Bert Stemarthe

Associate Certified Coach - International Coaching Federation

I’m a passionate believer in the huge potential that exists in even the most successful people and in providing them with the foundation to unlock more of it.  My focus is often on the mental health and wellbeing of my clients

My aim is always to coach ‘the person’ rather than ‘the executive’ and in doing so, I help the person to find the resources that they need and the ones they already have to be able to become the best that they can be.  Then, that person can become a more effective and successful executive.  Essentially my coaching philosophy can be summed up by the phrase; you can’t fire a cannon from a canoe!

My passion for coaching and the absolute belief in the powerful impact it can have on individuals and teams has been honed over a twenty-five year career in various helping and facilitating roles. Confidence, self-esteem and locus of control have always fascinated me, and these form the areas of special interest that underpin my work as both a therapist and coach.  

Having recently presented to the British Medical Association (BMA) on these topics and as a regular presenter to the wider medical profession, I am well positioned to help executives at any level with these issues.

Bert Testimonials

Bert uses a variety of approaches, and has grounding in different areas of practice which I really value – he's able to deftly balance theory with practical application.

We built a strong rapport quickly and I felt very comfortable being open and honest. He was confident at challenging me and my thinking, in a kind way. He's smart and empathic, which was key to building this trust and openness.

Bert's coaching has given me a new perspective and tools to build on.

Finance Head, Culture and Heritage

I initially engaged in coaching when I was feeling completely overwhelmed with work and life in general. Bert's approach and coaching style instantly put me at ease and created a safe space to explore what was going on.

I have come away from my coaching sessions with clarity on why I was feeling overwhelmed and most importantly practical steps in how to make positive change. Bert is an excellent coach who has made an impact in my mindset, outlook and approach.

HR Director, Retail

I sought a push in my thinking, clarity on my obstacles, and actionable tools to enhance my mindset.

Bert delivered on all fronts, providing invaluable support for my growth and improvement.

Finance Head, Entertainment

“Bert is an excellent coach: I’ve found his style to be supportive and challenging in that I feel safe to bring all matters professional and personal to the coaching arena but he challenges me in my assumptions and natural responses.

I also appreciate the structure and frameworks he gives me to deal with different situations without judgement.”

CEO, Pharmaceutical Retail, 2023

“I went into my coaching sessions with the intention of working on my organisation: time­ management, prioritisation etc. With Bert, we covered these matters and identified tools and methods that I have consistently used ever since to improve my way of working. But beyond this, I was able to talk about and address relationship matters within the workplace that were perhaps the true reason for any lack of organisation I felt. 

Within the sessions, I felt there was an especially safe space in which to explore such matters that I would otherwise and normally find difficult to discuss; but we did so in a way that not only aired the issues but also allowed me to see how they could be addressed ­ and how not to take them personally. That I could do so, and that these issues could be aired and talked about, is testament to Bert's approach”

MW, Senior Administrator, National Parliament, UK

“Bert instantly put me at ease at the outset of our first meeting. He has a very calming, no-nonsense demeanour. I found him totally credible. What I liked about my sessions with Bert is that there were no gimmicks or unrealistic techniques. Instead I could determine my own course of actions. Bert was fantastic at asking me the right questions and building a framework to help me figure out the answers for myself. I walked away from my sessions with Bert with a huge amount of confidence, a concrete plan and a much more targeted set of priorities. Even after the first session I was able to make immediate changes in my behaviour that had a positive impact.

Overall, Bert is great to work with; he has the balance of challenge and support just right, he truly listens and the end-results are hugely beneficial. He really helped me figure out my professional priorities and then put in place the right plan to see them through.”

RJ, Global Head of Audit and Compliance, UK

Areas of Expertise:

  • Leadership development, leadership presence and leadership style

  • Stress management

  • Mental wellbeing and confidence

  • Change management

  • Home/work-life balance

Professional Background:

My career of helping clients to improve began as a personal trainer.  I opened one of London’s first personal training-only studios in 2000 in The City of London.  

My career of helping to develop my clients’ bodies changed to wanting to help them improve their mental wellbeing when I qualified as a Cognitive Hypnotherapist, EMDR practitioner and coach. As a coach, I bring the study and experience of all of these different areas of expertise to help my clients achieve their own goals.

Recent Assignments:

  • Coaching a senior member of NHS management to flourish in an even more senior role

  • Coaching two managers of an asset finance company who have been identified as future senior leaders of the firm.

  • Preparing a partner from a top four professional services firm for retirement.

  • Coaching two directors and full board members of a multinational firm through the transition to new roles and responsibilities.

Accreditation and Training:

  • Associate Certified Coach, International Coaching Federation

  • Member of the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH)

  • Member of the Complimentary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)

  • Member of the International Coach Federation (ICF)

  • Diploma in Cognitive Hypnotherapy

  • BSc in Movement Science

  • MSc in Business Psychology