The Pilgrim Coach : Testimonials
The Pilgrim Coach : Testimonials
Recent testimonials
"It was an absolute pleasure working with Joe. He has that rare ability to truly listen, understand, and ask the right questions, helping you gain complete clarity of thought. His sessions are genuinely illuminating and have a lasting impact. Warm, empathetic, and insightful, Joe cuts through the noise to get to the heart of the issue and guide effective decision-making.
"I have never found similar sessions particularly useful in the past, but Joe’s unique approach made a significant difference for me. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking to think deeply, solve complex problems, and make key decisions with confidence."
Tim Dalton, Senior Leaders, Harrow School
“Joe ... fully understood the importance of confidentiality and professional boundaries. A strong rapport was built up quickly from both sides. From our very first session, Joe skilfully guided me into reflecting on the areas that I wanted to develop and work on across a range of: strategic goals, day to day decision-making, business leadership and individual employee management. Through our various sessions he also navigated my self-evaluation process, encouraging me to reflect deeply on my strengths and areas for improvement, but also led me into understanding how coaching approaches could further help me develop the people around me.
"Through this introspection, I gained much greater clarity on my goals and aspirations, and our sessions definitely helped me dissect complex challenges, weighing pros and cons with a balanced viewpoint. Given his educational background, I believe this helped him grasp the nuances of my role and the intricacies of some of the challenges that someone in my position might face, whilst also appreciating the demands and opportunities specific to my profession.
"In our coaching sessions, Joe’s warmth and genuine interest made for a very positive experience that I looked forward to.”
Keith Metcalfe, Headmaster and CEO, Malvern College
Nominated for TES Headteacher of the Year 2025
"Joe is a highly capable ... coach and partner. Joe is a real believer in the power of people finding their own solutions and, through well thought out exercises and insightful questioning, he was able to bring the best out of those he was working with. In support of leaders and governors, Joe proved a highly skilled facilitator, helping teams tackle complex issues, work through disagreement and challenges to reach coherence and create effective next steps. His focus on understanding an issue and really getting under the skin of it, whilst bringing a balanced, thoughtful and compassionate presence, ensures that everyone feels comfortable being open and honest with those around them.
"Joe brings real value to all those he works with; if you need support to reach better outcomes, Joe is well worth engaging with."
Chris Wheeler, Headmaster, Canford School
"I had the privilege of working with Joe as my coach, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. Joe is an engaging, kind, and curious professional who has a remarkable ability to ask just the right questions—gently but insightfully pushing my thinking further. He seemed to understand my motivations, often before I did, and helped me uncover blind spots that had been holding me back. His calm, courteous and deeply professional manner inspired trust from the start. With lived experience in educational leadership, Joe brings both wisdom and credibility, offering perspective without ever imposing advice. His ethical approach meant he consistently collaborated with me to discover the right way forward, rather than prescribing solutions. Joe is someone I trusted implicitly throughout our work together. I unreservedly recommend him to any individual or institution looking for supervision, a critical friend, or genuine growth in leadership and personal potential."
Damian Todres, Head of Faculty, Wells Cathedral School
"I was grateful for the opportunity to work with Joe. I’d never had any professional coaching before, but have found it productive and energizing. I appreciated Joe’s style and expertise. "
Adam Cross, Deputy Head, Berkhamsted School