Our Coaches

  • Oge Austin-Chukwu

    Oge Austin-Chukwu: Essex

    As a Leadership/Executive Coach, I help individuals and teams clarify goals and develop strategies to achieve them.  My experience includes -  GP Partner for 7 years (5 as Senior Partner), Portfolio GP for 14 years, GP Appraiser, Medical students’ tutor, Board Chair and Non-Executive Director at an NHS trust. Balancing a busy career and life outside work led me to discover coaching at a career crossroads, and I haven’t looked back since.

    I launched my coaching business in 2011 after completing a Corporate and Executive Coaching Diploma.  I have coached leaders across business, education, and non-profits, and facilitated workshops on time management, resilience, and other relevant topics for leaders. I’m also passionate about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and co-founded Sheerah Network, an organisation focused on DEI support and training.

    Married to a GP, I have two children and enjoy writing (with some published books), gardening and travelling.

  • Peter Bailey

    Peter Bailey: Cambridgeshire

    I was a GP principal in Cambridgeshire between 1984 and 2012, in Cambridge City and later in Cambourne.  I began working with Akeso in 2014 and have coached around thirty doctors. I also worked for NHS Practitioner Health, looking after clinicians who self-refer with a wide variety of mental health issues. I have the ILM7 diploma in Executive Coaching and Mentoring. 

    In the past, I have chaired the LMC, been vice-chair of a commissioning group and have served on the Performance Advisory Group with NHS England.  I was also a GP trainer and an appraiser.  I am now a director of Akeso and a coaching supervisor.

    I have first-hand experience of being helped through times of crisis.  I firmly believe that wounded healers make the best doctors and would encourage any doctor facing professional and personal challenges to seek help.  Akeso is a good first step! 

  • Rekha Bhatiani

    Rekha Bhatiani: Hertfordshire

    I have worked as a GP in Hertfordshire for over 20 years. I have experience of being a Partner for several years and also working as a Salaried GP and Locum. I have also worked as a GP in the Private sector and held roles as an LMC Representative for Sessional GPs and CQC Specialist Advisor. I am also a GP Appraiser, carrying out on average 12-14 appraisals per year.

    I am very aware of the many challenges facing working GPs. I have also dealt with personal health and family issues over the years. I have benefitted from being listened to and greatly value the importance of having protected time to explore issues in a safe and trusting environment. I am very enthusiastic about the benefits of coaching and am looking forward to supporting colleagues in making positive changes in their lives.

  • Harriet Bowers

    Harriet Bowers: West Essex

    After qualifying as a GP in 2011 (MBBS London, MRCGP), I worked in Cambridgeshire for 10 years before moving to a West Essex practice. My varied roles include partner, locum, salaried, and now retained GP. As a mother of 3 young children, I understand the challenges of balancing professional and family demands.

    Recently, I’ve supported hospital doctors through pastoral care, facilitated debrief groups, led nurse supervision, and provided one-to-one coaching. I’m pursuing an ILM diploma in Executive Coaching and Mentoring, completing in 2025, with a Person-Centred approach.

    In our fast-paced lives, coaching provides a reflective space to regain insight and purpose, enabling problem-solving and goal achievement. I draw inspiration from nature, art, running, and meaningful words. Whether discussing the ‘big picture’ or addressing specific challenges, it would be a privilege to support your journey toward a fulfilling future.

  • Emma Brandon: Norfolk

    I have worked for the NHS for many years, initially training and working as a Mental Health Nurse and Manager in London and Norfolk, later returning to Norfolk and training to be a doctor. I currently work as a salaried GP and GP trainer, a GP Training Programme Director in Norwich and have completed the PG Cert Med Clin Ed and am a GP Tutor for Medical Students. I have worked as a partner and salaried GP and was previously GP Tutor for postgraduate doctors. Through my work in the NHS I have seen the increasing pressures for healthcare staff and the toll this is taking. Through my coaching training I have come to understand how powerful it can be and I recognise the value and importance of supporting colleagues to explore their challenges, navigate career choices and support their wellbeing. I also have an interest in lifestyle medicine.

  • Pauline Bryant: Norfolk

    I love having the opportunity to support people to achieve their goal, whatever that might be. I have been a General Practitioner and University Lecturer for 25 years during which time I have supported countless numbers of students, staff, and patients all with unique aspirations. I would love to help you move forward with any aspect of your life, to explore ways to improve things, whether you have a big or small problem or even if you do not have a problem. I would be happy to give you time and space to think in a supportive environment. About me: married, 4 children, 2 Labradors, hens, fish, plants.

  • Jane Calne

    Jane Calne: Norfolk

    As an Appraiser, I have seen GPs overburdened, juggling career and home life. Through adversity, I believe we grow and enhance our lives. In 1989, I started my Surgery, creating a welcoming Practice where I knew all my patients personally. I understand work-life balance challenges, having once taken my kids on a home visit! I loved teaching students, expanding this role by mentoring GP tutors and teaching consultation skills. Later, as a Salaried GP at the UEA, I supported students with mental health challenges. My work as a GP, teacher, and mentor naturally incorporated a coaching perspective. As a trained coach, I help people discover their own solutions, offering guidance when needed. Coachee feedback: “Jane has excellent active listening skills and has encouraged me not only to share any issues but also helped me organise them.”

  • Mark Chambers

    Mark Chambers: Suffolk

    I am a retired GP and GP Trainer. I now consult, coach and teach as an Integrated Health-Care Practitioner, using Mind-Body Complementary Techniques including Mindfulness, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Clinical Hypnosis and Generative Coaching

    I am a member of the College of Medicine and am actively involved through them in integrating conventional Western Medicine and appropriate Complementary techniques.

    My approach to coaching is that people in general already have available to them all the resources they need. My intention is to create a supportive and collaborative environment that allows them to come to sufficient understanding of their situation and needs so that they can identify what they want. They can then develop the means to deliver this, and find the motivation, drive and determination to fulfil their potential, on their terms, on purpose, and to enjoy the process.”

  • Alka Chandrayan

    Alka Chandrayan: Hertfordshire

    I’m a GP with a rewarding career in the NHS since 2004, starting in Women’s Health before focusing on Primary Care in 2010. I’ve held roles as Senior-Managing GP Partner, Women’s Health Lead, GP Trainer, and served on panels for Integrated Care Board and Primary Care Network development. I led a successful GP Practice merger and joined Akeso in 2019 to empower others. I’m married to a GP and have two daughters—one in Core Surgical Training and the other pursuing Economics. My Cockapoo inspires me, even helping me achieve a personal best in a 10K event. I emphasise resilience and solutions-focused approaches to boost confidence, efficiency, and work-life balance. Through Senior-level Coaching training, I aim to continue empowering others to reach their highest potential.

  • Paolo de Marco

    Paolo de Marco: Norfolk

    I understand that being a clinician can be very rewarding but also challenging.

    Would you like help in improving aspects of your life? A better work/life balance, more satisfaction in your work, less stress? Help in progressing your career and/or setting and working towards professional goals? Support to overcome a difficult time in your life or stage in your career?

    I believe you have the resources necessary and I can help you develop them with coaching.

    I was a GP in Norfolk for over 30 years, until my recent retirement. I continue to work as a tutor at the Norwich Medical School, a member of the Social Security Tribunal and a member of the GMC Fitness to Practice Tribunal.

    I have trained as a coach with Akeso and I get great satisfaction from using these skills, and my experience, to help other health professionals towards more fulfilling lives.

  • Lucia Fitzpatrick

    I am a kind, courageous and curious woman who is a GP, a teacher, a mother, a runner and an artist. These labels illustrate something about me, as they are some of the things that have shaped me personally and professionally. Some of these labels may resonate with you or they may reflect our differences, they do not demonstrate how I may be of assistance to you, but perhaps are a starting point for connection. I know that I will listen non-judgmentally to your story and provide a safe reflective space, to support you in your learning, and decision making. Together we can explore where you currently are in your life and go on to identify what steps to take towards what you want and need for your future.

  • Elisabeth Hopman

    Elisabeth Hopman: Norfolk

    I am a Portfolio GP and a Coach/Mentor (ILM 7) for over 15 years. People come seeking clarity and control, informed career decisions, shift when feeling stuck, manage time and workload more proficiently, avoid burnout, clarify purpose and direction to rediscover energy and enthusiasm.

    I am a linguist and love human narrative, embracing difference. I am passionate about general practice, education and life long learning ... working collaboratively, enabling others to be the best that they can be.

    For me, coaching is about enhancing personal growth, increasing self-awareness and

    seeing people flourish. I am a seeker, driven by learning and growth, curious about people, their story. I wish to give back in a life affirming and changing way, enable mindset shift, enable creation of a meaningful and fulfilling life aligned to values, and empower moving from just ‘surviving’ to ‘thriving’. I bring realistic positivity and energy with gentle challenge and kindness.

  • Rob Houghton

    Rob Houghton: Cambridgeshire

    I trained in Liverpool qualified 1987. Circuitous route to GP with med rotation years, Paeds ITU, 2 years GP Principal Peterborough inner city before settling in Oundle.

    Attained training status for the practice and sole GP trainer for last 4½ yrs. PGMEDCert Uni Cambs. GP appraiser since year 1. 
Married to a GP great insight into the GP experience from salaried female perspective. 4 wonderful children 21-16. Started first five group with last crop of GP registrars. Love all sport and try to participate. Captain of development for a hockey team of adolescents; mentoring/ herding skills are a great attribute!

    Passions: education, sharing, supporting, helping people develop. Reward of GP returner training. Evolving practice nurses to practitioner status. Clinical stuff: pretty much all things; palliative medicine hugely rewarding.
Love the clinical human interaction. Find the QoF and bureaucracy more difficult to stomach, although thoroughly endorse evidence based practice.

  • Lisa Ko: Essex/Hert

    I have 14 years experience working as a frontline GP and am currently a part time salaried GP and GP senior appraiser working in West Essex. When I’m not working, I am looking after my 2 children, reading, running and practicing yoga. 

    Previously, I have worked as a GP Partner in London for 9 years and I have had experience working as a Locum GP. I have an interest in supporting GPs at all stages of their careers having previously set up a local sessional GP group and in my role as a GP appraiser. I am also interested in lifestyle medicine and have recently completed a Diploma in Lifestyle Medicine. I look forward to supporting colleagues in my role as a coach.

  • Kate Lowery

    I split my time between GP work, working as Fellowship and GP education lead at the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Training Hub, coaching and mentoring and being Mum to two young children. In my role at the training Hub I have had the opportunity to be involved in the development of programmes designed to support GPs throughout their career including the GP Fellowship Scheme, the Parental leave programme and the mentoring scheme. It has been a privilege to be able to mentor and coach GPs at all stages, navigating their way through their careers and those on career breaks. Clinically I particularly enjoy women's health, dermatology and am a GP educator. I completed AKESO coach training in 2021. My own positive personal experience of coaching inspired me to go on to do ILM5 Coaching and mentoring training. I hope to be able to support you with professional and personal development with meaningful and powerful conversation.

  • Shankari Maha: Bedfordshire

    I have a positive, solution-focused and open outlook on life. As a portfolio GP I hold a Salaried GP role. For the BLMK ICS I am the GP Early Careers Strategic Lead, Deputy Chair of the Primary Care Training Hub and the Primary Care Strategic Clinical Lead for Children and Young People.  

    I have completed the Primary Care Innovation Academy course at Cambridge University and am doing my Diploma in Coaching and Mentoring. My 5-year-old is an added source of energy, drive and fun for me. I truly love and enjoy my life. 

  • Nishma Manek: Cambridgeshire

    I’m a GP based in South Cambridge, mum to two young children, and currently Associate Medical Director for GP Leadership at NHS England. 

    I can particularly help support with the things I’ve had to work through myself — imposter syndrome, time management, work-life blend, self-care, stepping into leadership roles, and juggling a portfolio career. I especially relate to mums balancing a high-pressure job with the daily chaos of family life.

    During my GP training, I spent a year working for the National Medical Director at NHS England, where I founded Next Generation GP, a national leadership programme for early-career GPs. I’ve also been fortunate to receive great coaching at key points in my career — it made all the difference to be truly listened to. Doing the same for others has become one of the most rewarding parts of my work.

    If any of this resonates — or if you just need a sounding board — I’d love to help.

  • Pep Nicholas: Cambridgeshire

    I am a GP partner in a Cambridge city practice. We have been through a lot of changes and I have had some steep learning curves. I have a portfolio career now as I have several interests. I have taken on a management role at work, mainly with staffing; I am a trainer and an appraiser.

    I am married to a non-medic and have two children and have been a carer for my frail elderly mother. Both my husband and I have received coaching and have found it beneficial. Coaching is not about getting advice but facilitating the coachee to make choices and decisions which empower them.

    I’m a Srilankan British in my early 50s who loves to cook and create new dishes. I offer a supportive environment where people can talk through their issues. I am committed to coaching and am studying for a level 7 ILM Diploma.

  • Penny Oliver: Hertfordshire

    As well as a coach, I am a salaried GP, appraiser and GP mentor. I have previously been a partner in a large teaching practice. In my spare time I make silver jewelry and enjoy travelling and walking my dog.

    Having been both a GP and a parent for over 20 years, I have experience of how life can bring us many changes and challenges from both a work and personal perspective. Some are big, some are small and some more difficult than others but often they also bring opportunity for growth and development both personally and professionally. As doctors we are so used to helping our patients that we often forget to invest in ourselves. I firmly believe that by allowing ourselves to develop and work through our challenges we not only benefit ourselves but also our families and patients. Whatever it is you wish to work on, big or small, I bring commitment and empathy to the coaching conversation: I look forward to working  with you.

  • Hemali Parekh: West Essex

    As a portfolio GP in West Essex, I bring clinical expertise and leadership to my coaching practice. Alongside roles as an appraiser and senior appraiser, I have years of experience as a medical educator supporting the development of medical students and GP trainees.

    Coaching became transformative for me as I balanced a demanding professional life with raising three children. Inspired by this, I completed the Introduction to Coaching programme and earned the ILM7 in Executive Coaching and Mentoring in 2023.

    My coaching style is calm, curious, and attentive, offering a non-judgemental space for reflection and growth. By fostering clarity and confidence, I help clients reconnect with their goals and take meaningful action.

    Whether seeking resilience, direction, or personal development, I am here to support you on your journey toward unlocking your potential.

  • Brunhilda Pura: Bedfordshire

    Coaching has changed my life into having a healthy marriage , being financially astute , communicate effectively with patients and i believe it can change yours too.

    I use coaching tools and questions to help colleagues find clarity towards their next steps in life. Coaching approach is judgment-free, open, and a companion to your dreamed life.

    I hold ILM Level 5 . I’ve completed Strategic Intervention coaching at the Tony Robbins Institute, Mindvalley Coaching, and a Non-Violent Communication strategies.

    Beyond coaching, I work as a portfolio GP, and I’m also a mum and wife. I love playing tennis, walking with my dog, eating plant based and drinking matcha

  • Raj Raha: Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire

    I am a full-time portfolio GP working mainly remotely for the 111 service (HUC) and a GP surgery in East Anglia. I am a GP appraiser, executive member of Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire’s LMC, a GP mentor, an examiner for Cambridge University’s medical students and a clinical reviewer of ICB level complaints (previously NHS England) for Hertfordshire and West Essex. I am a level 1 Health and Wellbeing coach. I have completed the Introduction to Coaching modules run by AKESO. I am an IMG and can speak, read and write Bengali and Hindi too. I have worked as a hospital doctor, mainly in general medicine and its specialities, before becoming a GP. I have worked as a GP partner, as a salaried GP and as a locum GP both in hours, extended access and in OOH sessions. I can offer remote coaching to people in any area and I am willing to coach anybody and everybody.

  • Rahhiel Riasat: Bedfordshire

    Rahhiel is an experienced ILM level 7  qualified coach and BPS approved Mindfulness Now practitioner. She is also a Portfolio GP and Medical Educationalist. 

    I achieved my ILM 5 Coaching and Mentoring certificate in 2017. I am currently upskilling to the ILM-7 to enable me to do coaching supervision. I am a Mindfulness Now practitioner and I can use mindfulness in the coaching relationship. I am Mum to two young children. I enjoy playing badminton, being creative and reading. I am happy to coach online and on the telephone.

  • Maria Mastrantonio: Bristol

    I a working GP with 25 years of frontline experience, here to support you in preventing burnout and reconnecting with your purpose through transformative coaching. Qualified as an ILM Level 7 Executive Coach and Fellow of the Institute of Leadership & Management, I understand the challenges faced by medical professionals. My insight into Primary Care comes from roles as a Partner, Salaried GP, and Locum. I contribute to the medical community through coaching with the local LMC and mentoring the New to Practice GP Fellows programme. With an MSc in Clinical Education and a distinction-level PGCert in Medical Appraisal, I deliver workshops on Overwhelm, Imposter Syndrome, Perfectionism, and Work-Life Balance. Trained in Team Workplace Coaching, I assist partnerships in collaboration with local Integrated Care Boards. Outside of work, I love dancing, supervisory gardening, and enjoying cake!

  • Kirsty Shanley: Bedfordshire

    I have a background in finance and over 20 years’ clinical NHS nursing experience, predominantly in Primary Care. I’m currently working in education, leadership and management. I am passionate about progression opportunities for those who wish to excel and also offer support for those who are content in their current position. I’m an active coach, with an ILML7 diploma in coaching and mentoring, and have the ambition of expanding more into this area.

    My coaching approach is friendly, and solution focused, providing support and encouragement for clients to express their thoughts, hopes and dreams in a safe space, allowing time to recognise ambitions, purpose and direction, with support to identify the best route to take to achieve this.

    Feedback from clients has been positive, with one coachee saying “Kirsty has helped me focus on what I want to achieve in my personal and professional life, I have achieved a better balance”.

  • Roohi Singh: Norfolk

    I am a GP of over 10 years and have worked as a partner, locum and currently salaried role. I am a tutor at Norwich Medical School, which involves supervision and development of GP tutors. I have been a GP Trainer since 2013, supervising F2s, ST1s and ST3s. I have an MClinEd and my dissertation used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of GP consultations. Through my own experiences, I take an open approach to listening to people and the challenges they face. I look forward to the opportunity of working with you to gain fresh perspective and improve the areas of your life that you want to review.

  • Irina Sofronieva-Gilbert: Cambridgeshire

    I am salaried GP in Cambridgeshire. ​My special interest​s ​and hobbies are ​psychology​ ​and holistic medicine.

    I offer a safe space where you can discuss your challenges without being judged. I offer devoted listening. ​ We will explore your values, ​beliefs and loyalties,​ ideas​, ​emotions and behavior.

    We will find together your strengths and resources enabling you to make steps towards your desired future.

    You will be supported and energised  to go to what you feel is right for you. You will be empowered to take decisions for yourself  and explore your opportunities.
Looking forward to hear from you soon.

  • Karen Storey: Midlands

    As an ILM level 7 Executive Coach and Mentor, I draw on my extensive career with over 30 years of experience as a senior nursing leader in primary care to guide others in achieving their personal and professional goals.

    For me coaching is about giving you, dedicated space, and time to reflect on who you are, how you operate, your impact on those around you and their impact on you. This may be in the context of considering career progression, job moves, work challenges, life changes, transitions etc. My aim is to empower people to unlock their potential, lead with confidence and thrive in their careers and lives in general.

    Let’s connect if you’re passionate about leadership, personal development, health and well-being—or if you’re going through a life transition or experiencing early signs of burnout and are looking for a coach or mentor to help you achieve your potential.

  • Sarah Sykes

    Sarah Sykes: Norfolk

    Hello, I am Sarah a GP in Norfolk. I have worked as a GP partner and am now a locum which gives me a better work- life balance. Locuming gave me freedom to obtain my Diploma in Lifestyle Medicine. I am the  regional director for the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine, I have a special interest in Women’s Health. I enjoy medical education also and have taught local medical students.

    I loved the AKESO coaching course so much, that I am now embarking on the Level 7 Diploma and am excited to grow as a coach through this. I believe we are so much more than our jobs and so enjoy pursuing other interests outside medicine. I love music, both playing and listening, and also attending gigs, I am a trained Zumba instructor and also love creative activities for example crafts and baking. I love being in the garden but need to work on my ability to keep my plants alive!

  • Rachael Tait: Norfolk

    I welcome the chance to offer you dedicated time and headspace to consider new possibilities or think through difficult situations, utilising the skills I have acquired through extensive coaching and mentoring, and completing the ILM Level 5 diploma. As an experienced outdoor coach, we can enjoy the benefits of taking our coaching conversations outside in nature: ‘we walk, you talk, I listen, and the world changes!’ I also offer online coaching.

    Alongside GP clinical practice, I work at the UEA (where I have an interest in Medical Humanities), am an appraiser and have roles at the ICB. In between taxiing my two children around, I squeeze in some reading, tennis and paddleboarding.

    As a person and coach I’m open-minded and optimistic. From recent coachees: 'I always leave our sessions feeling inspired, refreshed and energised' and, ‘I cannot thank you enough for being a very approachable and supportive listening ear.

  • Janet Thornley: Bedfordshire

    I am an Advanced Nurse Practitioner having worked in general practice since 1995. I gained my MSc and PGCMDE in 2012 and am involved in GP training and working with student nurses on placement.

    In my role as Strategic GPN Lead for BLMK I am involved with the GP and GPN fellowships and work with the local Training Hub developing training opportunities to meet the needs of our workforce.

    I am interested in people and enjoy a good conversation. I find supporting colleagues very rewarding. I have been lucky enough to have some amazing colleagues who have supported me, so it seems fair to want to try and pass it on to others

    Having just recently moved house, my time away from work is spent on gardening and DIY and I am equally happy to be away in our campervan relaxing by the sea. I very much look forward to meeting you.

  • Sarah Whiteman: Bedfordshire

    I have enjoyed a portfolio career as Chief Medical Director for Bedfordshire Luton and Milton Keynes, with HEE, the GMC, NCAS and as a Forensic Medical Examiner. I believe in multi-professional working based on peoples’ abilities and attitudes rather than qualifications. A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion aiming to reduce health inequalities and improve outcomes is an approach I take in all aspects of my work including General Practice and coaching.  goes here

  • Paula Yapp: Bedfordshire

    I have been working as an NHS doctor for over 30 years and am currently a GP and an Appraiser based in Bedfordshire. My interests include Medical Education, Yoga, Theatre and Art. I previously worked for HEE as a GP Tutor and Training Program Director supporting education, training and workforce development.

    I am currently working towards an ILM 7 qualification in coaching. I enjoy utilising a variety of tools in my coaching and believe in tailoring my technique in response to client needs. I am particularly interested in the powerful role coaching can play in assisting diverse clients from challenging backgrounds.

    I would like to use my experience of living with a disability to help others adapt, reframe and develop their aspirational goals. As a coach, I feel  privileged to be able to accompany and assist my clients onto a path to a life beyond their expectations.


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