Ascent
Executive Career Consultancy for Professionals Ready to Step Into Executive Leadership
You know what you're capable of. Let's make sure the people making executive hiring decisions see it too. You have the experience and the track record. What you need now is clarity, a strategy, and expert support to position yourself for executive-level opportunities, build on the strengths that got you here, and transition into your next role with confidence.
A four-month executive career consultancy for experienced professionals across the UK, Ireland and Europe who are preparing for executive-level roles or establishing themselves in one. Combining strategic career advice, strengths-led development and practical support, Ascent helps you move into executive leadership with greater confidence and clarity.
Investment from £750 a month, or £2,995 paid in full.
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About This Career Programme
I built Ascent because I kept seeing the same thing. Experienced professionals with the capability to operate at executive level, but without the clarity, positioning or support to make that transition confidently. Some were preparing for their next leadership role. Others had recently stepped into one. What they shared wasn't a lack of ability. It was the challenge of translating years of experience into executive-level leadership with confidence and intention.
That transition matters more than people realise. Whether you're preparing for an executive role or establishing yourself in one, expectations change. You're expected to think more strategically, communicate with greater influence, make decisions with confidence and build credibility quickly. Very few professionals are given the opportunity to develop those capabilities deliberately.
Ascent begins by creating that foundation. Before we do anything else, you'll complete the StrengthscopeLeader™ assessment, a British Psychological Society validated diagnostic that identifies your strengths, leadership risks and performance patterns. It provides the evidence base for every conversation throughout the programme, helping you develop executive capability, position yourself with confidence and lead in a way that is authentic to you.
Is Ascent for you?
Ascent is for experienced professionals, senior managers and emerging executives who are preparing for executive-level roles or have recently stepped into one. You already have the track record and capability that have brought you this far. What you need now is a clear strategy to position yourself for executive leadership, strengthen your executive capability and establish yourself with confidence.
You might be preparing for your first executive appointment. You might have recently accepted a director, executive or senior leadership role and want to make the transition with greater confidence. You might simply want to develop the skills, visibility and strategic thinking expected at executive level before the opportunity arrives. What every Ascent client has in common is this: they are ready to take a deliberate approach to their next career move rather than relying on experience alone.
Ascent is not for people looking for generic career coaching or someone to make decisions on their behalf. It is a structured, strengths-led executive career consultancy for professionals who are prepared to think differently, challenge themselves and do the work.
Pre-Programme Diagnostic
Before we begin, you will complete the StrengthscopeLeader™ assessment. Validated by the British Psychological Society, this research-backed diagnostic identifies your unique strengths, leadership risks and performance patterns. It provides the evidence base for every conversation, recommendation and development activity throughout the consultancy, ensuring the support you receive is tailored to your strengths, career goals and executive aspirations.
Your Four-Month Ascent
Ascent runs over four months, with two 60-minute consultancy sessions and one Ascent Briefing Call each month. The programme is designed to provide structured support, practical guidance and accountability as you prepare for, or establish yourself in, executive leadership.
Month 1
Diagnostic & Direction
Session 1: StrengthscopeLeader™ debrief. Your strengths, leadership risks and what they mean for your transition into executive leadership.
Session 2:
Context and direction. Understanding the organisation you've stepped into and where your strengths will create the most value within it.
Month 2
Strategy & Positioning
Session 3:
Leadership strategy. Leadership strategy. Defining how you intend to lead here, on your terms, and the boundaries that protect that.
Session 4:
Communicating your leadership strengths clearly to your team, manager, and senior stakeholders.
Month 3
Execution & Preparation
Session 5:
Visibility strategy. Who needs to see how you lead, what they need to see, and how you build your executive presence with purpose rather than performance.
Session 6:
High stakes conversations. Board updates, senior reporting and difficult conversations, prepared around your strengths and your leadership story.
Month 4
Consolidation & Forward Plan
Session 7:
Results review. What's working, what's not, and what needs to change before old patterns set in.
Session 8:
Closing consultancy. What's working, what needs refining, and where previous habits may be limiting your impact.
Your Consultancy Includes
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Eight one-to-one consultancy sessions – personalised support over four months.
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Between-session support – voice notes, quick calls and written feedback when you need it.
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StrengthscopeLeader™ assessment – full diagnostic and personalised debrief.
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Executive Career Roadmap – your personalised strategy for executive career progression.
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Six-month follow-up session – review your progress and refine your strategy where needed.
Specialist Support Built In
StrengthscopeLeader™
A British Psychological Society validated assessment, with a personalised debrief to identify your unique strengths, leadership risks and performance patterns.
Stakeholder Positioning
Shape how you're perceived by your team and senior stakeholders by ensuring your leadership strengths are recognised from the beginning.
High Stakes Conversations
Focused preparation for executive presentations, senior reporting and the conversations that matter most.
Not sure if Ascent is the right fit? Book a short discovery call
Format
Online/ Agreed Times
Ascent is delivered entirely online, providing structured, one-to-one consultancy whether you're based in Belfast, elsewhere in the UK and Ireland, or anywhere in the world.
Duration
4 months / 8 engagements
Model
1-to-1 consultancy
The Work That I Do
I'm an Executive Career Consultant who helps experienced professionals prepare for executive leadership through strengths-led career consultancy, strategic advice and practical development. My role is to help you make confident career decisions, strengthen your executive capability and establish yourself as a credible executive leader.
With fifteen years' experience in career and leadership development, I work with professionals across the UK, Ireland and worldwide who are preparing for, or transitioning into, executive-level roles.
Over the past three years, my focus has been working one-to-one with experienced professionals as they move into executive leadership. I help clients communicate their value with confidence, develop the capabilities expected at executive level and build a leadership approach that reflects who they are, not who they think they should be. That combination of strengths-led insight, strategic thinking and practical guidance is what Ascent is built on.
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What People Say
These reflect earlier work with Paula, before Ascent. Ascent client feedback will be added here as the programme builds its own track record.
"After moving to Northern Ireland, I began seeking a new job in the IT field. Since I wasn't familiar with the job market, I asked Paula to guide me through the process.
She helped me improve my CV, enhance my LinkedIn profile, and gave me invaluable advice on how to strengthen my job search.
Paula is a great specialist, detail-oriented, and always seeks a personalised approach to her clients. I highly recommend her as a career development mentor and consultant, with creative ideas and insights for navigating the tough process of job searching or career change."
— Lusine P
"I had the privilege of working with Paula as my career coach, and I cannot recommend her services highly enough. She played a pivotal role in transforming my job search, helping me refine my CV, master interview techniques, and even connect with key recruiters and companies in my field.
What impressed me most was her genuine commitment to my success. Paula didn't just offer advice; she followed up regularly to ensure I stayed on track and provided tailored guidance every step of the way.
Thanks to her expertise and relentless support, I secured a role that perfectly aligns with my career goals."
— Thuvarakan M
You already have the experience that has brought you this far. Ascent gives you the clarity, strategy and strengths-led insight to take the next step in your executive career with confidence.
Four months. One-to-one. Built around your transition into executive leadership.
If you're ready for your next executive move, let's talk.