Meet Carissa

Real change starts within us.

It moves through how we relate to ourselves, to each other, and to the world. Ultimately it is a conversation we cannot help but be in. And there is an art to it. To let more life flow through. As with all things, it takes practice. But wonderful things start to happen when you do.

Relationships are key.
Unlocking them is what I do best.

It all begins with a conversation.

I am a Leadership Advisor and systemic coach known for expertise in executive and leadership communication. I am also a coaching supervisor, and TEDx Speaker.

My work sits at the intersection of leadership, human connection and living systems. It is grounded in developmental psychology, relational intelligence, systemic and somatic practice, shaped by more than 25 years of experience.

I have worked independently through my own consultancy since 2002. And as global coaching faculty for corporates. With more than 150 organisations across the world. From family-led businesses to FTSE 100 and Fortune 250 companies, government institutions and international foundations.

The work may take different forms but underneath it all sits the same commitment: helping people and systems become more connected, more human and more vital in how they lead, work and live together.

Before this work, I spent years as a BBC and ITV broadcaster. Journalism trained me in the art of listening beneath the surface.

Hearing not only what was being said, but what was being avoided, protected or quietly waiting to be spoken. That attention became the foundation of everything that followed. And the purpose behind The Art of Connection.

I am affiliated faculty with a number of coach training schools as a coaching supervisor and educator. And enjoy the collaboration and inspiration a global professional community brings.

Accredited Professional Certified Coach and Coaching Supervisor (ICF, EMCC) trained to work systemically with individuals, teams, families and organisations. A Master Practitioner in Team Performance Coaching.

Specialising in Executive and Leadership Communications.

Master's in Psychoanalytic Developmental Psychology from University College London, and a Postgraduate Degree in Broadcast Journalism.

And beneath all of it sits a practice. A daily return to stillness, ashtanga yoga, time in nature. Space to return to a different pace and quality of attention. The place from which the work itself continues to grow.

In their words

  • "Carissa helps you look beyond the obvious to build fundamental, deep trust to achieve high ambition goals as a team. Together with her, we have unlocked incredible value and energy."

    — Hans Peter Granicher, CEO and Co-Founder, D ONE

  • "I dared to believe anything was possible."

    — Melanie Seymour, Head of Global Client Services, BlackRock

  • "Carissa is just an outstanding coach and expert in the human condition. Her ability to tap into the key issues and be able to bring them to resolution sets her apart."

    — Brady Rafuse, CEO, euNetworks

  • “Our relationship has unlocked my ability to connect and lead with more compassion, essential for driving transformational change across our organisation.”

    — Silviu Popovici, CEO, PepsiCo EMEA

  • “Carissa has the combined unique skill of being able to get under the skin of an issue with incredible insight coupled with a true grasp of commercial reality and business.”

    — Harry Hyman, Founder and Chair, Primary Health Properties PLC

  • “When winging it is not an option and you need your top talent at the top of their game, it’s a reflex to seek support from the best.”

    — Gregg Svingen, Vice President Internal Corporate Affairs, UPS