Richard Staveley

Executive Coach | Leadership Strategist

Richard brings a sharp strategic lens and calm authority to his executive coaching. With over 25 years of commercial leadership experience including board-level roles at IBM and high-impact work in government, he supports senior leaders navigating complexity, transformation, and global growth.

Known for his clarity and creativity, Richard combines deep business acumen with a coaching style that helps leaders generate their own insight, build presence and lead with purpose. His coaching draws on extensive experience across the UK, US, Middle East, and India and is especially valued by clients managing cross-cultural teams or operating at C-suite level.

Richard has held P&L responsibility for IBM’s £150M Defence practice, led international teams in oil and gas and supported strategic change in the public sector through a secondment to the Department of Energy and Climate Change. He’s also served in the Royal Navy where he led a diving team of Royal Marines, grounding his leadership in discipline, focus and trust.

When he’s not coaching, Richard is a keen historian and enjoys time outdoors, drawing on a lifelong curiosity about people and purpose.

Richard holds an MA in History from Oxford, is certified by Henley Business School in Executive Coaching and has completed advanced leadership and coaching training with INSEAD, IBM, and Boston University. His coaching focuses on leadership transitions, behavioural change and confidence-building for high-stakes roles.

Career Highlights

Former IBM Board Director

Held P&L responsibility and led international teams across sectors and geographies.

Strategic Public Sector Advisor

Seconded to lead the UK Carbon Budgets team at the Department of Energy & Climate Change.

Cross-Cultural Coaching Expertise

Trusted by clients across India, the US, and Europe for global leadership support.

Testimonials

“Richard helped me step back, sharpen my strategic thinking, and lead with greater clarity and conviction.”

Senior Vice President, Financial Services

“After a long career in banking, Richard helped me transition effectively into the public sector — without losing my edge or identity.”

Senior Civil Servant, Cabinet Office