About Us - Our Story
The Women’s Coaching Collective was founded by the three of us - Lisa Powell, Markieu Hayden, and Esme Butterfield. We connected during our coaching diploma program with Catalyst 14 and found that we shared not only a strong rapport but also aligned interests and values.
Driven by our enthusiasm for collaboration and our commitment to empowering women in the workplace, as well as recognising the impactful role coaching can play, we soon established the collective.
Markieu
Hayden
I am a dedicated school leader and certified EMCC coach, with a passion for developing inclusive leadership across London’s education sector. With years of experience leading state schools in diverse communities, particularly in Croydon, I bring both lived experience and professional insight to my coaching practice.
I believe that coaching is a transformational tool for equity and change. My goal is to support more women to become visible, empowered role models in leadership. My coaching style empowers women to reflect with purpose, strengthen their self awareness, identify areas for growth and develop strategies to lead with confidence and impact.
Esme
Butterfield
I have worked in the NGO sector for over a decade and as a freelancer my approach to facilitation, training and coaching has been significantly shaped by my time at an international development charity focused on anti-racism and feminist leadership initiatives.
As an experienced and EMCC accredited coach, I have worked with coachees from a diverse mix of organisations and at different levels of seniority.
I am dedicated to continuously developing my self-awareness regarding my presence in the coaching environment and understanding how my power and privilege may influence the way I coach. I strive to bring inclusion to all aspects of my coaching practice.
Lisa Powell
I'm an EMCC accredited coach with 20 years of experience as a HR professional in the legal sector. I’ve built my career around supporting people — helping them grow, navigate challenges, and feel seen within demanding environments. I’m also a qualified trauma informed yoga teacher and mum to three small children, both of which have shaped how I hold space for others.
My yoga practice has taught me the value of breath, stillness, and awareness — practices that bring clarity and grounding to both life and coaching. Coaching, for me, is a powerful space for reflection and possibility. It offers the chance to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and move forward with greater confidence and purpose.
Meet some more of our coaches
We have a highly talented, accredited and experienced group of coaches who all offer their coaching expertise to the Collective because they believe in our mission and values.
Sarah Grace
My early career was in Human Resources for FTSE 100 companies, before living internationally with my family across Southeast Asia and Central Europe.
My coaching is person-centred and narrative-based, grounded in the lived experience I bring to my client partnerships. I trust my clients are whole, resourceful, and have deep inner wisdom about the nature of their own personal and professional experiences and development. My role is to draw out their wisdom through inquiry, curiosity, and compassionate challenge, helping them to stretch into their higher self and deepest capacities.
I am a Professional Certified Coach (ICF) and Senior Practitioner (EMCC). I have an MSc. in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology and I am currently a doctoral student. Alongside my professional practice, I volunteer for several non-profit organisations in the UK and USA.
Joanna Roberts
I am an ICF-accredited Professional Certified Coach working with new and established leaders in high-pressure sectors including homelessness, children’s and youth services and the NHS. I combine wellbeing and achievement-focused coaching to help people to lead with confidence, resilience, and sustainability.
I have over 30 years of experience working as a lawyer, commissioner and leader in the private, voluntary and public sectors mostly in the world of homelessness prevention and services for children, young people and families. For more information see my LinkedIn profile.
I am committed to providing pro bono coaching to support women leaders navigate the challenges of working for social justice in smaller charities and social enterprises.
Jane Mazzucca
As an EMCC-accredited executive coach, I specialise in helping individuals find their leadership strengths and manage transitions with confidence and resilience.
I am passionate about helping others to unlock their potential by working with them to set meaningful goals, get clarity on what’s holding them back and gain confidence in their ability to achieve and sustain them. I will do this by helping them feel supported and listened to but trusting in their ability to be challenged.
I draw on nearly 30 years of professional experience as an individual contributor, line manager and consultant with Multinational Companies, including GlaxoSmithKline, Diageo, Coca-Cola, Pepsico, Heinz, Mars and Hasbro
Amelia Collins
With more than a decade in the education sector, I’ve built my career around supporting and empowering others to grow and thrive. As a secondary school leader and EMCC accredited coach, I’ve supported and coached colleagues—from newly qualified teachers to senior leaders—as they navigate challenges, develop professionally, and lead with confidence and care.
Coaching has been transformational in my own life. A passionate traveller, I recently took a five-month career break to explore South America—a decision I only felt confident and secure enough to make because of the coaching I received. That experience deepened my belief in the power of reflection, making courageous choices, and stepping outside the comfort zone.
I bring that lived understanding into my coaching practice, creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore what matters most, strengthen their wellbeing, and lead with authenticity.
Mona Ahmed
I passionately believe in the power of coaching for women, and it is a privilege to be part of the Collective and contribute to their vision. I am an ICF-aligned life coach, drawing on training in NLP and Positive Psychology, as well as lived experience as a mother and as a woman of colour and faith. My work is grounded in professional practice and a deep commitment to supporting women’s career clarity, resilience, and well-being.
With a background in Human Resources across large organisations, the charity sector, and small businesses, I bring strong insight into both systemic and personal challenges women face. I have also coached young women from ethnic minority backgrounds, reinforcing my belief in the power of coaching.
With me, you can expect a safe, confidential space where empathy meets clarity. My approach is practical and evidence-based, while also holding space for faith and spirituality.