Rachel Oliver-Herbert

My lessons are designed to be engaging, practical and, most importantly, relevant to the real world. I believe professional development should be more than listening to someone talk about skills. It should give you the confidence, knowledge and tools to put those skills into practice.

As an experienced Career Coach, Professional Development Trainer and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), I have worked with hundreds of individuals from diverse professional, educational and cultural backgrounds. My experience includes designing and delivering workshops, coaching sessions and large-scale professional development programmes, helping people recognise their strengths and develop the skills needed to succeed.

What can you expect from my lessons?

My sessions are interactive, conversational and tailored to your individual goals. Whether you are an early-career professional, an aspiring leader or someone looking to build their workplace confidence, we will focus on the areas that matter most to you.

Topics include:

- Communication and interpersonal skills: Communicating confidently, building rapport and navigating workplace conversations.
- Emotional intelligence: Developing self-awareness, empathy and stronger professional relationships.
- Leadership and professional presence: Building confidence, influencing others and presenting yourself effectively.
- Career development: Identifying your strengths, setting meaningful goals and preparing for career progression.
- Networking and personal branding: Creating a positive professional reputation and developing meaningful connections.
- Interview and presentation skills: Communicating your value, overcoming nerves and making a lasting impression.

My teaching approach

I don't believe in one-size-fits-all training. I combine practical exercises, real-world scenarios, guided reflection, constructive feedback and open discussion to make every session useful and enjoyable.

Lessons typically begin with an informal conversation about your goals and challenges, followed by focused activities and opportunities to practise what you have learned. We finish by identifying clear, achievable actions you can take forward.

My coaching style is friendly, encouraging and honest. I will challenge you to think differently, recognise your capabilities and step outside your comfort zone, while making sure you feel supported throughout.

Turning learning into real workplace confidence

One of the biggest challenges in professional development is knowing how to translate knowledge into action. You might understand the importance of effective communication, for example, but still struggle to speak confidently in meetings, approach senior colleagues or handle difficult conversations.

This is where my approach makes a difference. We work through realistic situations that reflect your experiences, helping you practise responses, explore alternative approaches and develop strategies that feel natural rather than rehearsed.

I also encourage learners to reflect on their existing strengths. Professional development isn't always about learning something completely new; sometimes it's about recognising skills you already have and understanding how to use them more effectively.

Learning designed around you

Everyone learns differently, and I recognise that confidence, personality, experience and personal circumstances influence how we engage with training.

Some learners benefit from structured exercises and clear frameworks, while others prefer discussion, coaching questions and opportunities to explore ideas. I adapt my delivery accordingly, ensuring that sessions remain purposeful without feeling overly formal or intimidating.

For corporate professionals, lessons can focus on workplace effectiveness, leadership potential, teamwork, professional relationships and navigating organisational expectations. For graduates and early-career professionals, we might concentrate on building confidence, understanding workplace culture and developing a strong professional identity.

I also believe that meaningful progress comes from small, consistent improvements. Rather than overwhelming you with information, I help you identify achievable development goals and practical actions that can make a noticeable difference to your professional life.

Who are my lessons for?

I work with graduates, early-career professionals, career changers, aspiring managers and experienced professionals who want to strengthen their soft skills and progress professionally.

Above all, my aim is simple: to help you feel more confident, capable and prepared for whatever comes next in your career.