Maria Darby-Walker is a supportive and inspiring coach and mentor who motivates and constructively challenges those around her to enable them to reach their personal and professional potential.

Maria’s work is based on mature, proven and respected tools, including Clifton Gallup Strengths, VIA Character Strengths, and analysis of Myers Briggs psychological types. It is an approach that reflects Maria’s personal philosophy that, in so many areas of life, we are taught to identify weakness and improve — but real growth comes from the ability to identify our strengths and harness them to excel.

Maria started her career in public relations and communications before moving into corporate affairs. She is an experienced corporate influencer with significant commercial and public-sector experience, advising boards and executives on key issues.

Maria has brought wisdom, insight and strategies to the boards of some of the world’s most respected organisations as a Non-Executive Director for the Boards of Gulf Keystone Petroleum PLC, The University of Central Lancashire and Personal Group PLC — and has advised respected global organisations such as the British Red Cross, the Financial Conduct Authority, Cadbury, Rio Tinto and Rolls-Royce on global reputation matters.

Maria was named as one of the ‘100 Women to Watch’ for FTSE Boards by Cranfield School of Management in 2018; she is a member of the Deloitte Cohort for Women on Boards, an Ambassador for Women on Boards, a member of Women in PR, and a Fellow of the Guild of Communicators.

To augment this extensive real-world portfolio, Maria has accrued an impressive range of coaching qualifications, which include:

  • Alumna of Meyler Campbell Business and Leadership Coaching
  • Accredited Emotional Intelligence Coach, certified through Psysoft
  • Certified Coach and Systemic Team Coach, Academy of Executive Coaching
  • Affiliate of the Institute of Coaching

Beyond this, however, Maria believes that partnership, chemistry and trust are the real foundations of success.

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Testimony

Maria really understood me as a person and as a professional. She helped clarify my long-term objectives as well as focus clearly on my current role.

A coaching session with Maria is like having a catch up with a close friend, but one who actually understands what you do for a living – fun, reassuring, empowering and something I always look forward to.

SENIOR EXECUTIVE Dixons Carphone Warehouse

Success will always come down to the relationships that develop between people. I feel privileged to work with and get to know some of the most extraordinary business leaders in the world. We grow together with the understanding that ours is a joint endeavour. I am proud that I have helped to inspire their goals, motivations and totally new futures.

MARIA DARBY-WALKER

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