image of Sharon SMith from Own Your Leadership introducing herself as a leadership coach

LEADERSHIP COACH & FACILITATOR

I’m a leadership coach who helps managers and leaders find their voice, own their leadership style, and lead with confidence, clarity and purpose…..

… so they can inspire your team, make decisions with ease, and create a lasting impact.

A little about me + how I got here.

I didn’t always plan to become a leadership coach –

but, looking back, every step brought me here.

My journey into leadership started in education – a sector where people care deeply, stakes are high, and time is always short.

I began my 25-year career working in schools, progressing into leadership roles where I was responsible not just for outcomes, but for people; their wellbeing, development, and day-to-day experience.

Like many, I was promoted because I was good at my job, but I wasn’t given much guidance on how to actually lead. I found myself navigating tricky conversations, team dynamics, and heavy workloads – all while quietly doubting myself and wondering if I was getting it right.

Eventually, I stepped into a role where I was working and leading on leadership theory, coaching practice, and emotional intelligence, and it changed everything. I began to understand myself better, lead more confidently, and support others with more clarity and purpose.

I discovered that leadership doesn’t have to feel like constant firefighting. It can feel calm, intentional, and even enjoyable – once you find your way of doing it.

That was the spark that lit the path to Own Your Leadership.

Now, I combine my background in education with accredited coaching skills and years of experience supporting new and established leaders across sectors. I know what it’s like to care deeply, to want to get it right, and to feel unsure how.

And I’m here to help you lead in a way that feels both effective and true to you.

The way I work – and the way I support others to lead – is grounded in a clear set of values.

These guide everything I do at Own Your Leadership, from the conversations I have to the programmes I create.

Here’s what you can expect when we work together:

Image of Own Your Leadership's Values
Own Your Leadership Value of Compassion
Own Your Leadership's values - clarity
Own Your Leadership's Value - Practicality
Own Your Leadership's Value - growth

  • I believe leadership starts with knowing and trusting yourself. I create spaces where people can be real – not perfect – so they can lead with confidence in their own voice and values.

  • People leadership is people work. I help leaders balance courage with care – building emotionally intelligent practices that support both performance and wellbeing.

  • When things feel chaotic, clarity is power. I support leaders to cut through overwhelm, focus on what matters, and move forward with intention and purpose.

  • I focus on what works. The tools, strategies, and conversations I bring are grounded in real experience and designed to support progress in real teams, schools, and organisations. No jargon. Just useful, thoughtful, straight-talking support.

  • Leadership is a journey, not a destination. I support continuous development, encouraging reflection, learning, and the confidence to evolve.

…. supporting committed, values-led leaders who are ready to grow and who value my calm presence, strategic thinking, and emotionally intelligent approach.

With over 25 years of experience as a leader across public and private sector organisations, I bring a unique blend of real-world leadership insight, coaching expertise, and a practical, down-to-earth style that helps clients feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Based in the central belt of Scotland, I work as a leadership coach partnering with leaders and organisations across Scotland – and far beyond – to help them lead with confidence, clarity, collaboration and purpose.

The word I love, on Own Your Leadership's About page

“The single biggest way to impact an organisation is to focus on leadership development.”

— John C. Maxwell

Sharon Smith, Leadership Coach, in front of a laptop - own your leadership

LEADERSHIP COACHING: YOUR SECRET TO SUSTAINABLE SUCCESS

The way you lead, and the way you show up, shapes everything in your business and career.

It’s not just about strategy or systems. It’s about clarity, connection, collaboration, and confidence.

And that can feel hard to access when you’re juggling pressure, people and self-doubt.

Leadership is a craft. A mix of mindset, communication, emotional intelligence, and collaboration skills.

Done well, it empowers you – and everyone around you – to thrive.

And when it comes to leadership, the way you communicate and collaborate can transform a team.

Like a conductor guiding an orchestra, powerful leadership brings clarity, cohesion and harmony.

Like a sculptor with clay, shaping culture and trust takes intention, consistency and care.

Like an architect designing a structure, leadership needs strong foundations – purpose, communication, emotional intelligence and collaboration – to support growth that lasts.

It’s this blend of strategy, insight and humanity that I love as a leadership coach.

Supporting leaders to grow with clarity, confidence and collaboration is where the real magic happens.

And I’m talking about the kind of growth that makes a genuine difference; more ease in your day-to-day, better conversations and collaboration with your team, and space to lead in a way that feels like you.

Whether it’s having the confidence to set boundaries, the headspace to plan ahead, or the leadership presence to take that next bold step in your career.

The right leadership coaching support can unlock it.

2 people working side by side - Own Ypur Leadership- About- Who I work with
Sharon Smith - Own Your Leadership - Who I work with

Leaders just like you.…
purpose-driven people stepping up in their careers; whether you're navigating your first leadership role, building on experience, or preparing for what’s next, and ready to invest in growing your confidence, clarity, collaboration and impact through leadership coaching.

I also work closely with organisations committed to learning and development, supporting them in growing their managers and teams. Please do check out my page dedicated to organisational development.

So often, it’s also those balancing the full mental load – leading teams, managing priorities, and trying to make time for real life in between meetings and inbox chaos…

People like:
>The new manager who’s just been promoted and wants to lead with confidence.

>The experienced team leader who’s brilliant at delivery but wants to sharpen their people skills, collaboration skills, and grow their influence.

>The aspiring leader preparing for an interview, anting clarity on their strengths and a boost in self-belief.

>The overwhelmed head of department/school who’s trying to hold it all together and needs space to think, plan and breathe.

>The senior leader who’s looking to navigate complex team dynamics, while staying grounded in their values.

>The founder who is juggling a growing team and looking for support in developing their leadership style and strategy.

Here is what my clients say about me.

  • Sharon is not only the consummate professional but embodies empathy and intelligence. As a coach, she has been absolutely integral in helping me move forward in my career. She was exactly the person I needed in my corner when I had to ‘armour up’, deftly guiding me through a transitional period: not only enabling me to confront a challenging situation, but to garner enough self-belief to take the next step. I am indebted to Sharon and would not hesitate in recommending her to anyone who finds themselves at a crossroads; either fearful, conflicted, or just in need of some clarity.

    Lesley

  • Having previously had a bad coaching experience I was apprehensive about putting myself through it again. Sharon immediately put me at ease and created a safe space to share and be understood. She is a very helpful, insightful coach who provided very practical and tailored ‘tools’ for me to use, based on my circumstances and professional challenges.

    Linsey

  • I never expected anything to come of our coaching sessions, in the sense that I would not be able to do anything actively in my own life after each session. Oh boy, was I wrong! Sharon got me thinking and talking about things I never even considered! We discussed my triggers, what made me happy and also explored feelings I wasn’t acknowledging that were impacting on my life. We did numerous activities that made me look at myself and my worth. I felt very comfortable being vulnerable and honest with Sharon, and it helped me look a lot deeper into myself and my life. She helped me build my confidence to leave a horrible situation and to do it without any pressure or guilt. I can’t thank Sharon enough for all the help she has given me. I would highly recommend doing some sessions with Sharon, even if it’s just to try and find yourself. Thank you again Sharon, you changed my life for the better and I will always thank you for that.

    Cecilia

  • Working with Sharon was an absolute dream, her relaxed and informal style really allowed me to feel comfortable and made it easy to express myself honestly, resulting in sound, constructive feedback and advice that I could take away in the knowledge that I will benefit from it and grow in my personal life as well as in my leadership role at work. Highly recommended, a genuine, caring and empathic personal who really has your best interest at heart.

    Kevin

  • I enjoyed every single minute working with Sharon. She challenges your assumptions, views and self reflection in a sensitive, caring and constructive manner. I have been to many of these types of sessions but the insight Sharon has on Head Teacher issues was invaluable to me at a time in my life where work issues were spiralling. She will never know how much she has supported me through a difficult time. Many many thanks Sharon.

    Maria

  • I'm very grateful for the opportunity to have had some coaching sessions with Sharon. She was brilliant! The sessions were conveniently arranged to fit my availability and cleverly encouraged me to meet personal targets for myself which I hope to continue. I was reminded about strategies which I've used in the past and forgotten about but which are very helpful which was great. I was also introduced to new ways of doing things which I appreciated. Sharon's manner is calm, supportive and friendly. She's very well suited to the coaching role and I'd encourage anyone looking for support with self-reflection and self-improvement to try this!

    Victoria

LEADERSHIP COACHING FOR ASPIRING AND EXPERIENCED LEADERS

If you’re ready to:
– Gain clarity on your leadership style
– Build confidence in managing your team
– Deepen your emotional intelligence, communication and collaboration skills
– Receive tailored one-to-one leadership coaching that fits your unique challenges
– Have a supportive partner cheering you on as you grow into your role.

Maybe you see yourself in some of the people I work with.

Whether you’re right here in  Scotland, or leading teams much further afield…

Want to chat about working with me?

“Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.”

— Simon Sinek