Gillian Fox

Gillian Fox - Optimal People

I have spent more than 25 years in executive search, assessment and coaching.  Over that period, I have met thousands of executives and managers – I know what makes an outstanding leader.

Throughout my career, I have worked for ambitious, contemporary executive search and leadership advisory firms.  In 2016, I co-founded Essenta Partners, which has rapidly grown into a leading international executive search business.

I have now launched Lucidant Consulting, a talent performance and leadership advisory firm, to leverage my experience of working with senior executives.

I am passionate about providing expert assessment and coaching services to improve clients’ performance through their leadership talent.

My mission is to provide ‘Leadership Clarity’ for my clients.

Coaching

My coaching approach is designed to enable leaders to be the best version of themselves and to reach their potential.

This is grounded in:

  • Practical advice, having supported leaders over more than 25 years in executive search
  • Entrepreneurial spirit, having founded and grown a successful consulting business.
  • Lived experience, having overcome significant personal loss.

This approach is supported by best-in-class training from Barefoot Coaching, and ICF accreditation.
I have been told that my approach is calm, authentic and engaging; that I am a good listener and put people at ease; and that I offer direct, empathetic and constructive advice.

Testimonials

“Charlie has been helpful in challenging me in ways which have sparked a range of new options that I have not considered before. Through some relatively simple exercises our conversations have been focused on exploring root cause and/or different paths available to me, ultimately to identify a way forward. My engagement with Charlie has really been intimidating and exciting at the same time. I have found Charlie’s calm demeanour and “targeted” approach excellent.” H.B – CMO – Sept ‘23

“I engaged Charlie to help better understand my motivations and future career path. His background in working with clients and people, coupled with his excellent coaching and leadership expertise, provided me with real clarity. Working together we explored a number of areas that allowed me to understand what I wanted, what I excelled at, what I needed to develop and what I should avoid. Charlie was able to do this very effectively and I feel more equipped than ever for the next stage of my career.” G.P – EMEA MD – Sept ‘23