Susannah Rushden

Inspiration for Leaders Rising was sparked by my journey of resilience and transformation in overcoming lymphoma in 2016–17. Guided by exceptional coaches and counsellors, my worldview was profoundly impacted, catalysing my path to professional coaching.

Cancer-free since, when testing positive for BRCA2 gene mutation in 2023, I proactively decided to undergo risk-reducing mastectomy and oophorectomy surgeries in 2024/25. Both were successful and served to deepen my belief in the power of agency, personal leadership, and the gift of choice.

Shaped by these experiences, my coaching approach is grounded in empathy, courage, and clarity, which enriches my professional insight and spurred momentum to launch Leaders Rising during my recovery earlier this year with a clear mission: to help others navigate challenges, lead with purpose, and thrive at their full potential.

Company Overview

Global Top 20 IT training company specialising in technology learning, recently acquired by BPP.

Coaching Initiatives

• One-on-one executive and team coaching, focusing on business goals and personal development.
• Designed a comprehensive 40-module onboarding program to ensure sustainable recruitment and retention, resulting in +50% team size growth during COVID-19 and beyond.
• Transformed challenging organisational dynamics through mediation, leadership, team, and soft skills coaching programs.
• Innovated an extensive portfolio of coaching and training programs that significantly impacted individual and team performance. Unlocking potential, promoting inclusivity, nurturing professional growth, and enhancing employee morale and retention.

Culture and Transformation

• Implemented Global Leadership Coaching Programs. Fostering high interdepartmental trust and enhancing organisational agility to drive innovative performance.
• Designed and delivered a company wellness program during the COVID-19 pandemic which provided additional support for all employees, including those furloughed. Promoting care, connection, and inclusivity.
• A respected voice on the Senior Leadership Team driving employee coaching and professional development.
• Spearheading organisational strategies with specialist coaching focus to strengthen team leadership, prioritise diversity, and enhance well-being.

Strategic Sales

• Applied advanced sales psychology principles to implement comprehensive sales processes, thereby enhancing global sales proficiency. Inspiring significant sales growth.
• Led over 50 salespeople, achieving 20%+ sales growth within 12 months while empowering sales managers through tailored coaching programs.
• Modernised roles, targets, and commission structures to align with individual needs and marketplace demands. Inspiring enhanced motivation and performance across UK teams.

• Appointed by founders to revitalise the sales force.
• Design and implementation of comprehensive sales training and coaching strategy.
• Achieved over 20% sales growth in 18 months.
• Promoted to the Senior Leadership team as a highly trusted leadership and team coach, supporting C-suite recruitment and decision-making.
• Provided tactical coaching to senior-level individuals and departments.
• Guided broader organisational coaching needs, enabling leaders and teams to navigate through COVID-19, company acquisition and other complex challenges.

• Took time out for treatment and recovery from lymphoma.

• Reshaped commercial strategy to cultivate a vibrant, client-focused culture, achieving over 10% sales growth
• Designed and delivered a diverse 20-module training program focusing on sales techniques and soft skills to enhance team effectiveness
• Broke down departmental barriers to foster collaboration, revitalising operational processes and significantly improving service delivery quality

• Launched a new store concept including 360-degree sales process, resulting in 35% increase in monthly sales in owned stores
• Developed targeted training and motivational strategies increasing insurance sales from 10% to 40-50%

• Guided transformative restructuring while boosting conversion rates by 50%+ through call monitoring and sales coaching.
• Enhanced profit margins by £30 per sale on average through effective team management and training.
• Increased insurance sales from 10% to 40% on average across 1500 monthly sales.
• Increased team efficiency with robust performance management strategies.

Various roles, including Senior GSM (Phones4U PLC), Senior Sales (PowerGen PLC, now e-on), Media and Community Liaison (Derby City Council), and Vice President Welfare (University of Derby UDSU)