Boundary setting, Burnout, Clarity of direction, Confidence, Creating a better work/ life balance, Emotional and well-being, Finding meaning & purpose, Imposter syndrome, Life coaching, Maternity coaching, Mindset, Psychometric profiling, Self-compassion, Stress
Kim Stokes
Flip the notion of "having it all" to having YOUR all. Define success based on your terms and take steps to live a balanced, fulfilled and present life.
Location: London, Twickenham
Year Qualified: 2024
Areas of Expertise
Testimonials
I started my sessions with Kim through a huge period of change. I had accepted a new role and wanted to work through coping strategy's to ensure my previous imposter syndrome wouldn't rear it's head. I wanted a simple fix, a clear "do A, B and C" and all will be fine. Through Kim's well placed, thought provoking questions it became really clear to me I was after a sticking plaster. While we did discuss healthy strategies that I will take forward these conversations have made me analyse the root cause of my fragile confidence & ultimately move forward into my new role with the inner belief I deserve this opportunity and have the tools to thrive. Kim is so personable and making a connection is effortless. Kim is encouraging, patient and very empowering. I'm so glad I explored this path and would recommend anybody on a self-development journey to do the same.
Becci, confidence to start a new company & role
Kim has a super-power of bringing kindness, calm and empathy to every situation. I found myself saying things, having a split second regret & finding Kim smiling and nodding gently in a kind "that's not crazy, I get that" way. A judgement free, normalising space for my deepest thoughts & worries. Through time with Kim, I've made space. I am present. I am not wanting for tomorrow. I have more time. And this has had a knock on effect on those around me, personally & professionally. It is the opposite of self indulgence, it's placing a value on your own development.
Lisa, overwhelmed Mum, wanting balance
I have worked with Kim across a number of midlife challenges women face. Issues related to my personal and work life. Every session with Kim I come away feeling inspired by my own creativity. Kim really gets me to dig deep with my thinking and this had the impact of me coming up with individual and exciting solutions to my challenges. Kim instantly made me feel at ease and this was great for allowing me to get to the heart of the matter.
Holly, supporting on direction and goals
Just messaging you while I have a short moment to myself, as I have been meaning to message you since I accepted this offer. During my entire job-hunting process (which fortunately was fruitful, but full of very intense, corporate roles, which I knew might look great on my CV, but would take away from my family and I). I kept thinking about "having my all" vs "having it all" after seeing your posts. In the end, I chose the job that I felt had the best culture, most inspiring people to work with, the best set up for my family, and could elevate me not just professionally, but personally too. I know I've made the right decision because of that! I wanted to acknowledge that before we talk. We didn't even touch on this during our session, but your posts have really resonated with me. I actually added in a piece about kindness into my CV (essentially saying that kindness and relationship building have been key to my success at work) and again, that was off the back of seeing your posts and having worked with you, you are doing fantastic work and have genuinely inspired me. I often thought about the impact that you made on me, even during the short time that we worked together - it's due to the (much-needed) expertise, kindness and warmth you brought to it. Just wanted to let you know how important this has all been to me and my journey as a new mum looking for a new job!
Gemma, South London
Areas of Expertise
Boundary setting, Burnout, Clarity of direction, Confidence, Creating a better work/ life balance, Emotional and well-being, Finding meaning & purpose, Imposter syndrome, Life coaching, Maternity coaching, Mindset, Psychometric profiling, Self-compassion, StressLeave a testimonial
Coaching Qualifications
- Accredited Diploma in Transformative Coaching - Animas
- EIA with the EMCC
Professional Background
When it came to university time, I knew I wanted to go though not really what I wanted to study. After a ‘this is the one’ visit to Manchester Met Uni one rainy (obviously) day, I was sold. Manchester bound I studied Sociology and Criminology (mainly because of my nosiness – sorry – ‘curiosity’ in people).
After moving onto a post grad and qualifying as a primary teacher (and realising it wasn’t for me – HUGE admiration for teachers), I decided to put my passion for people into the corporate world.
I spent several years within the world of HR holding a variety of roles in FMCG organisations including PepsiCo and Suntory. My roles spanned both HR generalist Business Partner roles and specialist roles, predominantly within Learning & Development.
Within L&D my primary role was partnering with Managers and Leaders. We’ve all heard the saying ‘people leave managers, not companies’ though it is SO true. A manager can be the difference between happiness and misery.
Does that sound extreme?
Perhaps to some it does, though having experienced managers who truly had my best interests at heart and sadly, others that didn’t, I know all too well the impact that this can have on our mental wellbeing.
A tricky / parent-child / toxic relationship with a manager can impact our lives way outside of the office walls.
Given the critical role of managers and leaders, it’s vital that they are afforded the right development and support. Alas, all too often people get promoted for technical brilliance and not even asked about their motivations (or lack of) to manage people.
Within my remit I scoped, built and facilitated programs that significantly enhanced leadership capabilities and therefore, employee experience. Some proudest achievements include the design, build and delivery of a European Manager Academy at Suntory and introduction of a Coach-Led Manager approach with Gallup at PxU.
I’ve gained several certifications including psychometrics HBDI (Whole Brain Thinking) and DISC, and am a certified Change Management practitioner.
In summary – I love the people space, I love learning and love being able to support individuals reaching their potential.
What drew you to coaching?
Whether its setting clear boundaries, ensuring you and your partner have a shared vision, knowing when and how to compromise when it comes to career and family, overcoming imposter syndrome or how to be kinder to yourself, I support others (you) in discovering and living YOUR all.
I fundamentally believe that ‘having your all’ in the traditional sense is unachievable as you create a fake version of reality, one in which you’re always looking over your shoulder, comparing yourself to other parents in the playground, feeling compelled to cook homemade lentil pies whilst preparing to present to the board of governors – and make it to school in time for parents evening.
NO. Enough is enough – we deserve better, our children deserve better and future generations deserve better.
We all know how important role models are for our children. Instilling healthy balance and behaviours now can only support our children and support them to become more resilient through habitually extending kindness to themselves. Life is for living.
Having YOUR ALL vs ‘it all’ does not mean you have less ambition in life, in fact, quite the opposite.
It means you have the courage to reflect on what’s important for you, contract with those around you and live your life for you and those around you, not for others.
It would be an honour to partner with you to discover, define and live YOUR all.
Fee Structure
Discovery Call (Kindness Kickstarter) = Complimentary
1:1 Coaching sessions = From £80p/hr
Courses & Events = See website for further details https://www.kindnessforsuccess.co.uk/
