Kia ora. I’m Ciaran.
I’ve worked globally in various tech companies in product design, research and leadership roles.
Available for 1-1 coaching engagements.
“When I began working with Ciaran, I was rather stuck in my career and unsure about my next move. After a couple of sessions, I was able to uncover what was truly going on for me and began to reframe my situation. I finally managed to alter my approach and mindset, which has resulted in me feeling much happier and more motivated. I now have a clear sense of purpose and direction.”
With 20 years of global experience working across Product Design Leadership, Design Research and building award-winning user experience and design teams, I mentor and coach new and emerging leaders.
My coaching is 1-1, and I offer tailored programmes for those who may sometimes feel like a "fish out of water" in what is, unfortunately, not the most diverse of industries, but my approach will broadly help anyone trying to find their voice as a leader. Speaking from hard-earned direct experience, being from a LGBTQ+ background while working as a leader in Tech can bring a particular set of challenges. Sometimes patterns we developed while trying to understand ourselves or "fit in" growing up may not serve us well when engaging with our colleagues, some of whom may never have had cause to do much serious self-reflection. We may suffer from a sense of not belonging and all-too-common imposter syndrome.
I'll help you develop strategies to reflect and understand the unique strengths and valuable viewpoints you bring and how to take advantage of those as you grow in your career. With the tools for self-inquiry and reflection, you will find yourself a more confident, effective leader, delivering better outcomes and coaching for your teams.
Specifically, I coach new and emerging leaders who want to develop strategies to bring their authentic lived experiences and values to their day-to-day work. Coaching, developing and championing future leaders has always been a favourite part of my people-leader roles.
If you’d like to know more, I’m happy to share more details.
Who I work with
Anyone. But my services might particularly help those —
Moving from maker to manager — for people considering or about to leap into their first manager/leader roles
Emerging leaders — for folks who have a few years of people leadership under their belt and want to refine their craft and approach
“I came to Ciaran when moving to a new organisation and also at a time where I was grappling with where I wanted to go with my Design career long term and the tension of being a manager vs on the tools.
Ciaran listens, empathises and gently explores your experience with you. He has a knack for framing in a way that; recognises your efforts, acknowledges the journey you are on, and reinforces confidence in your own decisions and thinking.
He’s also held a number of senior roles so he brings great experience to the possibilities in design, and the pitfalls. It also means he’s well equipped to call you on things where he needs to.
I can see working with Ciaran at various stages of my career as a valuable investment that helps me sense check in a safe, non judgemental environment.”
What I can help you with
Some of the areas of focus I’ve worked in with clients include —
Moving from maker to manager — harnessing a learner mindset
Understanding your voice as a leader — Finding your why
What got you here won't get you there — identifying patterns of behaviour contributing to imposter syndrome and strategies to tackle them
Being 'the only one in the room' and overcoming the feelings this can bring to the surface — Feeling silenced or ignored, dealing with criticism appropriately, dealing with strong-minded/close-minded people or those with privilege and biases (unfortunately a frequent issue in Product Organisations)
Leading from a place of authenticity — including handling conflict healthily in a way that doesn't diminish your core or others
Managing your energy — what's yours to take on, and what's theirs
Executive communication — Learning to be more persuasive
How it works
I offer free 45 minute 1-1 discovery calls online for those who’d like to learn more about the coaching process and whether my services may be a fit for their needs.
If we decide we’d like to proceed, I write up a brief plan and we start tackling change. I offer packages of 4-6 sessions at a time and am happy to do ad-hoc coaching as may be needed.
Payment plans are available.
Got questions?
If you think you’d like to learn more about coaching with me, feel free to say hi.