About Me

Hello.

I’m Michelle Atkinson, the heartbeat of Blackwood Gate Ltd. A company focused on organisations and individuals looking to expand their potential. I’m a curious human being and a woman on a mission to help people occupy the full space we have the human potential to fill. You’ll find me in my element when I’m working with organisations and individuals, inspiring growth, championing leadership that starts with you, and expanding mindsets so you can welcome in what’s possible.

Throughout the history of my career, I have seen time and time again the shadows we all create and cast for others to see, feel and experience. With over quarter of a century of practical application and learning in roles across operational management, leadership & talent development, global change, consultancy, coaching and proud founder and chief at Blackwood Gate Ltd, I’ve seen a fair bit!

When you work with me you’ll be working with a Certified Professional Coach (ICF), Certified Physical Intelligence Coach, Certified Professional Neuroplastician™ and Certified Burnout Coach.

I bring a unique blend of multi-discipline experience and a creative approach to my purpose-led work. I look forward to working with you too.

…. Some words clients have used to describe our work together

“Inspiring”, “Emotional”, “Enlightening”, “Motivating”, “Grateful”, “Reflective”, “Powerful”, “Stretching”, “Confidence boosting”, “Transforming”

Let's talk

At the heart of my work

Core values

  • Authenticity - Say and mean what I say

  • Curiosity - Be curious about uniqueness

  • Accountability - Be responsible

  • Courageous Learner - Be bold, find pride and joy in the work

  • Humility - Prioritise energy and humility over ego

  • Community - Positively help others thrive

Inclusion principles

  • Partner & Learn - Commit to working with diversity advocates.

  • Create Inclusive Environments - Deliver participative learning.

  • Respect & Embrace - Human rights, no discrimination.

  • Self-Reflect & Challenge - Learn from assumptions and actions.

Climate Impact

  • Every business, no matter the size, can reduce climate impact.

  • A CONSCIOUS CONSUMER - Proactively sourcing suppliers who are committed to reducing carbon through the supply chain

  • GREENER STRATEGIES - Thinking Green. From lightbulbs to waste, learning from others in the quest to achieve a more sustainable future. Taking one step, making one choice and one climate conscious action at a time. Every action matters

 Questions you may have

  • The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching has “partnering with clients in a thought provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential”.

    Coaching is a powerful form of development that leads to behaviour change and results. It is not teaching or mentoring.

  • I am a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) designated by the International Coaching Federation, bringing a breadth of practical experience, knowledge and skill in coaching and leadership development gained throughout my career and beyond. I am an experienced and certified professional coach and a visiting tutor for an Executive Education Programme at Henley Business School

  • I’m a coach, educator and facilitator. I work with individuals and teams inside and outside of organisations. I also work with university graduates.

    My portfolio includes clients in financial services (Insurance and Banking), public services, higher education, IT, Marketing, Retail, Commercial Real Estate, Manufacturing to name but a few.

    As well as being hired directly by organisations I also enjoy being a valued and trusted Associate Coach and facilitator. I love the diversity of the work. You’ll find me working with leaders to develop their coaching skills, facilitating and coaching as part of company integrated learning programmes, 1-2-1, with groups , teams, Executive development and lots in between.

  • Growth is a choice. When you proactively engage in coaching and development you recognise that you have areas in your personal, professional life or organisation that you want to evolve. Once you’re clear on the areas you want to focus on; be authentic, be curious, and be open-minded. If you’re feeling stuck, staying stuck may not be the best use of your precious time. If you want to expand your performance and leadership capability, working with a coach will help you to do that. It takes courage, energy and a willingness to let go of the things that may have been getting in your way today so that you can expand and grow

  • We are all as unique as our fingerprints, so no two coaching led solutions are the same. Solutions are designed with you at the heart of them and tailored to your individual or organisational needs. Prices therefore vary. Coaching-led solutions are delivered virtually and in person, 1-2-1, groups and in teams

  • If you are running an event and looking for a keynote speaker to talk about why mindset matters, inspire people to learn how to tap into the intelligence of the brain and the body to access hidden potential for performance, let’s talk.

    Example engagement; I was delighted to speak at the University of York to launch their new Manager Community, inspiring managers to raise their game for the people they lead, themselves and their peers.

  • I’m happy that you are curious! If you’re serious about committing to growth and development, either as an individual or an organisation, let’s find time to connect. You can reach me via the Contact Page or LinkedIn

What People Are Saying

“Thank you for a well-informed, powerful and compelling session. Your contribution really helped us highlight our areas of leadership strength and development”

Chief Executive

“Thank you for giving your time today and delivering a really inspiring talk to launch our new manager network. You were a big hit with everyone!”

Culture and Engagement Manager

“I’m a software engineer, aged 52 and recently discovered I have ADHD. Through working with Michelle I discovered ways of facing my blockers and busting through them. I’m now in a much better place, able to organise and achieve at a much higher level”

IT Professional

“ I was feeling very overwhelmed with the future after graduating University. Michelle asked great questions that enabled me to think, set realistic goals and plan constructively looking to the immediate future. I now feel in control”

University Graduate