What’s the difference between executive coaching, facilitation and mediation?
Executive coaching is a one-to-one (or small team) process that helps a leader develop skills like communication, decision-making and confidence over a series of sessions. Facilitation is where I guide a group or team through a specific process. A strategy day, an away day, or building a team charter — to reach a shared outcome. Mediation is a structured, impartial process for resolving conflict between two or more people at work, aimed at rebuilding trust and restoring working relationships. Many clients start with one and later use another as needs change.
Who do you typically work with?
My clients include senior leaders, managers, boards, founders and cross-functional teams across the public and private sectors . This includes NHS Wales and England, universities, government departments, finance, publishing, manufacturing and creative industries. I also work with individual business owners and leaders seeking one-to-one coaching.
Do you work with organisations as well as individuals?
Yes. Alongside one-to-one executive coaching, I deliver commissioned programmes for organisations — leadership development schemes, management training, team facilitation and workplace mediation. I often work with HR, L&D and organisational development teams to design something tailored to the organisation’s specific challenges.
How long does executive coaching typically take?
Most coaching engagements run over several months, with sessions spaced two to four weeks apart to allow time to apply what’s discussed and reflect on progress. The right length depends on what you’re working on. Some leaders come for focused, short-term support around a specific challenge (e.g. a promotion or a difficult transition). Others work with me over a longer period as part of ongoing development. This is something we agree together at the outset and you are free to change or end the arrangement at any time.
What does workplace mediation involve, and when should we consider it?
Workplace mediation is usually appropriate when a conflict between colleagues has become entrenched, is affecting team performance or well being, or hasn’t been resolved through informal conversation or line management alone. As an impartial third party, I meet with those involved individually first, then bring them together in a structured, confidential process to rebuild communication and agree a way forward. It’s often a faster, less costly and less damaging route than formal grievance procedures. I trained with the Society of Mediators and maintain CPD training to ensure I am up to date with the latest developments in mediation and relationship facilitation.
Is mediation confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality is a core principle of the mediation process, in fact all my work is confidential. What’s discussed in individual meetings is not shared with the other party without permission, and the process is separate from any formal HR or disciplinary procedure. I’ll always explain exactly how confidentiality works before we begin.
Do you offer facilitation for team away days or strategy sessions?
Yes. I design and facilitate strategy days, team away days, and sessions focused on team dynamics, building team charters, and finding better ways of working together — for management teams, boards, and cross-functional groups, delivered online or in person.
Where are you based, and do you work outside Bristol?
I’m based in Bristol and work across the UK, including in-person and online delivery. I’ve worked with organisations across Wales and England, including NHS Wales, government departments and organisations based in London and beyond.
What are your qualifications and accreditation?
I hold an Advanced Certificate in Executive Coaching (Human Techniques and Bristol Business School/UWE) and am a member of the Association for Coaching. I regularly attend supervision and training sessions and adhere to their code of ethics. With over 20 years’ experience in executive coaching, leadership development, team facilitation and workplace mediation, I am also a resilience practitioner and accredited mediator.
How much does coaching, facilitation or mediation cost?
Costs depend on the format of the coaching programme, its length, and whether it’s for an individual or an organisation.
Get in touch for a no-obligation chat about your goals, and I’ll tailor options to your needs and budget.
How do we get started?
The best first step is a no-obligation conversation about what you or your organisation are looking for. Email catrin@catrinmacdonnell.co.uk or call 07785 996917, and we’ll discuss what might work best — whether that’s one-to-one coaching, a team facilitation session, or a mediation process.
