Welcome to As Folk
Life and leadership coaching rooted in authenticity, creativity and science
At As Folk Coaching, I work with people who know something needs to change but aren’t sure how to get there. I’m Esme, an AC ICF, EMCC and AC certified life and leadership coach with a background in HR and senior leadership. I’m passionate about supporting individuals and teams across the UK to unlock their potential, build confidence and thrive.
Clients describe coaching with me as calm, supportive and grounding – a partnership where they feel truly heard and encouraged, yet stretched in the ways that create growth. Every session is unique and personal, drawing on psychology-backed, ICF-approved tools and techniques to spark insight and real transformation.
As Folk coaching is creative yet structured – like following a trail up the mountain, with space to pause, gain perspective, and keep moving towards your summit. Together, we’ll reconnect you with yourself, shift what’s been holding you back, and help you step into the life and work you genuinely want – with clarity, confidence and momentum.
Who we coach
I coach people who often arrive at a crossroads. On the outside, life may look successful – a strong career, a busy life, a track record of achievement. But inside, there’s often a quiet voice saying “something isn’t working” or “I can’t keep going like this.”
For some, that voice shows up as frustration at work, the weight of leadership, or a cycle of second-guessing. For others, it’s harder to name – just a heavy sense of being unfulfilled, with no clear way forward.
That’s where coaching makes a difference. Together, we pause, take a breath, and look at the path ahead – making sense of where you are now, and uncovering the next steps towards higher ground. Clients often tell me they leave sessions feeling lighter, more grounded and energised – with practical steps they can actually take, not just big ideas.
Most of our clients fall into four areas. You can read more about each of these below - what it looks like to be there, how coaching can help, and the shifts you can expect by the end.
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Living with ADHD can feel like shifting between gears without a clear map. Some days bring ideas and energy in abundance, others feel foggy or stuck. Through our own lived experience of ADHD, we know no two ADHDers are the same, and you will be met with true understanding, compassion, and practical support.
Through ADHD coaching, I will be your partner in making sense of your unique patterns. We will zoom out, like stepping back from the ridge to see the full trail, then design forward plans that work with your brain.
Our ADHD coaching has previously included topics like planning and prioritising methods, environmental tweaks and focus-protecting routines, nervous system strategies that reduce overwhelm, communication approaches that help you advocate for what you need and support through the formal diagnosis. That said, sessions are always your own, and you can bring whatever you need to ADHD coaching.
After ADHD coaching, you will:
Feel seen for your strengths and be more equipped to work with your brain, not against it
Have practical systems that reduce friction and help you focus, plan, and follow through
Communicate your needs and boundaries with confidence, including during the diagnosis journey
Build steady momentum on what matters most to you
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Stepping into leadership or running a business often feels like being pulled in ten directions. You might find yourself stuck in the weeds of daily tasks, firefighting instead of leading. You may feel pressure to have all the answers, even when you’re stretched thin. Or perhaps you’re unsure how to balance being approachable with holding boundaries and driving performance.
Through leadership coaching, I’ll be your partner in making sense of it all. Together, we’ll zoom out – like stepping back from the ridge to see the whole landscape – so you can gain perspective, reflect on your leadership style, and explore where you want to grow. We’ll work on practical challenges – from delegating effectively to shaping culture – while also building the confidence and resilience you need to lead authentically.
After leadership coaching, you’ll:Feel equipped to step into your leadership role with clarity and confidence
Lead intentionally rather than reactively
Create space for yourself while building the kind of business and team you actually want
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You might be lying awake at night thinking “Is this it?” Perhaps you’ve been in your role or industry for years and can’t ignore the voice telling you it’s time for a change. You may scroll job sites endlessly, second-guessing yourself, or worry that stepping away from the “safe option” will let people down. Maybe you’ve already tried to make a change but ended up in another role that doesn’t fit.
Career coaching helps you uncover what truly drives you – your values, strengths, and the conditions you need to thrive. Together, we’ll strip back the noise and get clear on what’s right for you, not what you think you “should” do. Then we’ll map out a route that feels achievable – steady steps rather than a leap into the unknown – and I’ll support you to climb with clarity and courage.
After career coaching, you’ll:
Feel confident and energised about your next steps
Have clarity on your direction and why it matters
Believe in your ability to take action towards meaningful change
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For many of my clients, confidence is the quiet barrier holding them back. It may look like imposter feelings every time you walk into a meeting. Or holding back your ideas in case they sound “silly”. Or constantly pushing harder because you’re worried you’ll be “found out”. These patterns are exhausting and chip away at your self-belief.
Confidence coaching creates space to notice and challenge these unhelpful patterns. We’ll explore where they come from, then work on reshaping your inner dialogue into one that’s supportive, realistic and empowering. You’ll also build practical strategies for those moments of doubt, like finding your footing on uneven ground, so you can step into opportunities with grounded confidence.
After confidence coaching, you’ll:
Speak up and make decisions with self-belief
Trust yourself in high-pressure moments
Enjoy your work without being ruled by self-doubt
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Sometimes the problem isn’t easy to name. It might just be a nagging sense that you’re not where you want to be. You go through the motions but feel flat, uninspired, or like you’ve lost sight of what matters. You may think, “I should be happy with what I’ve got”, yet deep down, you know something needs to change.
Life coaching helps you slow down and hear yourself clearly. Through creative yet structured conversations, we’ll explore what’s draining you, what energises you, and what needs to shift. Often it’s not about tearing everything up – it’s about finding your bearings, reconnecting with yourself, and building momentum step by steady step, like climbing towards a new view.
After life coaching, you’ll:
Feel clearer, more energised, and more aligned with what matters
Make conscious choices instead of drifting
Move forward with purpose and confidence
Coaching pathways
Everyone’s pathway to growth is unique, and that’s why our pathway packages are thoughtfully designed to fit wherever you are right now, and where you want to go.
From a single session that brings immediate insight, to a deeper programme crafted for lasting transformation - there’s a blend of support and creative structure available to meet you, and your goals, exactly where you are.
Wainwright
A one-off extended session, ideal for first time or returning clients in need of calibration or a reset.
Corbett
A focused journey over 2-months, perfect for a specific goal.
Donald
A space to go deeper, build momentum and create lasting change, over 4-months.
Munro
A comprehensive 6-month coaching programme for true transformation.