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Coaching
Meet our Internal Coaching Panel
Colette O'Sullivan, Adult Continuing Education

Colette believes we all have within us everything we need, and is particularly interested in new awareness’s that might occur to someone because of coaching. Colette’s values are based on mutual respect and a sense of integrity, in a confidential, non-judgmental environment. To observe a coachee moving forward and flourishing is hugely rewarding for Colette, and she finds it a privilege that a coachee trusts her and shares their story with her. From acorns to mighty oaks, coaching can be transformative, I’m here to enable you to unlock your potential and become the best version of yourself.
You can contact Colette directly by emailing colette.osullivan@ucc.ie
By arranging to have a discussion with a UCC coach, there is no commitment to participate - you can just find out more about coaching and how it works.
Nóirín Deady, Admissions Office

My coaching style: I practice solution-focused cognitive behavioural coaching. This approach identifies desired solutions and pathways to achieve positive results so that you can live the life you desire.
My coaching philosophy: I believe in a growth mindset that fosters personal development and well-being, self-awareness and a love of learning.
Areas of interest: To thrive in life, we must master the perennial challenges of balancing work, family, health, responsibilities and relationships. I focus on what matters most to you.
You can contact Nóirín directly by emailing n.deady@ucc.ie
By arranging to have a discussion with a UCC coach, there is no commitment to participate - you can just find out more about coaching and how it works.
Siobhán Laoide-Kemp, School of Clinical Therapies

I work in the School of Clinical Therapies in UCC. My goal is to contribute outside my discipline and give back to the wider UCC community through personal and management coaching. I use two philosophical approaches: person centred and solution focused coaching. Through these approaches I support staff and students to explore fresh personal insights and perspectives.
I work with the coachee to promote self-reflection and self-awareness as a foundation for renewed focus and energy leading to positive action. Through this rewarding process, each coachee has the opportunity to equip themselves to move forward to meet their own management and life challenges.
You can contact Siobhán directly by emailing siobhan.laoidekemp@ucc.ie
By arranging to have a discussion with a UCC coach, there is no commitment to participate - you can just find out more about coaching and how it works.
Gerard Mannix, School of Applied Social Studies

My passion as a coach focuses on practising a happy and healthy life through blending psychology and movement. I bring experience working within the private and public sectors as well as extensive background in sport. Life coaching leads to an increased awareness of strategies to achieve goals in the context of; careers, health & well-being, lifestyle aspects, personal growth, reduced stress, relationships, self-esteem, time management, work-life balance. My coaching interventions promote desire, intention, honest change and willingness to engage in the coaching process.
Coaching is unlocking a person’s potential to maximize their own growth - John Whitmore
You can contact Gerard directly by emailing g.mannix@ucc.ie
By arranging to have a discussion with a UCC coach, there is no commitment to participate - you can just find out more about coaching and how it works.
Liz Ahern, AVMS, IT Services

I have worked in UCC for over 20 years and am currently based in Digital Services (IT Services). I am available to support you to become more effective and achieve your full potential. I offer you an opportunity to talk about you and your story in a safe, confidential space. I have experienced that there is great value in talking about things out loud with someone who is actively engaged and listening and asking powerful questions. The impact can be phenomenal and often lifechanging. I want to support and empower you via a person centered approach to self-determine your future goals.
You can contact Liz directly by emailing l.ahern@ucc.ie
By arranging to have a discussion with a UCC coach, there is no commitment to participate - you can just find out more about coaching and how it works.
Siobhán Consenheim, Finance Office

I have worked in administration in UCC since 2008, following my previous career in arts administration. As a coach, I have an abundance of empathy and a keen interest in bringing out the best in others. I seek to create a safe, confidential, reflective space. Through listening, questioning, and offering feedback, I help you to become more self-aware and to find your next best step, in line with your values. Personally, I value integrity and honesty, which is reflected in my coaching style- I say it as I see it, with sensitivity and a touch of humour!
You can contact Siobhán directly by emailing s.consenheim@ucc.ie
By arranging to have a discussion with a UCC coach, there is no commitment to participate - you can just find out more about coaching and how it works.
Lorraine Crossan, Centre for Gerontology & Rehabilitation, School of Medicine

I am an Administrator working in the CGR. I believe that we all have the power to lead lives where we can be true to ourselves. When we encounter life’s inevitable stumbling blocks, we can choose to see them as opportunities rather than threats. I have always been interested in people, and I bring this curiosity into helping clients find the very best version of themselves.
My interests lie in
· Enhancing self-awareness and personal resilience
· Improving work/life balance
· Building on strengths / career management
· Changing behaviours
Contact me if you would like to get back on track, increase your motivation and take back your power.
You can contact Lorraine directly by emailing l.crossan@ucc.ie
By arranging to have a discussion with a UCC coach, there is no commitment to participate - you can just find out more about coaching and how it works.
Maeve Kelsey, HRB Clinical Research Facility

I work with the Clinical Operations team in the Clinical Research Facility in UCC in patient focussed research and clinical trials. I am interested in working with UCC colleagues to help them identify their own personal goals and implement change and succeed. I find it very satisfying helping the people I coach as they become more aware of what they can achieve personally and professionally. It is a privilege to accompany others on their journey to achieving a greater sense of wellbeing and unlocking their true potential. I use a person-centred and solution focussed approach in my coaching.
You can contact Maeve directly by emailing m.kelsey@ucc.ie
By arranging to have a discussion with a UCC coach, there is no commitment to participate - you can just find out more about coaching and how it works.
Eimear Keohane, Alumni & Development, College of Medicine & Health

I am passionate about the power of coaching and would be delighted to work with you to support you in reaching your full potential. I use a person-centred, practical approach, built on trust and honesty. My style is supportive and challenging. My special areas of interest are career coaching, creating personal change and challenging beliefs that are holding you back. Coaching is founded in principles of psychology, and uses research proven models in practice, but the real power and impact is found in having the space to reflect on your life, and how you want it to be.
You can contact Eimear directly by emailing eimear.keohane@ucc.ie
By arranging to have a discussion with a UCC coach, there is no commitment to participate - you can just find out more about coaching and how it works.
Tommie McCarthy, School of Biochemistry & Cell Biology

Tommie McCarthy has worked in the School of Biochemistry at UCC for over 30 years. With a passion for helping people on their journey, Tommie has worked with staff and students across UCC to develop effective personal plans for going forward. In his coaching, Tommie draws on his extensive experience across academia, administration, leadership, and mentorship to help you identify new insights and approaches to overcome obstacles and to give direction to your journey. Tommie’s coaching is focused on helping you find solutions to moving forward with confidence. Tommie is a husband, father, grandfather, educator and scientist (but is still only 22!).
You can contact Tommie directly by emailing t.mccarthy@ucc.ie
By arranging to have a discussion with a UCC coach, there is no commitment to participate - you can just find out more about coaching and how it works.
Michelle Nelson, Office of the Deputy President and Registrar

I'm excited to be part of the UCC Coaching Panel and to have the opportunity to help colleagues get the best out of work and life
You can contact Michelle directly by emailing m.nelson@ucc.ie
By arranging to have a discussion with a UCC coach, there is no commitment to participate - you can just find out more about coaching and how it works.
Dearbhail O’Callaghan, College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences

As a Work Placement Manager in the School of Society, Politics and Ethics, I work closely with undergraduate and postgraduate students on a one to one basis to help them to move along their career path. This work has demonstrated that I very much enjoy a collaborative journey. I am excited to work with colleagues to help them to identify and work towards their personal and/or work developmental goals. My coaching approach is person-centred and I believe building a strong coaching relationship over the sessions gives the coachee the space and trust in the process to explore and develop the right solutions for them.
You can contact Dearbhail directly by emailing dearbhail.ocallaghan@ucc.ie
By arranging to have a discussion with a UCC coach, there is no commitment to participate - you can just find out more about coaching and how it works.
Patrick Scriven, Business Information Systems, Cork University Business School

I have applied to the UCC Coaching Panel as I want to assist my colleagues in reaching individual goals by using a positive, enthusiastic approach, emphasizing personal strengths
You can contact Patrick directly by emailing p.scriven@ucc.ie
By arranging to have a discussion with a UCC coach, there is no commitment to participate - you can just find out more about coaching and how it works.
Dr Anne Gannon, HR Manager, Staff Wellbeing & Development

Anne has a passion for identifying the ingredients which create success. This has inspired her to develop her coaching and mentoring skills and to enable valuable outcomes for coachees. Anne’s style is supportive and practical. Her areas of expertise include career coaching, leadership development, work relationships, overcoming barriers, managing through change, building confidence, and creating personal impact.
You can contact Anne directly by emailing agannon@ucc.ie
By arranging to have a discussion with a UCC coach, there is no commitment to participate - you can just find out more about coaching and how it works.
Aileen Waterman, UCC Career Services

Aileen has worked in Work Placement, Career Services in UCC for the last 17 years with previous experience in management and recruitment consultancy. Her main passion is in seeing people succeed and making that move towards your full potential. Aileen draws on her experience in industry and UCC to explore, support and challenge (gently!) coachees to make that move or take that bold step.
My coaching approach is person-centered and solution focused drawing on tools and techniques grounded in research and academia. Through self-reflection and having that safe, confidential space, I will support you in being accountable to yourself for what you want from work and life.
You can contact Aileen directly by emailing a.waterman@ucc.ie
By arranging to have a discussion with a UCC coach, there is no commitment to participate - you can just find out more about coaching and how it works.

All of our internal coaching panel members hold professional membership with the Association for Coaching.
What is Coaching?
Coaching is a free confidential and impartial one-to-one process which enables self-learning and development. It is purposeful and outcome focused and one of the most powerful development approaches available.
Coaching is open to all UCC colleagues regardless of grade and length of service. There are a number of types of coaching available in UCC:
- Coaching for progression and self development
- Career development conversations
- Wellbeing coaching sessions
- Transitioning towards a fruitful retirement
- Parental transition – planning and preparation (before); returning with confidence (during); and working parents (within 6 months of returning to work) or following "the empty nest"
What is the difference between mentoring and coaching?
A Mentor:
- Advises & suggests
- Shares knowledge and experience
- Leads by examples
- Gives examples and ideas
- Is usually more experienced (than mentee)
A Coach:
- Creates space to think
- Challenges beliefs, thoughts and behaviours
- Facilitates self-discovery
- Draws out (from coachee) examples and ideas
- Need not be an expert
What are the benefits?
Coaching can be useful to enhance skills and develop strategies to be more effective and to build resilience. It can also assist in the creation of a reflective space which fosters thinking. Coaching can be especially effective for those new to the University, those considering career development opportunities and for those transitioning into new roles. It can also be effective in enabling an individual to relate to and influence others, and improve working relationships.
Coaching can support:
- Career Development
- Motivation and focus
- Work life balance issues
- Project and change management
- Career Transition

What is involved?
Coaching ordinarily involves up to four 75-90 minute meetings during working hours, once every 3-6 weeks, arranged at a mutually convenient time for the coach and coachee. The meetings are usually completed within 6 months. During this current situation, it may be that you wish to engage a coach over a shorter period or for less sessions, depending on requirements.
Coaching is FREE and open to ALL STAFF in UCC.
By arranging to have a discussion with a UCC coach, there is no commitment to participate - you can just find out more about coaching and how it works.
External Coaching: The Staff Welbeing and Development team maintains a panel of approved executive coaches. The costs of the coach are paid by the unit in which the coachee is based and line management approval should be in place prior to coaching.