Every coaching relationship is built on trust, belief, and results. The reflections below offer a glimpse into the impact our work has had on leaders navigating growth, change, and transition.
I have known Paul professionally for some years, when he was CEO of our US business and I was working for our global Chief Risk Officer and then later our global CEO. Already at this time I could see the passion he had for sponsoring and advocating for people and the top-down culture he drove through his management team and beyond on promoting talent. In early 2022, I had the privilege of working 1:1 with Paul on our internal diversity and inclusion initiatives and had the benefit of his wisdom, encouragement and advocacy.
In late 2024 I had to take a short leave of absence from work to reset following a severe episode of anxiety and depression; prior to this I could count on my hands the days I had taken off sick in my 15 years working so it was not an easy adjustment, nor was it easy to accept. It led to perhaps the most challenging time in my career, where I came back straight into a recruitment process for a secondment I had been doing for 18 months; I was unsuccessful. I did not want to go back to my ‘home role’ because I wasn’t achieving my potential and that drove me to search for alternative roles.
In the meantime, Paul and I had stayed in touch, and we discussed coaching and whether I would be interested. Given the challenges I had faced and the daunting task I had ahead of me, I eagerly accepted. I was a little skeptical as to whether it could genuinely help me; I had been mentored before, but I never felt I got the most out of those opportunities, but having worked with Paul and experienced first-hand his honest and open feedback and relentlessly encouraging advice I decided to trust the process.
Shortly after securing a new role and starting the transition between the two, I fell pregnant with my first child which brought on new challenges; imposter syndrome, a feeling that my new team would reject me and an overwhelming sense that I had let down the very people that had given me a chance. Having Paul with me throughout the process gave me the confidence to push through to manage the difficult conversations I would have and most importantly challenge my own thought process — how did I want people to feel after those conversations and what did a positive outcome look like for me?
What makes Paul’s coaching unique, is that he quickly learns about you, identifies your strengths, and boosts your confidence by reflecting those qualities back, helping you overcome challenges. Most importantly, when things didn’t go to plan, I had the unique benefit of Paul’s ‘reality check’, where he reminded me of my “edge,” which gave me the strength I needed to face the next problem head on.
Paul’s approach is all-encompassing. He listens closely to understand the problem; he asks the tough questions to help you get to the root-cause and supports you with tangible actions to achieve the desired outcome.
Paul’s coaching exceeded all expectations. With honesty, empathy, and clarity, he helped me reframe challenges, navigate difficult decisions, and find confidence again. His ability to ask the hard questions while offering actionable support made all the difference.
Throughout a year marked by professional transition and personal change — including a surprise pregnancy — Paul remained a steady anchor. His straight-talking yet compassionate style empowered me to move forward with confidence and resilience. I can’t recommend him highly enough.
Giovannina Pagnotta
Business Manager, Chief Exec. Office
RBS International Ltd.
Working with Paul has been one of the most transformative experiences of my professional life. I first met him in 2017 when he became the CEO of our company during a period of massive downsizing. From our very first “Open Doors” session, I saw in him a transparent, authentic, and deeply empathetic leader. He led through uncertainty with inspiration and conviction — turning what could have been a time of fear into one of empowerment and possibility. Paul reminded us that our lived experience and professional journeys had equipped each of us with an abundance of skills, strengths, and resilience to chart new paths — inside or beyond the company. It came as no surprise when Paul transitioned into executive coaching; he had always led like a coach. His leadership consistently reflected his values — advocating for underrepresented voices, championing inclusion, and nurturing growth through empathy and authenticity. When I began working with Paul as my coach, I was at a professional crossroads — resetting with a new global structure and seeking a renewed sense of purpose.
Paul created a safe, reflective space that allowed me to explore who I was beyond my title. Through his intuitive listening and powerful reframing, he helped me uncover the depth of my own value — the power of my lived experience, my leadership style, and my voice. Working with Paul led me to reimagine what my professional ceiling would be, and his coaching helped me believe that my ambitions were not just possibilities but were attainable. The work we did together was essential in helping me gain the confidence to apply for and achieve a senior management position in the organization. He reminded me that doing things my way was not just acceptable, but essential. I cherish Paul’s encouraging “positive affirmations” where he reminds me of my achievements and reinforces my value. On a bad day, these reminders can be life changing! Because of Paul, I value myself more deeply — not only for what I do, but for who I am.
He helped me see that my experience is not just part of my story; it is the source of my capability and strength. He made it okay to lead and live my way. I would wholeheartedly recommend Paul to anyone seeking an empathetic coach with real corporate depth, a passion for people, and a gift for helping leaders rediscover their authentic power. If you’re looking for a coach who combines deep corporate experience with empathy, honesty, and a genuine belief in people — Paul is that coach.
Nadene McKenzie Reid
Head of Technology
NatWest Markets
Paul Stevelman is an exceptional Executive Coach. Together, we addressed various management challenges, and he helped me strengthen key stakeholder relationships. We also collaborated to find the best way to excel in critical assignments. Having had the privilege to work with Paul as my former manager, and now in a coaching capacity, I experienced firsthand his outstanding ability to guide and mentor individuals toward their professional and personal goals. One of Paul’s core strengths is his talent for helping others clarify their ambitions and develop actionable, step-by-step plans to achieve them. Rather than offering abstract theories, Paul provides practical, real-life guidance rooted in his extensive experience within the corporate world. This approach ensures that his coaching is both relevant and immediately applicable. Paul stands out as both a dedicated supporter and a thoughtful advisor. He is the biggest cheerleader for those he works with, continuously encouraging growth and celebrating progress. At the same time, he doesn’t shy away from addressing setbacks — instead, he offers valuable insights and strategies to navigate challenges and turn them into opportunities for development. I am confident that anyone who has the opportunity to work with Paul will benefit from his guidance, encouragement, and practical approach. He is a remarkable coach and leader, and I highly recommend him to anyone seeking to achieve meaningful progress in their career.
Lisa Brower
Managing Director and Head of Legal, U.S.
NatWest Markets, Inc.
I first met Paul when he was CEO at my former firm, and over time our professional relationship evolved into a trusted mentorship. Paul coached me through my transition into a new and challenging role at a new organization. I quickly gained clarity and together we created an actionable plan to move forward. Some of the topics we worked on together included preparing for challenging regulatory exams and balancing so many new responsibilities and relationships in a new institution. Paul is a natural leader who recognizes people’s strengths and helps them leverage those strengths to reach their goals. He takes the time to understand the whole person before diving into coaching — it’s never a one-size-fits-all approach. His style is genuine, authentic, encouraging, and deeply personal. Through our work together, Paul helped restore my confidence and refocus my energy on what I do best. Paul’s coaching brought clarity, focus, and renewed confidence at a pivotal point in my career. His breadth of experience, strategic insight and ability to draw out strengths make him an exceptional coach for senior leaders navigating change. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking authentic, results-driven coaching that inspires both professional and personal growth.
Shirley Fisher
Director, Global Markets Regulatory Compliance and Registrations
Credit Agricole
I had the pleasure of working with Paul during our time at NatWest, where his leadership and insight were always evident. When Paul transitioned into executive coaching, I was fortunate to reconnect with him in a new capacity — this time as a client. His deep understanding of the legal profession and firsthand experience within the corporate environment gave him a unique perspective that immediately resonated with me.
Over the past six months, Paul has been instrumental in helping me navigate the complexities of career progression within an in-house legal role. With limited team resources and budget constraints, I often found myself questioning what was realistically achievable. Paul helped me refocus — clarifying what I could influence and guiding me toward a more fulfilling and strategic approach to my role.
His experience at NatWest and within the legal sector meant he understood the challenges I faced. He helped me untangle the various strands of difficult issues and supported me in articulating my concerns clearly and confidently to senior management. Through our sessions, I’ve become more assertive and better equipped to advocate for myself, especially when faced with challenging decisions.
Paul’s coaching has been a turning point in my professional development. His thoughtful guidance, practical insights, and unwavering support have made a real difference. I’m incredibly grateful for the time and expertise he’s shared with me.
Lucinda Clayton
Head of Derivatives Policy
NatWest Markets, PLC
I was referred to Paul by a colleague and have been working with him for several months. From the beginning, my goal was to transition in-house, but I also wanted to better understand what types of roles the right fit for me would be and how to present myself effectively in a competitive market.
Before I started coaching, I felt unclear about the path I should take and unsure of how to position my strengths. Through our sessions, I’ve gained much greater clarity on the types of roles I would excel in, along with a more structured approach to the job search. I also feel far more confident navigating the process.
Paul brings deep experience, having worked in law firms, in-house, and as a CEO, which makes his perspective unique. Our sessions were always positive and productive, and he motivated me to keep working on things between meetings. He is practical, supportive, and highly invested in his clients’ success.
As a result of our work together, my resume and LinkedIn have been completely revamped, I have a clear strategy, and I feel much better equipped for the transition ahead. I would highly recommend Paul to anyone considering a career move or simply seeking greater clarity and confidence in their professional development — his guidance has been invaluable.
Mark Carmody
Attorney
When I first met Paul I had just left my job, had no clear plan, and figured I’d drift back into the service industry “until I figured it out.” When we started, I was overwhelmed and nervous. Bills to pay, animals to feed, and no direction; it felt nervously heavy. Still, I knew I was ready for change. I came in open-minded, trusting Paul would support and motivate me, and he did. In one of our first sessions, I rattled off all the roles I’d ever played: teacher, coach, trainer, firefighter, EMT, waitress, bartender… you name it. Then I shared the “imagine if” dream I’d been carrying for years: a brand-new business idea that didn’t exist yet. Instead of brushing it off, Paul was the first person to look me in the eye and say it was possible. My challenge wasn’t just knowing what I wanted; it was figuring out how to get there and believing I could.
The biggest difference I’ve seen with Paul compared to other coaches or speakers is his authenticity. You can’t fake caring, and you can’t fake being all in on someone’s dreams. Not once did I feel like “just another client.” Paul made me feel important every single time. He listened intently, asked questions until he understood my vision, and held me accountable with structure and homework that showed he was invested.
He challenged me to think outside the box but also to move with intention each day, to be proactive instead of reactive. He checked in on me even when we didn’t meet and reminded me that my story matters. What truly sets Paul apart is his willingness to show up vulnerably, too. As I leaned into my journey, he leaned into his, and that mutual honesty created a connection where we could validate and encourage each other along the way.
The biggest shift I’ve noticed in myself is confidence and consistency. Paul always reminds me that the most valuable product I can offer is myself. I’m not just starting a business; I’m sharing who I am and what I uniquely bring to the table. Together, we’ve built a strong foundation: a business model, a clear starting point, and real S.M.A.R.T. goals that keep me focused and moving forward. I feel more ready, more motivated, and more realistic now than when I began. And the impact hasn’t stopped at my career; his coaching has touched every part of my life.
I’m beyond grateful for the time, energy, and belief Paul has poured into me. His coaching goes beyond business; it’s personal, motivating, and exactly the kind of support I didn’t know I needed until I had it. If you’re ready to grow, push past your limits, and step into the best version of yourself, I can’t recommend working with Paul enough. He won’t just help you reach your goals; he’ll help you see the bigger picture of who you are and what you’re capable of.
Emma Kelley
Entrepreneur
My sister had been working with Paul for several months and suggested I explore coaching. She recommended and introduced me to Paul. We looked at where I am in my current role and where I would like to be but most importantly what it was that gave me the most joy — which turned out to be creating my own designs, under my own name. Paul’s coaching style is approachable and informal. Paul was so easy to talk to and to bounce ideas around with, he would ask thought-provoking questions that helped me to realize what it was I enjoyed the most about what I do and what I would want to change. I looked forward to catching up with Paul in our sessions and talking through ideas and different possibilities together. My coaching from Paul helped me to see that I found the most joy in creating and got me thinking about a longer-term plan to make this my every day. I found my sessions gave me realistic goals (we called them “lily pads” and “steppingstones”) to work towards, which helped make things feel more achievable. I would definitely recommend Paul and already have to several people!
Issie Pagnotta
Designer
