Coaching
It isn’t an exaggeration to say that coaching and mentoring has transformed my life. Action-learning sets and informal group sharing with peers have also been important for learning and growth.
When a coach summarises or pulls out a theme from what I say, it helps me to notice my thoughts in a fresh way. When I’m asked the right question, it dares me to think bigger and broader than before. When I’m offered full attention, without judgment or advice, it creates a supportive space for me to unleash my best.
What I offer
‘Shilpa is a really compassionate and empowering coach.’
I offer coaching and mentoring to clients in organisations and foundations working alongside communities, especially marginalised communities.
I work one-to-one and also with small groups of peers/colleagues.
My coaching style is based on somatic connection and unleashing creativity. I help clients to honour their physical, emotional and spiritual needs, as well as intellectual. I listen, deeply. I ask good questions. I reflect back what I feel and observe. I spot recurring themes. I help to make plans. I celebrate strengths and I don’t shy from uncomfortable truths.
Drawing on my experience teaching meditation, yoga and singing, I help people slow down. Feel. Breathe. Listen to the wisdom of their bodies. And perhaps write, draw or move with that wisdom before connecting it to themes in their work. To me, this is where working in a decolonial and feminist way begins.
Often an initial query – eg ‘I need to deliver this outreach project’ – unpacks broader, deeper questions such as:
My approach can also support an expansive ‘dreaming’ quality – supporting individuals or teams identify and follow their North Star.
How you can expect me to work with you
Together we will:
Meetings are held online on Zoom, unless we are in the same area. I prefer to work with a client for a minimum of three sessions. To explore one to one or group coaching, either privately or through your organisation, please contact me for an initial discussion
Testimonials
I’ve had coaching and mentoring from Shilpa in various forms over the years and I couldn’t recommend her highly enough. She brings her wisdom from her many years in social justice work, alongside breathwork, somatics and her own creative practice. She supports me to find the practices that will help me hold myself to account, care for myself, and bring my fullest possible self to my work. Over the years she has supported me in making big changes in my work and life.
— Elena, Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust
Shilpa is very much about the individual, the group and the journey, as opposed to quick delivery, hitting targets and forgettable moments. Creating a supportive group of Women of Colour has been life changing, helping me address my experiences of being oppressed and hear others as well as get nourished. The trust, safety and support of others like me has meant that I continue to get replenished whenever my cup runs low.
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121’s have also been extremely useful as Shilpa is very perceptive, and gentle even when she is encouraging you to be critical of thoughts, ideas or concepts. She is open about her own experience and does not make out she is perfect, which makes our conversations feel real. Breathing exercises I have learnt in these 121s have helped me at times of extreme tension
— Penny Wangari – Jones, Racial Justice Network
Shilpa combines coaching and mentoring with campaign strategy, liberation practice, meditative grounding and organisational development. She has a breadth of knowledge and experience. Not only that, she’s a great listener and is extremely responsive to both individual and group dynamics. She helped me clarify and focus, both on my own needs and those of others, more than anyone else I’ve worked with.
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— Richard Hawkins, Director, Public Interest Research Company
Shilpa is a really compassionate and empowering coach. What is really unique about working with Shilpa is her wide range of experiences, expertise and skills she brings to the table. Throughout our sessions, we created goals, explored my values and how I treat myself. I found doing breath work before each session both gave me tangible techniques to use for myself, but also really opened each session with a sense of calmness and intention.
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The work we did together on compassionate communication, and learning about non violent communication was integral in my ongoing recovery from vicarious trauma. This has helped me to rediscover my voice and assert my needs in a way in which I empower both and give to myself as well as others.
Feedback from participant in a Tackling Every day Racism and Sexism workshop in London