Catherine Brys PhD(Eng) MBA

Headshot of Catherine Brys

Catherine has many strings to her bow. Over her 20+ year career, she has held roles as varied as User Experience Designer, Change Manager & Project Manager and Strategy Analyst. She has worked for large corporates, SMEs, the public sector and academia. As a coach, facilitator and consultant she has worked with individuals and teams in the private and third sector. Catherine is driven by helping people feel fulfilled and achieve more impact in what they do.

Catherine excels at helping people see clarity in complex situations. Her scientific mindset allows her to systematically but quickly diagnose issues and unearth root causes. Catherine is able to guide clients to develop a pragmatic action plan that will help them realise their vision for success.

Catherine has an MBA, with specialism Strategy, from Strathclyde Business School. She has a degree and PhD in Engineering/Physics from the University of Ghent, Belgium. She is a trained workplace coach and facilitator. She is also qualified and accredited as a good relations practitioner (by the Centre for Good Relations) and as a negotiation and conflict resolution professional (Postgraduate Certificate in Mediation, Conflict Resolution and Negotiation from Strathclyde University). In her spare time she volunteers with Inspiring Scotland and The Cranfield Trust.

What Catherine's clients say they most appreciate:

  • "Honest broker to bring differing views to the table in a positive manner, gaining trust and confidence from participants"
  • "Workshop designed and facilitated to focus on solving the problem in hand"
  • "Helicopter view to cut to the chase to understand where blockages are"
  • "Ability to ‘cut through the noise’ and identify the key issues"
  • "Sharing best practice, especially in relation to co-development and collaboration"
  • "A calm, considered and thought-provoking influence on our work!"

When coaching individuals to feel more fulfilled in their working life, Catherine uses deep listening and gentle challenging to help them uncover what they really want. She guides them to develop clarity and decide on an achievable course of action.

In her work with companies and third sector organisations, Catherine encourages leaders to formulate an ambitious vision for the future. Catherine's clients appreciate her strategic thinking and how she keeps them focused on their vision for success. She understands that for change to be successful it needs to be co-created with staff and stakeholders, and she is an experienced facilitator. Her extensive experience as a Change Manager means that she has a treasure trove of insights and practical experience she can tap into. Catherine focuses on short interventions that enthuse and create momentum, and result in pragmatic actions that clients can execute.

"I’ve worked with Catherine for over 5 years. Catherine combines a strategic mindset with a highly structured and analytical approach. This makes her a very valuable asset in developing as well as reviewing strategies and new ideas. She’s acted as a great sounding board for some of my own thinking and can be counted on to offer new and valuable insights."
Ewan Mearns, Senior Manager, Strategy & Sectors at Scottish Enterprise

"I have had direct experience of working with Catherine for around two years. She is a very professional person. I have seen her interact with academics, industrialists and government officials and her personal style and approach to discussion has been most effective in persuading others to engage with a common purpose and targeting strategic outcomes​."
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, The University of Strathclyde


Associate: Amanda Heenan

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Amanda Heenan is an experienced coach, facilitator and consultant. She is passionate about equality, diversity and inclusion. Amanda holds a Law Masters (LLM) in employment and equality law and is qualified and accredited as a good relations practitioner. Amanda has particular expertise in bringing the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion to life through collaboration and engagement. She has extensive experience in the third and public sector, including the NHS. Amanda is the founder of Arc of Inclusion.

Let’s discuss how we can help


Catherine Brys, PhD MBA   CONSULTANT | FACILITATOR | COACH


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