Emily Sexton, Founder & Principal Coach

“I began my career in Public Relations over 20 years ago, managing high-profile client accounts (Morocco Tourism Board, Diageo, Philips, Pernod Ricard, and Guinness) for two leading international PR firms: Ketchum and Freuds.

In 2014, I joined IHG Hotels & Resorts and spent over 10 years in global roles, working closely with corporate and hotel leaders to build brand advocacy amongst colleagues and owners - working predominantly in the UK, US, Middle East and South East Asia.

In 2017, I moved to Singapore with IHG, where I spent five fantastic years with my husband, and gained my coaching accreditation with the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Shortly after returning to live in London in 2021, I launched my coaching business to support leaders navigating change and looking to develop their leadership skills and impact.

I’m fortunate to have worked with many talented leaders in the hospitality sector, and this is an area of specialism that enables me to coach leaders in this field.

I value trust, connection, open communication and professionalism in my client relationships; and working in keeping with these values has enabled me to coach clients across a range of industries, countries and cultures. My clients have described my approach as empathic, incisive and gently challenging.” (See what clients have said by clicking on Client Testimonials in the menu above).

Qualifications:

  • Associate Certified Coach, accredited with the ICF

  • Hogan Assessments Certified Practitioner

  • Certified Career Coach (Bailey Balfour Coach Certification)

  • Philosophy Graduate (Leeds University, UK)

Partners & Affiliates

  • David Pendleton, Professor in Leadership at Henley Business School

    David Pendleton is a distinguished leadership expert, psychologist, and co-creator of the Primary Colours® Model of Leadership. His research has helped organisations worldwide to redefine leadership effectiveness.

    I collaborate with David on selected leadership development projects, combining his decades of insight with my coaching practice to support clients in building strong, values-driven leadership cultures.

    David also brings a personal dimension to my work — as my father, he has been a mentor and influence throughout my career.

  • Folgate Advisors

    I am part of Folgate Advisors: a group founded by ex-Omnicom and Ketchum leaders, David Gallagher, Dave Scott and Mark Hume. Together, we support agencies/founders in the business of Communications. We offer a range of services including leadership coaching and training for executive leaders, CCOs and CMOs.

  • Edgecumbe Consulting Group Limited

    Edgecumbe are the owners of the Primary Colours® Model of Leadership, a practical and evidence-based framework that underpins much of my leadership development work.

    Through my partnership with Edgecumbe, my clients access their Leadership 360° feedback process via a modern, user-friendly online portal. This ensures a smooth, confidential experience for both participants and raters, with clear, actionable insights mapped against the Primary Colours® model.