JOHN PERRY

Therapeutic Coach and Wellbeing Consultant

John Perry has forty years’ experience of working in personal development. His passion is in helping individuals and groups to develop the confidence and motivation that comes from having high self-worth and a sense of purpose and direction.

Until recently, John was a Principal Teaching Fellow at a leading Russell Group University, and he remains a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. He is a regular speaker at international conferences and was the 2017 ‘Speaker of the Year’ for the Academy for Chief Executives, Vistage’s ‘Rising Star’ for 2018 and winner of Southampton University Student Union’s ‘Most Engaging Lecturer’ award for 2020.

John has particular expertise in the areas of Psychological Wellbeing, Stress Management & Resilience, Values Exploration, Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Promoting Unconditional Self-Acceptance.

Interview with John

What’s something you believed about coaching early on that you no longer believe?

John: That I had to stick rigidly to a non-directive approach. Nowadays I often incorporate elements of psycho-education within my coaching and occasionally ask, “A couple of things have occurred to me. Would you like to hear them?” I’ve never yet received a negative response to this question.

What do you find yourself returning to again and again in a coaching conversation: a question, a stance?

The use of the word ‘choice’. As in, “So when you were stuck in the traffic jam, you chose stress as your response, even though a whole menu of alternative choices were available to you…”

When has a client, or a moment in the room, changed how you coach?

The expression of strong feelings always reminds me that the word emotion can be split into e-motion; and signals movement. Profound change always involves the ‘felt sense’.

What’s the one thing you hope every APC learner leaves with from your module?

The distinction between Self-Worth and Self-Esteem – and why the relentless pursuit of self-esteem actually undermines the development of a secure sense of self-worth.

What’s the biggest misconception new coaches bring into the room?

That techniques are what matter and that the more techniques they have at their disposal, the better they will coach. In reality, it is the coaching relationship that is the most profound vehicle for change.

What enticed you to join the faculty?

My connection to David Lowe.

What pulled you towards coaching in the first place?

I was already working in counselling when I trained as a coach, and recognized the value of a coaching approach as shifting the focus of my attention from the rear-view mirror (the client’s personal history) to the view through the windscreen (their future direction of travel)

What’s changed in you, outside of coaching skills, because of the years spent doing this work?

I hold myself accountable for the choices I make on a daily basis.

What’s the one person you’d like to coach if you could coach anyone (and why)?

Donald Trump – I like a challenge!

The question you think I should have asked?

Q. What contribution can coaches make beyond working with individuals and teams?

A. I believe a coaching approach can bring about wider social change and promote greater social justice, by emphasizing the importance of recognizing all peoples’ inherent worth, dignity, autonomy and potential

JOHN PERRY

Therapeutic Coach and Wellbeing Consultant

Interview with John

Everybody has the right to improve their personal and professional life.

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