Antonia Watson

I’m an executive career coach working with senior women in STEM who are navigating change in work or life and want to feel clearer and more confident about their next steps. Many of my clients come to me when something has shifted. They may feel stuck, ready for progression, or unsure how to make a transition feel manageable. I help them pause, make sense of what’s going on and build a practical way forward.

Before becoming a coach, I spent more than 20 years in global tech consulting, including over a decade in senior leadership roles at Accenture and Avanade. I’ve managed complex organisational change, led large teams and navigated multiple career pivots myself while raising three boys. That lived experience plays a big part in how I support clients today.

My coaching blends structure with personalisation. Together we explore key questions such as: What’s my next move? How do I progress with confidence? How do I lead well through change? How can I make a transition or return feel smoother? Clients describe my style as calm, grounded and thought-provoking, and value having a safe space where they can think openly while still being challenged.

I support clients through career strategy, transitions and returns, leadership growth, confidence and visibility, and navigating complex organisational environments. My Career Forward Programme offers a clear and practical pathway from “Where am I now?” to “How do I move forward with confidence and purpose?”

Supporting women in STEM is something I care deeply about. Coaching can unlock clarity, confidence and renewed momentum, and it also helps strengthen representation and create a more inclusive future in science and technology.

I spent over two decades in global consulting and technology across Unisys, Accenture and Avanade. At Accenture I became a senior manager leading large-scale technology transformation programmes across several industries.

I later joined Avanade, where I held senior leadership roles for more than ten years. As UK Chief Operating Officer I was responsible for business operations, financial performance and strategy delivery, and led complex organisational initiatives including a major acquisition. As Global Head of People Strategy I oversaw workforce planning and people programmes for more than 40,000 professionals worldwide, designing frameworks that strengthened consulting capability and leadership development.

Alongside these roles I coached and mentored colleagues at all levels, particularly women progressing into leadership or returning after parental leave. After leaving corporate life I trained formally as an executive coach and founded AW Coaching & Consulting, where I now work with senior women in STEM and partner with STEM organisations on leadership and career development.

Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching, Henley Business School – Accredited programme combining leadership insight with practical coaching expertise.

Associate Certified Coach (ACC), International Coaching Federation (ICF) – Global accreditation demonstrating commitment to high professional and ethical standards.

Senior Practitioner, European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) – Recognition of advanced coaching capability and proven client impact.

MSc with Distinction, University of Reading – Strong analytical and research foundation.

BA (Hons) Mathematics, University of Oxford – Academic background developing structured thinking and problem-solving