There was a time when Dr. Cathryn Lloyd believed that being a great coach meant having all the right answers. But over the years, she’s come to realize that coaching isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. It’s about sitting with discomfort, both her own and her clients’, and embracing the uncertainty that often leads to the biggest breakthroughs.
As both a coach and a coachee, Dr. Cathryn has learned that transformation happens not when someone leads the way, but when they walk beside you, holding space for reflection and growth. Her role isn’t to dictate the path but to encourage clients to explore their own, helping them make choices that align with who they are and where they want to go.
Every conversation, every challenge, and every mistake is an opportunity to learn—something she never takes for granted. And that’s what makes her coaching so powerful. Not because she’s perfect, but because she’s present, engaged, and committed to the journey alongside those she works with.
A Journey of Coaching, Creativity, and Transformation
Dr. Cathryn Lloyd’s coaching practice is an ongoing evolution, shaped by her deep understanding of the power of coaching—not just for others, but for herself. Early in her facilitation career, she recognized that her approach was shifting into something different, something more reflective and exploratory. Trusting her intuition, she began investigating the world of coaching, eventually training with the Creativity Coaching Association under Eric Maisel and Beverley Downes.
Her journey has since expanded, with a growing interest and specialization in team coaching. Seeing the impact and momentum that can emerge from a team coaching perspective, she has further developed her expertise through the EMCC European Mentoring and Coaching Council, Tammy Turner International, and David Clutterbuck’s work.
Years before fully stepping into coaching, Dr. Cathryn attended an arts and business conference in a castle in Slovenia, where she met several people who called themselves coaches. At the time, she struggled to grasp what coaching truly was. Looking back, she now finds it remarkable that she has not only become a coach herself but has also made it part of her practice to help others understand and experience coaching firsthand.
At the heart of Dr. Cathryn’s approach is empowerment. She provides a trusted, judgment-free space where individuals can explore what truly matters to them. She understands that coaching is an emergent process, and she holds that space with patience and openness.
Curiosity plays a crucial role in her work—not only curiosity about the people she coaches but also self-awareness in moments when judgment or personal triggers arise. Acknowledging her own humanity, she embraces kindness, compassion, and empathy, recognizing that coaching requires a willingness to be vulnerable and open.
For Dr. Cathryn, coaching is about walking alongside clients as they explore possibilities and uncover the solutions already within them. Together, they create a “third space”—a quiet, reflective space where clients can access their creative wisdom and trust their insights. It is in this space that true transformation unfolds.
Coaching for Growth, Not Fixing
A common misconception about coaching is that it’s about “fixing” someone—that the coach holds all the answers. Dr. Cathryn knows that true coaching is about creating a space of trust, where curiosity-driven conversations help individuals reflect, explore, and discover their own answers. Coaching is not a quick fix; real transformation takes time, patience, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty and discomfort.
In her coaching partnerships, clients lead the way, while Dr. Cathryn serves as a thoughtful guide—prompting, challenging, making observations, and asking clarifying questions. With mutual respect and agreed-upon boundaries, she helps clients untangle internal conflicts, quiet the noise, and weigh their options with greater clarity.
The most rewarding moments in her work come when a client experiences that powerful “aha!” moment—a shift in self-perception, a newfound confidence, or the realization that they already have the answers within them. Witnessing someone step into their own power, embrace new challenges, and back themselves is what fuels her passion.
For Dr. Cathryn, coaching is an ever-evolving process, one that teaches her just as much as it teaches her clients. Every conversation is a reminder that change is possible—and that growth happens when people allow themselves to step into the unknown and trust the process.
A Collaborative Guide in Coaching and Facilitation
Dr. Cathryn sees leadership not as directing but as collaborating and guiding. This perspective shapes how she engages with others—she’s not there to provide definitive answers, but rather to create a space where individuals can take ownership of their choices, actions, and contributions. Her role is to be a steady, encouraging presence, walking alongside her clients as they reflect, explore, and navigate their own paths forward.
A lifelong learner and naturally curious thinker, Dr. Cathryn embraces new perspectives, tools, and approaches that enhance her coaching practice. She is particularly drawn to Artful Inquiry, weaving creativity into her work to foster deeper exploration and insight. Her curiosity drives her to engage with workshops, thought leaders, podcasts, and coaching supervision, ensuring she stays attuned to emerging ideas and practices in the field.
For over 12 years, she has been part of a community of facilitators and coaches, a space of deep learning and professional growth that she values immensely. She has also developed her own creative coaching tools and resources, continuously refining them based on experience and feedback.
Dr. Cathryn believes that great coaching is an evolving practice, enriched by shared learning, open conversations, and a willingness to explore—both for herself and for those she supports.
Embracing the Unknown in Coaching
Helping people understand the value of coaching can be a challenge—especially for those who have never experienced it. Coaching is not a one-size-fits-all process; it’s deeply personal, experiential, and unique to each individual. Dr. Cathryn recognizes that stepping into coaching often requires a leap of faith, and part of her role is to help bridge that gap—offering insights and, where possible, providing a firsthand experience of what coaching can truly feel like.
Early in her journey, Dr. Cathryn wrestled with self-doubt, particularly when working with leaders and teams. The expectation to have all the answers or the fear of getting it wrong was something she had to navigate. Over time, she learned that coaching is not about having perfect solutions—it’s about being fully present, holding space, and allowing insights to emerge naturally.
Transformation is rarely linear. Dr. Cathryn has had to grow comfortable with sitting in discomfort, both for herself and her clients, because she knows that true breakthroughs happen in those uncertain moments.
For Dr. Cathryn, recognition isn’t about awards or accolades—it comes from witnessing her clients’ growth. Seeing them gain confidence, develop strategies, and navigate their lives in meaningful ways is the most rewarding validation of her work. And when a client chooses to continue their journey with her, that is the greatest recognition of all.
A Commitment to Growth, Creativity, and Coaching Excellence
Dr. Cathryn believes that great coaching starts with continuous self-investment and professional development. To truly support others, coaches must also experience being coached, stepping into their clients’ shoes to better understand the vulnerabilities and breakthroughs that come with the process. She values group supervision, finding inspiration and insight in the shared experiences of fellow coaches.
Mistakes are not something to fear—they are part of the journey. Dr. Cathryn sees coaching as a partnership, where both coach and client are equally invested in the experience. The work of coaching is as much about inner reflection as it is about guiding others, offering a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth. Coaching isn’t about instant results; it’s about building trust, one conversation at a time.
Looking ahead, Dr. Cathryn remains committed to refining her craft, challenging herself, and expanding her impact. She is particularly passionate about the intersection of creativity and coaching, exploring new tools, formats, and audiences to bring fresh perspectives into her work. She aims to help individuals and teams unlock their full potential, collaborate effectively, and innovate with confidence.
Dr. Cathryn sees team coaching as a powerful force for positive change and aspires to contribute to the field on a broader scale. She is eager to explore co-coaching, a dynamic and collaborative approach that enhances learning and impact. As her practice continues to evolve, her focus remains clear: to create meaningful change, foster deeper connections, and support transformation in the most effective and inspiring ways possible.
