Naomi Thomas

MD and Executive Coach

Naomi is the founder of Ossian and has been working in leadership and talent development for over twenty years. With an intelligent approach and an unusual blend of curiosity, rigour and warmth, Naomi has become a sought-after coach to deliver results. With two significant Head of Learning roles, Naomi understands what it is to be both coach and the buyer of coaching services. Naomi is also an accredited coach tutor, developing new coaches and supporting organisations to develop their own in-house capability.

 

Naomi began her career as a city lawyer. Often the only woman in the boardroom, she learned how to handle the complexity of the law as well as the individuals involved. Leading on a number of high-profile deals, she prized collaboration, being organised, briefed and fully in the know. Qualities she has brought to Ossian.

 

As a volunteer in her early twenties with charity Youth at Risk, she saw young people living with drugs, violence or abuse, struggling to adopt new beliefs and change their lives. Working with a team of experienced coaches she observed how coaching could lead to sustainable change.

Naomi left the law after eight years to build her knowledge of psychology, leadership theory and coaching before taking on senior learning roles. Naomi has worked at board level to lead a wide range of strategic initiatives – designing assessment and development centres, implementing 360 feedback programmes, raising performance standards, advising on reward and facilitating workshops and off-site retreats. After roles as Head of Learning and Development in two major law firms, Naomi created Ossian in 2009 to specialise in providing Executive Coaching.

 

Naomi is accredited with the World Association of Business Coaches since 2008. She is a Meyler Campbell trained Executive Coach, a CTI graduate, a member of the CIPD and an Associate of the Institute of Directors. She is a preferred coach for organisations across many industries including professional services, media, publishing, telecoms, IT and retail – working in the UK and internationally. Whilst she coaches existing and aspiring leaders on a wide range of issues, she has a special interest in the legal profession, women into leadership and integrating and working with new team leaders.

 

She teaches coaching on various programmes. She is a member of the British Psychological Society and is licensed to use a range of psychometric instruments. Naomi is also a trained volunteer supporting the text helpline SHOUT set up by Charity, Crisis. Mum of two, amateur triathlete, sailor and passionate adventurer, Naomi also enjoys time at home with her family, dog and a good book.