Bio

Catherine Berney

Leadership Specialist. Facilitator, Coach, NED and Author

Catherine is a leadership specialist and organisational psychologist with a unique background spanning law, international finance, and behavioural science. She bridges the gap between commercial strategy and the complex human dynamics that drive it.

Having spent decades working at the top of global organisations, Catherine has developed an innate and deep understanding of the pressures, challenges and opportunities that come with leadership. She works with her clients to develop and shape those skills and behaviours that distinguish successful and impactful leaders in today’s complex, dynamic and interconnected working environments.

Catherine’s wealth of experience comes from partnering with C-suite, partners, boards and senior executives at global giants including HSBC, Shell, IPG Mediabrands, Beiersdorf, Heineken, Toyota, and KPMG as well as smaller private and public sector clients. She is also an international speaker and author of The Enlightened Organization, an executive toolkit for agile leadership.

Credentials

Areas of Expertise

Leadership Development: Expert in design, facilitation, and global roll-outs.
Executive Coaching: Specializing in 1:1, systemic team coaching, mentoring and Tavistock style role consultation.
Strategy & Alignment: Aligning organizations on purpose, values, and principles.
Board Effectiveness: Enhancing governance and senior team performance.
Organizational Transformation: Driving development, engagement, and group process.
Strategic Advisory: Non-Executive Director and complex account management.

Key Sectors

Catherine brings deep experience across a diverse range of global industries:

Finance & Professional: Banking, Accounting, Legal, and Professional Services.
Industry & Tech: Automotive, Aerospace, Engineering, and Manufacturing.
Energy & Science: Oil & Gas, Pharmaceuticals, and Research & Development.
Consumer & Creative: FMCG (including luxury brands), Retail, and Digital Marketing.

Qualifications & Certifications

MSc. Organizational Psychology (Distinction)
Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society
BPS Competence in Occupational Testing (Level A+B) MBTI 1+11, Hogan, Belbin, Strengths Profile, 16PF, OPP, TMP Profile and Situational Leadership
Systemic Coaching Group and organizational coaching (Grubb Institute)
Goleman EI Meta Coach
Henley Executive Coaching Triple accredited (ICF, EMCC, ACC) programme
Visiting Fellow Cranfield University School of Management
Non-Executive Director (Cranfield and Civil Service programmes)
Mediator (CEDR)
Solicitor United Kingdom and Ireland
Bachelor of Civil Law

Career History & Client Impact

Timeline	Organization	Notable Impact & Client Examples
2023 – 2025	HSBC	Founded and headed the Leadership Academy, developing the leadership capability of the top 1% of the bank. Introduced ‘The HSBC Way’ framework for leadership throughout the Bank. ($10m pa budget)
2018 – 2023	Enlightened Organizations	Developed KPMG’s executive board; served as Lead NED for the Government Legal Department.
2013 – 2018	Mannaz A/S	Managed global accounts for Shell (£1.5m), Beiersdorf, Heineken, and IPG Mediabrands.
1996 – 2013	Cranfield University	Delivered customised executive education for Toyota, RBS, and Scottish Provident.
1984 – 1991	Linklaters & McCanns	Practiced as a Capital Markets and Aviation Lawyer.

Let’s start a conversation

Interested in working together? I’d welcome the opportunity to discuss how coaching could support your leadership.

Get in touch