career.

“Karen is very approachable…she questioned, challenged and pushed me to look at different ways of doing things. I finished each session on a real high, having gained true insight into myself.” (L – airline pilot)

I can help you

I will challenge you to transform your mindset to one that powers you towards your ideal life. I strongly believe that you are able to radically change behaviours and attitudes so you can “jet” towards your goals and dreams. This involves insight and mindset shift, but also a firm grounding in habits and practises to ensure that progress continues even on days that your enthusiasm is lacking.

What you probably wouldn’t guess about me is that I have struggled in life. I can speak very harshly to myself – I’m my own worst critic. I’ve felt like an imposter. I have difficulty balancing the many interests that I have in life with the challenges of the lifestyle and with finding fulfilment. I have a deep-seated need to use my potential to fulfil my true value and purpose in the world.

Transformational Life Coaching gives me that purpose and I want to share my passion for self-development by empowering and supporting you in your journey too.

“Words cannot describe how amazing Karen is at life coaching…I gained my confidence and passion again!” (I – airline pilot)

I am passionate about empowering you

I have been a dedicated volunteer at Samaritans since 2010 and know the enormous transformational power that connected listening brings. This experience means that I know how to give you the time and space to explore where you are and where you are going, without judgement. I will challenge you to see things from different perspectives, encourage you to explore different options, but above all, will respect that YOU know yourself best. I will support and encourage you to become the person you are truly capable of becoming.

“I respect (Karen’s) talent and skills of helping people recognise and face up to personal situations with quiet sensitivity and deep compassion…Her ability to empathise with people of all walks of life and from all corners of the world is quite outstanding.” (T – retired airline pilot & human factors expert)

I will give you total attention. I will listen deeply to you like no-one else in your life. I will take your dreams seriously. I will directly question and challenge where I feel your thinking, feeling & beliefs are holding you back. I will occasionally offer facts and knowledge about how our brains work that will help you get the best from yourself.

I’ve experienced many economic downturns

I finished my commercial pilot training in 1992 to be faced with the prospect of no flying job for four years due to the economic downturn caused by the first Gulf War. The opportunity to finish my degree course was the perfect gift from the unexpected time off. Since then I’ve faced the uncertainties of the second gulf war, 9-11, SARS, and the world recession of 2009. I’ve learnt a thing or two about positive mindset as a result.

“With Karen’s guidance I am much more in control of my feelings, plenty more organised, ready to tackle an obstacle and excited for my future.” (H – airline pilot)

I’m qualified to support you

I complete an Accredited Diploma in Transformational Coaching with Animas Centre for Coaching in Feb 2021. I have a First Class Masters degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of Oxford. It means I can think rigorously. I bring this approach to my work with you using proven methods from cognitive science & transformational coaching.

My biggest strength is my boundless curiosity. This means I am constantly investigating the best ways and the newest ideas for people to gain the most from themselves and their lives. For most of my career I have been actively involved in the design and delivery of bespoke human performance training for pilots.

I have also taken these concepts into the healthcare industry in a consultancy role. I am passionate about implementing techniques that enable the human mind to be used to best effect.

“Karen is an excellent coach…Working with her is probably one of the best investments you can make these days.” (S – not an airline pilot!)

If you think I might be the right coach for you, please get in touch for an introductory chat to set up a free, no obligation discovery session, where we can see if we are a good fit for each other.