Resources

My mission is to empower as many individuals as possible, so that you can optimise your brilliance and take your personal and professional life to the next level.

 

Journal

The average person has about 12,000 to 60,000 thoughts per day. Of those, 80% are negative and 95% are the same repetitive thoughts as the day before. Herein lies the opportunity! If we change our thinking, we can also change our emotions and behaviour too, because they are inextricably linked. This journal has been designed with science in mind and helps you to reduce stress, process emotions, improve the relationship you have with yourself and enhance confidence and happiness.

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Which of the 7 Leadership Saboteurs is Holding You Back?

Discover which nervous system-driven habits are quietly limiting your growth, and how to change them for good, by completing my free scorecard. Built from 20+ years of executive coaching, it takes 3 minutes to give you an instant, customised report.

Discover Your Primary Saboteur

testimonials

'The Optimised Leader Programme: Next Level has helped me become a more confident leader and a better team member. The mix of individual coaching and group sessions challenged my thinking, improved my collaboration skills, and helped me develop a more strategic approach. I've come a long way throughout the programme and would highly recommend it to others.'
Natalie BowmanFinance & HR Director, Hannells
I love Estelle’s approach, style and most importantly the results she gets. A brilliant balance of challenging and supportive and extremely knowledgeable.
Sarah Walker-Smith
Sarah Walker-SmithCEO, Shakespeare Martineau & Ampa
Thank you for this highly impactful support on this leadership development programme. This coaching experience has helped me become a more intentional manager: more attentive, more assertive, and better aligned with my priorities. I have learned to better manage my time, set clear boundaries, and, most importantly, adopt a coaching style with my team by fostering autonomy and ownership. The tools shared—particularly around open questioning and conflict management—have had a direct impact on my management practices and on my team’s engagement. Beyond the learning itself, this journey has driven a genuine shift in my leadership posture, which I am continuing to embed over time.
Stéphanie Gareau
Stéphanie GareauHead of Sales – France, Vetoquinol
One of the most valuable aspects of this programme was that it combined practical tools with self-reflection. It challenged some of my existing habits and helped me become a more conscious and effective.
Jarosław Bartosik
Jarosław BartosikHR Director CEE, Vetoquinol
Ah wow the feedback I have had is incredible. Everyone really enjoyed the session, and word has got around so I am being hounded for the recording now!
Laura Iles
Laura IlesHead of HR, AGCO Corporation
Taking The Optimised Leader Programme: Next Level has been a great experience. The content was engaging and easy to follow. I have developed new skills that I can apply in my work, and I feel more confident in my abilities.
Area DirectorProperty Industry
Being part of the Leadership Development Programme has been an enriching and motivating experience. I am better equipped now to navigate my professional journey with more strength and enthusiasm.
John Doe
John DoeCEO
'I recently attended Estelle’s webinar on Strategic Planning, which was excellent! Estelle is really passionate about what she does, and she is very good at painting a picture, pulling out your values and really challenging you on some of your thinking. I’m able to use the tools she gave us to focus my thoughts and I feel like I’m on a good trajectory. Thank you, Estelle!'
Sarah Parkinson
Sarah ParkinsonSenior Equity Partner & Head of Real Estate Department, Browne Jacobson
I just wanted to drop you a line to say thank you so much for the Personal Development Course – I know that we all really enjoyed and benefitted from it. I have done many courses over the years which have covered similar topics, however they have never been delivered so well or had such an impact on me: you gave so much of yourself in the training and your passion for developing others really shone through. Module 2 was like a lightbulb moment for me and you have really made me reflect. I will continue to make changes and decisions to be kinder to myself, which in turn, I hope others will benefit from. I will take my learning on board and will continue to practice and develop those skills in my work and personal life.
Ang BloomfieldHR Manager, AV Danzer LLP
I have worked with Estelle now for over five years, during which time she has helped to develop the leadership skills of our management team, delivering a series of inspirational and practical learning events ranging from High Impact Presentation Skills to Managing Effective Relationships. Estelle really is our ‘go to’ person for soft skills training and she has developed a number bespoke interventions for us over the years, which have always delivered the goods and have centred around her signature coaching approach. The results are always thoroughly enjoyable, packed with practical tools and good humour and delivered by Estelle in her own unique, energetic and enthusiastic style. I defy anyone to spend time on one of Estelle’s events and not feel energised afterwards.
Andrew Elliott
Andrew ElliottHead of HR, Police Mutual
Estelle’s business coaching has been invaluable for me. At a time when my work had become very challenging and stressful, Estelle helped me to put everything into perspective. Estelle motivated me to become a strong and resilient leader in order to achieve what is expected of me. Her training, support and coaching has given me the confidence and skills to do this for myself by having faith in my own abilities, becoming focused on a strategic approach and being driven by getting things done and achieving the desired results. I have no hesitation in recommending Estelle for business coaching, which for me has been a completely life changing experience, which really has enhanced my approach to both business and life in general by embracing emotional intelligence.
Neil R Jinks
Neil R Jinks Head of High Court Client Services, Marston Group Limited
A fantastic start to our Fisher German Spring Graduate Training with our favourite Estelle Read presenting on Personal Resilience and Presentation Skills. So informative and I always love hearing the funny personal stories which makes it so engaging. Thank you.
Tiffany Radford-Hancock
Tiffany Radford-HancockPartner at Fisher German
'Estelle was kind enough to make time in her day to talk to the Midlands CPD L-D Group about Imposter Syndrome. Open and honest about her own experiences, it was something that will have struck a cord with many of the delegates who attended. Estelle also introduced the group to some practical things they could do to manage their own negative thoughts and feelings such as journaling and Havening techniques. It's always great to leave a session not only with information, but also tools you can actually implement yourself. Thank you so much Estelle!'
Louise Burge
Louise BurgeFounder of Plucky Giraffe
I've been doing the final assessments on the Management Development Programme this week and the feedback on your session has been overwhelmingly positive. The quality of the presentations has been of a very high standard with everyone taking on board your instruction.
Jayne Suthard
Jayne SuthardTraining Manager, Stepnell

Workbook

This workbook has been designed to sit alongside my book Inner Brilliance · Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress as a place to make a note of your answers and reflect. Each chapter and where appropriate, the topic is introduced so that if you haven’t yet purchased my book, you can still gain value from the activities. 

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50 Stress Relieving Tips

I’ve been coaching for over 20 years. When I trawled through my clients’ coaching objectives, and conducted surveys through social media, there were some common themes. People want to:

  • Reduce stress and anxiety so that they feel calmer.
  • Increase their confidence and get rid of their imposter syndrome so that they can stop proving they’re good enough.
  • Lesson their workload, so that they have more time to do the things they love.

So, in light of the results, here’s my 50 things to help with those desires, most of which are free and you can do immediately whenever you’re in need of a pep. Many are scientifically proven too.

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Book A 15 Minute Free discovery Call

This is a pressure-free conversation where you can share what is on your mind, outline your goals, and ask me anything. There is a strict zero-sales-pitch guarantee. We are simply exploring your needs to see if we are fit or if I can help.

Ready to chat? Book your spot below.

Conquer Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress With Estelle’s Bestselling Book

Being able to demonstrate our brilliance, succeed at work and lead our best life, rarely happens by accident; ‘shining’ requires a strategic plan and the latest proven psychosensory techniques – the newest of which is Havening. This ground breaking technique ‘erases’ the triggers, which cause limiting beliefs, behaviours and emotions. Havening is just one of the ten antidotes included in Inner Brilliance ⋅ Outer Shine, which enable even more natural, tension-free success, self-belief, personal effectiveness, wellbeing and happiness.

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testimonials

Since working with Estelle, I have developed much greater personal balance in both my home and work life, and as a result, appreciate both others and myself more, the latter by understanding and better appreciating the person I am and the role I play. Put simply, I cannot recommend Estelle and her abilities highly enough. If you are feeling any unease about the person you are, which could be a result of changes in your seniority at work, or issues of a more personal nature, go and see her and you will immediately feel a weight has been lifted.
David Nelson
David NelsonSenior Partner at PKF Smith Cooper
Estelle's title should be "magician" because what she's able to do is nothing short of magic. It's mind-boggling to think that so many of us plod through life being held back by our own limiting beliefs and negative attitudes when these barriers can actually be smashed through with the help of an executive coach and trainer like Estelle to help us reach our full potential. Estelle is extremely knowedgeable in her field, genuinley cares for her clients and the amazing changes she helps them to make, she is incredibly trustworthy and treats your conversations with absolute confidence AND makes you feel totally comfortable talking about events that you may never have talked to anybody about before. For anybody that wants to become a high performance individual and achieve their loftiest goals, I would have no doubt in recommending, in fact - insisting on, meeting Estelle.
Benjamin Brain
Benjamin BrainDirector at Hannells
The changes I have felt in myself have been so important to me both within and outside the workplace. I came to Estelle lacking confidence in my ability after a long lockdown, followed by maternity leave and general life. Nothing in particular, had happened, just an inward confidence battle. After just 4 sessions with Estelle, and a few real-life games of 'whack-a-mole' my inner brilliance and outer shine have re-emerged and I feel so much more like my old self! So important for work and home - thank you Estelle!
Laura Knight
Laura KnightPartner at Fisher German LLP
I have had the privilege of working with Estelle both on an individual basis and as a HR Manager arranging leadership coaching for our management team. In both situations Estelle has created a safe, friendly and encouraging environment, which allows her coachees and delegates to be open and vulnerable, thereby providing the best opportunity for growth and development. The benefit that our management team have gained from Estelle’s work with us is evident in our business on a regular basis. From a personal perspective Estelle made our coaching sessions feel like a cosy chat with a friend, when in fact she was working through some key areas that were holding me back professionally. I would whole heartedly recommend working with Estelle to anyone experiencing imposter syndrome. The simplicity of her approach has had a significant on me both at work and in my personal relationships – I can’t thank her enough!
Virginia Harvey
Virginia HarveyHR Manager at Vetoquinol
Estelle has recently done some work coaching a colleague to prepare them for a more senior role in the future. Feedback from the colleague has been nothing but positive in terms of the rapport and relationship that was built and the focus on development areas. The colleague has made some really good progress in some very difficult behavioural areas to measure, and anecdotal feedback from around the business has been very positive in regards to the changes observed. From a client engagement point of view, Estelle has been a pleasure to deal with and has provided regular updates on progress (with the colleagues permission). She came recommended to me from someone else and has lived up to their endorsement, so I would have no hesitation in further recommending Estelle.
Greg Scott
Greg ScottHR, Organisational Development, NVS Ltd
Estelle is a brilliant coach. She is everything you want in a coach, encouraging, challenging, honest and full of integrity. I cannot recommend her highly enough. I have used her personally but she also regularly coaches at Fisher German and the feedback across the business is the same. I would highly recommend using Estelle. Plus she's got a great sense of humour!
Maria Hawley
Maria HawleyDirector of People at Fisher German
I asked Estelle to coach my senior and develop them as leaders, so that they can take over the overall running of my business and collaborate as a team. Estelle has coached them using the CLEAR coaching process and has helped them build confidence, self-belief and ensure accountability. They are prioritising tasks to maximise their time, building healthy boundaries to positively manage relationships and cultivate positive emotions that boost resilience and overall performance. They have set Company Values and a Vision and Mission statement, which guides decision making and shapes our Company culture and behaviours, whilst motivating staff, which has benefited the business and will ultimately ensure the business stays focused.
Alison Brain
Alison BrainCo-Founder and MD of Hannells
Estelle perfectly balances being supportive whilst also directly challenging an individuals thoughts/perceptions. She changes mindsets which achieves results. I have very much valued my coaching sessions with Estelle and they have without doubt had a positive impact on me. I would recommend Estelle time and time over and regularly provide contacts with links to her book too.
Liberty Stones
Liberty StonesDivisional Managing Partner - Advisory Services
I love Estelle’s approach, style and most importantly the results she gets. A brilliant balance of challenging and supportive and extremely knowledgeable.
Sarah Walker-Smith
Sarah Walker-SmithCEO, Shakespeare Martineau & Ampa
Estelle perfectly combines friendliness and approachability with a no nonsense approach to business coaching. Through her exercises and thought provoking questions she focused our attention on the areas of our business that worked well and made us re-evaluate the areas that didn’t, the end result being a more streamline and profitable business.
Toby Stubbs & Ben StubbsDirectors, Heart of the Country
Estelle is an absolute joy to work with as a coach. She has a great energy, positivity, warmth and authenticity. Estelle also has a way of very quickly building trust and getting to the root cause. After accessing a number of coaching sessions this year, I have experienced a genuine and embedded shift in my perspective, mindset and approach. This has meant increased confidence in the areas that I focused on. I am delighted with the outcome. I would recommend anyone to work with Estelle if they want to see real, measurable and sustained outcomes achieved via personal growth and development.
Clare FillinghamQuality and Business Manager, The Bridge
I cannot recommend Estelle highly enough. She is extremely personable, insightful, patient and really takes the time to understand her clients and empower them to achieve their personal goals. She has helped me personally and does it all with the most wicked sense of humour!
Amanda Davies
Amanda DaviesHead of People Operations at Fisher German
You have coached several assistant solicitors at Else over a period of 6 years or so. In particular your coaching methods focus on both individual goals to suit the person being coached and you align these to the person’s responsibilities and goals as an employee. Of particular importance is the need to make sure that employees produce results in terms of work winning, converting time spent with clients and contacts into fees and client satisfaction. There are notable examples of staff being coached and finding processes which when put into action produce results. 2 solicitors are a good case in point. Coincidentally fees for one associate partner were relatively low but after a 6 month coaching process with you her fees increased from a £4-£6k per month to £12 – £14k per month. These results require commitments and effort from the coachee but the results have time and again justified the investment.
Chris Else
Chris ElsePartner at Else Solicitors LLP
Estelle is an amazing coach! From our first session to our last, she was encouraging and honest. Throughout working with Estelle, I felt that she took the time to understand me and was really invested in the journey towards my goals. She has really helped me personally and I would highly recommend her as a coach!
Christopher Mowforth
Christopher MowforthSenior Management Accountant
Working with Estelle has been really great for me. She has helped me to put aside some of the issues at work that were holding me back in managing the business, and to focus on what really matters; she has taught me a good number of new skills too. With her help I have been able to push forwards with my team, much more effectively than before.
Michael Jackson
Michael JacksonDirector of High Court Enforcement at Marston Group

Podcast

Watch or Listen now on:

Youtube Link

Lead strategically with calm confidence with Estelle Read, Bestselling Author, Coach, Speaker, and guests. Optimising Leader Brilliance is the self-improvement toolkit for leaders ready to break performance ceilings and achieve next level results. Get science-backed strategies and mindset shifts to tackle imposter syndrome, workaholism, anxiety, and self-sabotage. We provide stress relief and burnout solutions to help you reduce your workload and reclaim your time. We also share tools to clarify your strategic direction and deliver the brilliant results you’re capable of.

Learn From Incredible Guests:

We have welcomed an incredible array of guests to the show, including Professor Damian Hughes, host of the chart-topping High Performance Podcast, and Sarah Walker-Smith, the integrity-driven CEO of Shakespeare Martineau and head of the professional services group Ampa. Our line up also features Dr Linda Blair, a Chartered Clinical Psychologist and renowned broadcaster known for her work on The One Show and Child of Our Time, as well as Irini Tzortzoglou, a MasterChef winner and Greek culinary expert who transitioned from a career as a banking executive to becoming a sommelier and keynote speaker. In addition to hearing from these experts you can also listen to my bestselling book, Inner Brilliance • Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress.

Youtube Link

Upgrade Your Leadership with The Brilliant Leader's Notebook

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  • 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress
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Episodes