Meet Belinda.

A Personal Story.

Growing up in Southern Africa I experienced uncertainty and loss during a very turbulent period, where power was given to the select few. Whilst studying for a career in marketing I was caught up in several violent attacks which contributed to a change in career direction, following a short career in marketing. For me, I needed to find my purpose as I tried to make sense of the atrocities I had observed. Stepping from one career platform to another was not easy but it has been worth it!

When living in South Africa I became involved in tackling issues of marginalisation and oppression then, as a social worker in the UK I led on projects addressing violence, abuse and later developed social inclusion initiatives for children with disabilities and support services for parents and young carers. In my spare time I continue to volunteer for a national bereavement charity, which I have done since 2010, coaching those who are experiencing loss, grief and difficult life transitions.

I set up Grow-Beyond in 2019 because it was time to branch out, taking what I have learnt to a wider audience. For over ten-years I had worked as a coach and mentor within the health, education and social care sector (and I still do) but I had started to get requests from employers outside of these sectors asking if I can support their employees with bereavement issues, transitions and wellbeing ….so, Grow-Beyond was founded.

I have been told I bring passion for developing resilience, self compassion and psychological well-being into the workplace. I have been involved in developing workshops for local authorities, health and social care providers, educational institutes and the charitable sector.

I have a passion for helping people find their voice.

Living in pre and post apartheid South Africa afforded me the opportunity to consider constructed ideologies and I became interested in addressing bias which impacts relationships, decision making and career development. I have an interest in developing diverse workforces within the social care sector and my research interests and PhD, through Oxford Brookes university, surrounds this topic of interest.

I have had the opportunity to sit on panels to discuss issues of race, unconscious bias and workforce development, as organisations consider ways to develop and promote diverse workforces.

Why a Developmental Coach ?

Why a developmental coach …. well, why not? We are all on a journey of growth and to walk alongside, facilitating someone on this journey, is a real privilege. I work systemically considering the individual person, the organisation, environment and groups they are part. This approach is useful because research has shown we are different people in different situations and tension can occur between the roles we take, which can impact our wellbeing. If you want to unpick who you are, in the roles you take in life, then I am the best companion for this.

We live in a complex world and we are complex people, that’s what is so special about living ….

What is most exiting about being a developmental coach is working in partnership with my clients so solutions can be found to facilitate growth, growth which works because it aligns with their purpose and values.

Of course an aspect of my work considers resilience and greater psychological wellbeing, because this enables a person to live, work and lead life in more skillful ways.