Testimonials
Leadership development
Working with Mike over three coaching sessions was valuable. His approach was gentle and thoughtful, creating a space that encouraged reflection and made it easy to bring challenges to the surface in a constructive way.
I appreciated that he helped me to slow down and contextualise the situations I was facing, rather than rush to solutions. This gave me perspective and helped approach challenges with balance and more intention.
Throughout the sessions I felt heard, and also appreciated, which was a nice confidence boost. The sense of support made it easier to be open and get the most from the process.
I would recommend Mike to anyone looking for a reflective, supportive coaching experience that builds self-awareness and confidence.
- Module Coordinator
Institute for Optimum Nutrition
Executive coaching
I really enjoyed Mike's approach across the three coaching sessions I received. He was conscientious, patient, and very reflective in his responses to my dilemmas. I particularly enjoyed the reflective activity we did together, which helped me to understand my positionality and identify what I might need to change and do differently. It was a perspective I had not considered before, and it really helped me to put things into context. Mike's systemic experience came through clearly in the sessions; he guided me when I felt stuck, whilst equally giving me the space to find my own answers.
- Social Worker
Public speaking
Working with Mike brought a sense of clarity and reassurance at a time I needed it.
The sessions were grounded, thoughtful and practical, helping me see more clearly what was getting in the way and what needed to shift. There was a real skill in holding up a mirror and gently showing me the parts I had been overlooking in myself, in a way that felt clear and useful rather than overwhelming.
I left the sessions with something simple but meaningful to work towards my purpose I’d recommend him to anyone looking for coaching that brings insight, focus and real-world clarity.
- Programme Manager
Embercombe
Career coaching
I've had the pleasure of being part of a small trading pod with Mike over the past couple of years, and he's genuinely one of the most thoughtful people I've come across in this space.
Mike listens - really listens. He takes feedback in, reflects on it, and comes back with considered responses rather than ego. He keeps detailed notes and a disciplined process, and as a coach that translates into helping you understand why something works rather than just handing you a strategy to copy.
What makes him easy to work with is his openness - you can be direct and honest with him without worrying about how it'll land, and he creates that same space for you. Combine that with his patience and genuine interest in your growth, and you get someone who coaches with real empathy, not just technical know-how.
- Market Risk Manager
Retail bank
Executive coaching
The coaching sessions delivered by Mike O'Connell supported me during a significant period of transition to reconnect with my own thinking, values and judgement while building HUMANISE Systems CIC. He created a reflective and humane space that helped me to recognise patterns, simplify overwhelm and build sustainable ways of working moving forward. Across sessions we explored visibility, leadership and the realities of transitioning from frontline to independent practice. What I found most helpful was Mike's ability to effectively balance challenge, containment, whilst also acknowledging the presence of power dynamics and the possible influence these may have over a given situation. Throughout, Mike consistently helped me slow things down, think more strategically and recognise that I already held the answers I was seeking. I left the process with a greater clarity, stronger structure and an increased confidence in my ability to lead relationally without losing sight of my myself in the process.
- Founding Director
HUMANISE Systems CIC