Caitlin McDonald - My coaching helps people find courage in the complicated.
Bio
Your unique strengths can emerge most powerfully during periods of significant challenge or transition. As someone who has transformed personal adversity into a catalyst for growth, I bring authentic empathy to our work together. You won't just receive theoretical guidance; you'll partner with someone who has practical experience turning obstacles into opportunities for deeper self-discovery.
I have a multidisciplinary career as an award-winning academic researcher and strategic advisor. I’ve contributed to national and multinational innovation programs supporting the creative industries and tech sectors through UKRI and Horizon Europe following a decade as an industry analyst strategically advising Fortune 250 companies and key public sector institutions on digital ethics, innovation strategy, and collaborative working practices. I am also an artist whose work has been exhibited around the world from Edinburgh to Venice to Durban, South Africa.
Caitlin McDonaldCertified Coach
Your unique strengths can emerge most powerfully during periods of significant challenge or transition. Work with me to find your inner resilience: to find courage in the compliated.
Experience
I’ve been an ICF member since 2017 and I draw on my background in anthropology for a coaching approach rooted in curiosity and empathy. I'm a Mental Health First Aider and an associate coach for Working With Cancer, where we help people with a cancer diagnosis remain in and return to work, and we help employers to do their best for employees suffering from cancer, including training and support for managers and peers. I also volunteer for Breast Cancer Now's Someone Like Me service, supporting people who have had a recent diagnosis through their treatment experience.
Qualifications
International Coaching Federation member since 2017 Mental Health First Aid Association certificate, 2025 PhD, 2011
Reviews
I worked with Caitlin because I was struggling with my work/life harmony; a recent change in my role meant that I was feeling burnt out and stressed, with no time to work on the projects that bring me energy and fulfilment. Caitlin was a calm and supportive guide in talking through the various stressors and solutions in my situation, and I landed on several tactics to improve my relationship with work in my life.
I hugely enjoyed my coaching session with Caitlin. I felt safe and at ease. Her questions really made me reflect and we covered so much in a hour. I found it so valuable and came away with several practical steps and strategies to use going forward. I would highly recommend Caitlin as a thoughtful and intuitive coach, I revisit my notes from our session regularly and I look forward to booking another session.