Executive coaching for CTOs & senior engineering leaders
Hello, I’m Richard Hughes-Jones.
I’m an Executive Coach working with senior technology leaders in high-growth technology businesses, the investment industry and progressive corporates.
Having already mastered the technical aspects of their craft, I help clients navigate the complex adaptive challenges associated with executive-level leadership and growth.
I’m based in London and coach internationally. Get in touch to arrange a free, no-obligation Chemistry Call.
I help CTOs and senior engineering leaders make the critical shift from accomplished technical experts to well-rounded, adaptive executive leaders. Rather than just helping you get better at what you’re already good at, my coaching focuses on developing the strategic, organisational, interpersonal and mindset skills needed to scale with your company.
- Problem solving & decision making under uncertainty – intuitive expertise & trusting your gut; navigating uncertainty & ‘not knowing’; building experimental mindsets; space for reflection
- Building C-level influence – from technical oversight to strategic vision-setting; influence through relationships and communication rather than technical authority
- Time management & focus – improved delegation of technical decisions; creating ‘makers time’ for big-picture thinking; resisting the urge to dive into technical weeds
- People management – transitioning from task management to people development; providing constructive feedback; building accountability systems that empower rather than control
- Seeing the system – understanding organisational dynamics; navigating polarities, building systems thinking capabilities, ‘getting off the dancefloor and onto the balcony’
- Strategy & Vision – moving from the ‘how’ to the ‘what’ and ‘why’; market sensemaking; ‘changing the game’ rather than optimizing existing systems
- Work / Life – setting boundaries while maintaining high performance; integrating family priorities with professional ambitions; developing sustainable leadership practices
- Purpose & Meaning – connecting personal purpose to organizational mission; transitioning from Individual Contributor to leader identity; finding meaning in others’ success
Executive Coaching Testimonials
I approached Richard after having raised a large venture capital round for my company, looking for guidance and an unbiased voice.
Working with Richard through the ups and downs of being a founder and executive has been a great experience. I have found his personality and approach to coaching a lot more inviting and pragmatic than the stereotypical “Navy Seal coach” that you typically come across. His help has made significant impact on my growth as a founder & executive, as well as helping me balance that with a young family.
Mats Olsen, Co-founder & Chief Technology Officer, Dune, ($80 million, Series B)
I worked with Richard through a difficult transition to a new role. He was resourceful in providing models and frameworks, but also bringing them to life and providing perspective on where the theory is best applied with relevant, practical scenarios. We talked a lot about the grey area between seemingly opposing forces in the workplace and how much room there is for “both/and” thinking, as opposed to “either/or”.
I highly recommend Richard as an executive coach, he has a way of listening that brings out the best answers.
Kalin Zahariev, Director of Technology, Flutter International, (FTSE 100)
I reached out to Richard to help me develop as a leader. He brought a lot of domain knowledge, as well as an independent perspective, which I also gained through a comprehensive 360-degree feedback process he facilitated on my behalf. Richard built rapport and trust quickly, making me feel I could talk about anything and speak my mind. We explored a broad range of leadership issues and I left each session feeling mentally tired!
I recommend Richard as an executive coach to other leaders seeking executive level support on this tough but rewarding journey.
Chief Technology Officer, Fintech, (£20 million, Series B)