Empowering Careers and Coaching Excellence: The Inspiring Journey of Catherine Wiggins
When it comes to transformational coaching and career development, few names resonate as strongly as Catherine Wiggins. A dedicated careers coach, executive coach, and organisational mentor, Catherine has leveraged her vast experience in global banking and education to empower individuals, educational institutions, and businesses alike. Her story is one of passion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to helping others navigate the complexities of career and personal growth in today’s dynamic world.
Who is Catherine Wiggins?
Catherine Wiggins is an accomplished coach and career development consultant with a distinctive approach shaped by her rich background in global banking and education. Based in Alveston, England, she currently serves in various capacities, supporting universities, business schools, and organisations through one-to-one coaching, workshops, webinars, and tailored resources.
Her mission is clear: to equip professionals and students with the practical tools, strategies, and mindset necessary to compete effectively in global job markets. Whether working with undergraduate students or senior executives, Catherine’s coaching is deeply personalised, results-driven, and inspiring.
Educational Background: Foundations of Excellence
Catherine Wiggins’ commitment to professional development is reflected in her comprehensive educational journey, which spans prestigious institutions and rigorous programmes in coaching and business.
Diploma in Coaching, Theory and Practice of Coaching – University of Warwick
Catherine enhanced her coaching expertise by earning a Diploma in Coaching from the University of Warwick’s Centre for Lifelong Learning. This programme allowed her to deepen her understanding of coaching theory and practice, refining her unique coaching presence and approach. The course emphasised both the practical and theoretical aspects of coaching, preparing Catherine to support a diverse range of clients effectively.
Certificate in Organisational Coaching – The University of British Columbia
Earlier, Catherine obtained a Certificate in Organisational Coaching from The University of British Columbia. This programme blended multidisciplinary learning with practical mentorship and reflective practice. Through this course, she developed the skills to act as a confidential, unbiased thinking partner to her clients, focusing on helping them move forward in their personal, professional, or organisational goals.
Business Studies and Administration
Her earlier academic pursuits include a Business Program for Bankers from the Institute of Canadian Bankers, where she earned honours, covering business strategy, communications, marketing, accounting, and finance. She also holds a Certificate in Administration, Business Administration and Management from the University of Victoria. This strong business foundation gave her the skills needed to excel in the corporate sector before transitioning fully into coaching.
Career Journey: From Global Banking to Transformational Coaching
Catherine’s career journey is a compelling narrative of adaptability and passion. She spent over a decade in global banking, taking on leadership roles that shaped her understanding of organisational dynamics, risk management, and compliance. These roles were instrumental in equipping her with insights into the challenges professionals face in competitive, high-pressure environments.
Leadership in Global Banking
Catherine held senior management positions at HSBC, including Senior Manager of Operations Risk and Administration, Senior Manager of Corporate Compliance, and Section Operations Manager at the Mortgage Broker Centre. In these roles, she led teams, developed policies, and ensured regulatory compliance, all while driving operational efficiency. Her experience in managing complex banking operations and teams provided her with a wealth of knowledge about leadership, change management, and strategic communication.
Transition to Coaching and Facilitation
Passionate about personal wellness and development, Catherine transitioned from banking to coaching and facilitation. She began her coaching career in Canada, founding Catherine Wiggins Ltd., where she offered coaching services to individuals and organisations in both private and public sectors. Her work focused on workplace goals, personal wellbeing, leadership, and compliance.
After moving to the UK, Catherine continued to expand her impact. She has worked extensively with universities, particularly Coventry University and the University of Warwick, supporting students and executives in career management and professional development.
Current Roles and Contributions
Career Development Consultant – Coventry University
Since November 2022, Catherine has been a full-time Career Development Consultant at Coventry University. Here, she supports undergraduate, postgraduate, and alumni students from the Faculty of Business and Law in navigating the transition from academic life to the professional world. Her role involves one-to-one coaching, workshops, and developing resources that prepare students to seize opportunities and excel in competitive global markets.
Leadership in Career Coaching – University of Warwick
At the University of Warwick’s Warwick Business School, Catherine has held several impactful roles. She served as Careers Manager for Full-Time MBA students, leading the careers coaching team, delivering workshops, and providing personalised coaching sessions. Her expertise also extends to executive coaching for MBA and Executive MBA students, where she supports leaders from diverse industries in achieving career clarity and advancing their personal growth.
Facilitator and Executive Coach
Catherine’s coaching style is highly interactive, engaging, and tailored. She has delivered instructor-led training sessions in the banking sector and facilitated leadership and compliance programmes, notably at the prestigious Shard in London. Her workshops empower individuals to build resilience, develop leadership skills, and adapt to change, all essential in today’s volatile professional landscape.
Coaching Philosophy and Approach
At the heart of Catherine Wiggins’ coaching philosophy is the belief that change is possible for everyone, at any stage of their career. Her approach centres around:
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Powerful Conversations: Using candid, reflective dialogue to unlock new perspectives.
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Holistic Development: Supporting both professional skills and personal wellbeing.
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Action-Oriented Strategies: Helping clients set achievable goals and develop practical plans.
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Adaptability and Resilience: Preparing clients to thrive in evolving job markets and organisational contexts.
Catherine’s commitment to her clients is underscored by her genuine passion for witnessing their transformation and success. She often says that coaching is about partnership — walking alongside individuals as they navigate change, discover their strengths, and realise their potential.
Volunteering and Community Engagement
Beyond her professional roles, Catherine has been actively involved in community and volunteer work. She has contributed to organisations focused on mental health, social enterprise, and environmental wellbeing, such as the Coast Social Enterprise Foundation and Hollyhock. These experiences reinforce her holistic approach to coaching and her dedication to making a positive social impact.
Final Thoughts: Why Catherine Wiggins Stands Out
In a crowded field of career coaches and development consultants, Catherine Wiggins stands out because of her unique blend of:
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Deep corporate experience combined with formal coaching qualifications.
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A passion for continuous learning and development.
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Proven ability to connect with clients from diverse backgrounds, including students, executives, and business professionals.
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Commitment to empowering clients with both practical tools and emotional resilience.
Her story is an inspiring example of how professional reinvention and dedication to lifelong learning can create profound impact — not only for oneself but also for the many lives touched through coaching.
