Edith Philipsen

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT EDITH PHILIPSEN

I work with experienced professionals and senior leaders who are navigating complexity, transition or increased responsibility and who value space to think clearly, make sound decisions and lead well in demanding environments.I am an EMCC-qualified leadership coach and safeguarding supervisor based in London. My career began in education, where I spent many years as a headteacher and successfully led the amalgamation of two schools. Alongside this, I founded and ran a sports coaching business, leading teams through growth, challenge and change. These experiences give me a grounded understanding of leadership pressures from the inside, rather than from theory alone.I now work with senior leaders who want a confidential, thoughtful and appropriately challenging space to reflect. Clients often describe me as a deep listener who holds space with empathy while also supporting practical insight and forward movement. My work is non-directive and reflective in nature, supporting leaders to develop clarity, confidence and sound judgement rather than offering advice or quick fixes.Choosing a coach or supervisor is a personal decision. Many of the leaders I work with carry significant responsibility, including safeguarding accountability, and are navigating high levels of complexity, scrutiny or emotional load. Trust, ethical practice and psychological safety are central to how I work.What I bring includes:Senior leadership experience: As a former headteacher and system leader, I understand the realities of senior leadership, organisational accountability and decision-making under pressure, including the responsibilities of being a DSL.Professional coaching and supervision practice: I am EMCC-qualified and NSPCC-trained, working in line with the EMCC Global Code of Ethics. My approach is evidence-informed, reflective and grounded in supervision.Safeguarding-informed perspective: My work is shaped by a strong safeguarding lens, particularly when supporting leaders in regulated or high-stakes environments, without turning coaching into performance management or line supervision.Empathy, integrity and challenge: I create a calm, non-judgemental space where leaders feel heard and supported, while also being appropriately challenged to think differently and act with intention.I offer one-to-one coaching and small group work by agreement, delivered online or face-to-face in London. A short, no-obligation discovery conversation is available to explore whether working together would be a good fit.Further