Spotlight on ... Felicity Lee
Felicity joined the Omada team seven years ago. She is a highly experienced executive coach, one of our ‘go to’ team members on all matters psychometric, and if you recognise the face, it’s because she has appeared as resident psychologist and subject matter expert on a number of BBC programmes.
In 7 words or fewer, what do you do? Help leaders and teams be their very best.
Why did you become a psychologist? I did a degree in psychology, was fascinated by it but could not imagine doing it for a career. I then got ‘a job’. I was miserable. That was a turning point. I realised that being in a job I loved and could make a difference was hugely important…. Which led me back to psychology.
What do you enjoy most about your executive coaching work? Every person is a fascinating combination of experiences, stories, emotions and opinions. I find people endlessly compelling. Being in the privileged position of being let into their confidence to work with them in understanding and shifting how they think about themselves, the world and what they do in it is, for me, the best job ever.
What surprises you most about the people you coach? The idiosyncronies…. Only last week I was working with a senior female executive from a bank who was described by others as strong, assertive and great under pressure. Yet she said she felt like an imposter. Another coachee from the fashion industry wanted support with personal impact and interesting this was part of her role in the business… one she was very good at doing for others.
What has been the best career advice you have received? We have many chapters in our lives. Do what you love and people will love what you do.
In your opinion, what is the ‘next big thing’? We are experiencing huge change in all aspects of society, which shows up in the challenges many organisations I work with are facing. We need to find ways to get better at leading in uncertainty. We also need a big shift in how and where work is done to ensure our organisations and their leaders reflect our society.
What keeps you busy when you aren’t working? I have a little one and every day is an adventure! I also have a furniture business, making coffee tables from ancient tree roots over 4000 years old! Interior design, outdoor swimming, great food and time with friends and family fill the rich tapestry of life.