Chris Parke
Chris has a Diploma in Clinical Organisational Psychology from INSEAD and was awarded a scholarship MBA from Imperial College London. He has been an executive coach for over 10 years and specialises in coaching senior individuals and HIPO’s.
Chris wrote his INSEAD Thesis on understanding the complex transition professional women make when they return to work after having children. The ultimate aim of his research was to find innovative ways that organisations could support women during this time, now a core area of expertise of his consultancy Talking Talent.
Chris started his career in investment banking with BZW, where he worked across Europe and Asia. He then moved into consulting with PwC and managed cross border organisational and cultural change projects. Chris' interest in leadership psychology, and helping teams and individuals realise their full potential, drew him towards executive coaching which he has been delivering for over 10 years.
His passion for the commercial benefits of gender diversity, coaching and development led Chris to found Talking Talent. TT supports some of the worlds leading organisations to help them retain their talented women and realise their full potential. Clients are regularly featured in the press and have won awards for the work that Talking Talent has partnered with them to deliver.
Chris has written or featured on the area of coaching senior women in the FT, Lawyer Magazine, Women in Banking and Finance, The Director, HRD and has participated as an expert panellist for BBC Radio.
Chris has delivered work for leading firms in financial services, oil and gas, pharma, technology, professional services, the media, telecoms, the law and the public sector.
Areas of expertise include:
- Coaching women following a career break or maternity leave
- Personal identity through transition
- Authentic leadership styles
- Confidence and dealing with the ‘imposter’ syndrome
- Influencing change as a leader
- Effective transition into Partnerships or senior roles
- Organisation culture change
Chris lives in Oxfordshire with his wife and three daughters.