Meet Claire
Professional Development Trainer & ICF Accredited Coach
Hi, I'm Claire Skaptason, and I like to think of myself as the 'One & Only' (O&O) Trainer and Coach, a name borrowed from a family nickname, not Chesney Hawkes!
I've spent 20+ years working in professional development, across a wide range of industry sectors with business owners, leaders, and their teams. In 2017 I became an accredited coach, and for the past nine years I've combined both training and coaching which is where I believe I do my best work.
Today my focus is on facilitating training, coaching, and team development, helping individuals and teams be as effective as they can be. It's my love of people that drives everything I do.
My approach
My first job out of University was at a financial software company in the South of France. I loved it, learnt a lot and met some great people. After several years I returned to London and started working with a friend (Tom) who was starting a PR & Marketing agency in the Financial Services sector. I joined him and helped him grow the business. We worked hard, we travelled on a budget and we started to build a very strong brand and client base including top financial institutions.
In 2004 I decided to try my hand at training — an area I knew I was passionate about. I always felt fairly confident when standing in front of a group of people. I created a 'Presentation Skills' training course and was given a break by the fabulous Lucy Funnell, then Learning & Development Manager at The Body Shop. The feedback was very positive and I was asked to deliver more. It was not long before other companies were employing my services — the power of Word of Mouth has stood me in such good stead that I have never needed to advertise myself as a trainer.
Forward wind several years, a marriage, two children and lots of mum guilt — continuing to work while trying to be a half decent mum. I continued training, did consultancy work for small businesses, and even ran Polka Dot House — a retail business sourcing and selling new, vintage and handmade goodies. I loved it, but it soon took its toll on family life so I brought it to an end. Everything I have done has taken me to where I am today.
In September 2016 I started working a couple of days at a sixth form centre close to where I live — while still delivering training. I love the 16–18 age group and believe that with the right kind of support and coaching they really can be the best versions of themselves. At the same time I was increasingly being asked about coaching, and it felt like the right time to get my qualification. So here I sit today as a certified coach with lots of clients under my belt and a hunger to be the best coach I can be — whether that be in business, for students, or for individuals wanting a change in their life or career.
I have a lot of experience in a lot of different areas which I believe makes me the best Trainer and Coach that I can be today. I continue to learn on a daily basis — if I am not the best version of myself, how can I help others to reach those dizzy heights? But it is my love of people that enables me to enjoy everything I do.
Experience you can trust
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