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Global Coach Training
About the AoEC
Together we unlock potential for a better world
15000 +
people trained worldwide
14
global locations
25
years experience of delivering professional coach training
Founded in 1999, we exist to unlock potential in people, organisations and systems - globally, ethically and with purpose.
We believe coaching is a transformative force in today’s world of work. In a world shaped by constant change, complexity and uncertainty, coaching plays an increasingly vital role in how organisations build culture, develop leaders, strengthen relationships and create sustainable performance.
Our programmes are underpinned by the highest professional standards. We hold triple accreditation from the Association for Coaching, EMCC Global and the International Coaching Federation- reflecting the depth, rigour and integrity of our coach education.
Alongside this professional credibility, as a certified B Corp, we measure our success not only by what we achieve, but by how we achieve it. We are committed to using business as a force for good, embedding consideration for people, society and the environment into our decisions, our partnerships and our growth.
We are proud to be one of the world’s most established coach education providers, having supported the development of over 15,000 learners across 100 countries. Our blended, experiential learning approach combines insight, practice and reflection, enabling meaningful learning that transfers into real‑world impact. Our programmes are designed to support individuals at different career stages and across diverse professional contexts.
With a strong business focus and a relational core, our executive and team coaching programmes are designed for coaches, HR and L&D professionals, future leaders, managers at all levels and organisational development specialists. Our expert faculty create a focused, dynamic and psychologically safe learning environment, supporting each participant to develop their own signature presence as a coach or leader.
For organisations, our priority is to help unlock full potential in ways that deliver sustainable, lasting results. Alongside in‑house training, we offer tailored learning journeys, team and leadership coaching, and bespoke solutions that support long‑term capability, wellbeing and organisational effectiveness.
We are deeply invested in the people we work with and the experience we create. From our commitment to inclusive practices and fair pay, to our ongoing efforts to reduce our environmental impact, we take seriously our responsibility to contribute positively to the wider world.
If you’re looking for coaching education and development that is professionally rigorous, relational in practice and led by strong values, we’d love to explore what’s possible together.
Explore more below or discover our programmes here.
To view our current vacancies please click here.
Some voices from our team:
John Leary-Joyce, CEO
John is a distinguished figure in the world of executive coaching, renowned for his pioneering contributions and entrepreneurial spirit. He founded the Academy of Executive Coaching in 1999, transforming it from a single-administrator setup into a globally recognised institution with professional accreditations from ICF, EMCC, and AC. Under his visionary leadership, the AoEC has become a hub for innovative coaching methodologies and professional development.
John's extensive experience includes serving as the Managing Director of the Gestalt Centre London, where he significantly expanded the business over six years. His expertise in Gestalt psychotherapy and executive coaching has been instrumental in integrating these disciplines into effective coaching practices. John is also a prolific author, known for his book 'Fertile Void: Gestalt Coaching at Work,' and 'Systemic Team Coaching' with Hilary Lines, both of which have become a staple in the coaching community.
In addition to his accomplishments in coaching, John has a passion for Tango dancing, which he believes complements his work in coaching and leadership. This unique combination of interests highlights his commitment to creating connection, sensitivity, and presence, both in dance and professional settings.
Throughout his career, John has held various leadership roles, including Past President of EMCC UK, where he focused on maintaining coaching and mentoring standards and promoting collaboration among professional bodies. He continues to contribute to the field through his role as CEO at the AoEC and his ongoing work in Gestalt coaching and training.
John Leary-Joyce's legacy is marked by his dedication to excellence, innovation, and the development of future leaders in the coaching industry. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the field, inspiring countless professionals to pursue mastery in executive and team coaching.
Lucy Tulloch - Head of Coach Education
Lucy is an experienced executive and team coach, mentor, and supervisor with a 20-year career in specialist travel and tour operations. In 2015, she founded her own coaching practice, driven by a passion for helping individuals and teams optimise their performance, find fulfilment in their work, and take control of their careers.
With a Post Graduate Certification in Business and Personal Coaching, Lucy’s coaching style combines warmth, constructive challenge, unwavering support, and a sense of fun, creating an approach that is both deeply engaging and highly effective. Her innate ability to connect with clients and create a safe, trusting environment often leads to profound, transformational change in both personal and professional spheres.
Lucy’s work is grounded in extensive management experience, exposure to significant business growth, a solution-focused mindset, and practical experience in change management. She is also an ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapist), a form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which further enriches her coaching approach by incorporating mindfulness and value-driven action.
In addition to her background in travel, Lucy works with clients across industries such as education, financial services, tech, and recruitment. She has expanded her expertise with studies in high-performance team coaching, wellbeing and stress management, and more recently, a qualification in Understanding Autism.
As a coach mentor and supervisor, Lucy supports other coaches in developing their skills and advancing their professional practice.
Lucy lives in Oxfordshire with her young family and enjoys cooking and long walks with her dog in her spare time.
Lisa White - Head of Sales & Service
Lisa White heads up the Sales and Client Experience team at the AoEC, bringing a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for helping people succeed. As a graduate of the Practitioner Diploma, Lisa has seen first hand the transformative impact that coaching can have on leaders and teams, which inspires her work every day.
With over 20 years in sales, account management, and business operations, Lisa thrives on building strong relationships and creating positive experiences for clients. She’s also led teams through big changes, helping them stay steady and focused during transitions. Known for her curiosity and authenticity, Lisa combines a love for data and strategy with a commitment to delivering exceptional results.
Outside of work, Lisa treasures time with her husband, two daughters, and her lively cockapoos. She’s a fan of the arts and loves discovering new ways to bring creativity and energy into her life and work.
Vicky Routledge - Head of Marketing
Vicky joined the AoEC Marketing Department in 2015 having worked in the charity sector for sixteen years and additionally brings a wealth of experience from voluntary activity.
Vicky enjoys organising events, developing information resources, managing teams, planning and developing processes and strategy. She has a wealth of experience and enthusiasm for developing and promoting events and services for a wide range of people. Resources have included websites, publications, newsletters and factsheets. Services include helplines, support groups and methods of data collection and evaluation.
Her passion to achieve the best is portrayed in her attention to detail, organisation and desire for perfection and she loves planning and developing strategy, always in the pursuit of improvement. Vicky has a passion for supporting people to become the best at what they want to be. With a degree in psychology, a certified coach and a wealth of experience in the voluntary sector, she brings a creative energy balanced with a realistic planned approach. She also loves a bit of baking and spends her spare time watching her children play a lot of football!
Sophie Welch - Head of Programmes
Sophie Welch is Head of Programmes at the Academy of Executive Coaching. She brings over fifteen years’ experience from the Higher Education sector, working first in academic and research management at Durham University, and latterly in researcher development as an independent leadership coach and ethics consultant. From 2007 to 2022 Sophie supported ethical research through the NHS, and for the last seven years served as Vice-Chair to the North of Scotland Research Ethics Committees. Sophie is a graduate of Classical Civilisation at the University of Leeds (BA, MA) and an alumna of AoEC Scotland (Practitioner Diploma in Executive Coaching, 2014).
Elif Spreadborough - Head of IT & Projects
Elif has 24 years of experience working for companies with varying type, size and culture within various industries such as Software Development, Digital & Technology, Training & Education, Healthcare, Management Consultancy, Ground Engineering & Environmental Consultancy, and Battery Technology & Manufacturing.
Her focus and expertise has been within strategy creation & implementation, project, programme & portfolio management, and digital & business transformation change projects.
She has a Degree in Healthcare Management, and a Post Graduate Degree in Management, a Certification in Product Management, past studies in Project, Programme, and Portfolio Management, and mental health, and self-development & personal growth. She is also a certified clinical psychotherapist and hypnotherapist.
Our Values
Do the right thing
We believe that we all know deep down what is the right thing to do
Stick together
We are loyal to each other. We support each other in pursuit of success as a whole team
Try out new stuff
We try out new ideas and collaborate with exciting individuals who share our values
Say it how it is
We have honest open conversations with respect for everyone and avoid gossiping
Organisations we have supported include:
