Why DE&S People Coach Lisa finds her role rewarding

Lisa

Job: People Coach

Profession: Project Delivery

Helping others thrive and deliver great outcomes for Defence:

As a People Coach within the Project Delivery profession, I support a diverse cohort of over 30 people. My focus is on helping individuals grow in confidence, capability and wellbeing so they can excel in their roles and achieve great results for Defence.

The role combines coaching, mentoring, leadership and career guidance. It’s about listening, challenging and championing people to be their best; placing expertise where it’s needed most to ensure Defence remains agile and ready to meet today’s challenges.

A varied, human and rewarding role that drives me:

What I like most about this role is that it’s a fulfilling mix of working with people, solving problems and driving change. No two days are the same. One day I’m coaching an individual through a challenge; the next, I’m workshopping policy improvements or sharing lessons with fellow People Coaches.

Over the years, I’ve experienced both great and not-so-great managers, which taught me how much leadership can shape a person’s confidence and career. With the experience I’ve gained and my genuine care for people, I knew I could make a difference by being the kind of support I once needed.

I’ve helped individuals through tough moments, encouraged them to step out of their comfort zones, and watched them grow in ways they never expected. That moment when someone realises, “I can actually do this,” is incredible. Watching them achieve their goals with the help of honest conversations and practical support, and then seeing them mentor others too is what makes this role so special – it’s a ripple effect that reminds me why this work matters. Helping people feel valued and empowered to thrive is what drew me to this role, and it’s what continues to drive me.

“Helping people feel valued and empowered to thrive is what drew me to this role, and it’s what continues to drive me.“

– Lisa, DE&S People Coach, Project Delivery

Building my DE&S career through curiosity, determination and a people-first approach:

I come from a working-class background and have built my career in DE&S through curiosity, determination and a people-first mindset. While my roots are in project delivery, I’ve been fortunate to work across the organisation from setting up a portfolio office and improving project maturity to working closely with senior leaders to help drive strategic change.

Completing my MSc in Programme and Project Management, where I received the Top Student award, was a standout moment for me and a reminder that where you start doesn’t have to define you.

More recently, I was selected to complete the Project Leadership Programme, which has shaped how I lead; with empathy, integrity and purpose.

Empathy, clarity and courage:

For me, effective People Coaching begins with listening to people – not just hearing what’s said, but creating the space for people to be honest, reflective, and heard. It’s about knowing when to support and when to challenge and doing both with respect and intent. The most impactful coaching strikes a balance between compassion and accountability; encouraging growth, setting clear expectations, and enabling people to take real ownership of their work and decisions.

By taking the time to listen, I build trusted relationships and gain a genuine understanding of what matters most to the people I support – their ambitions, pressures, and values. I believe strong relationships are built through honesty, consistency, and genuine care, and it’s within that environment that people feel safe to challenge themselves, grow, and do their best work.

Personal learnings of the role:

The People Coach role has strengthened my resilience, sharpened my personal boundaries, and reinforced the importance of staying calm under pressure. Balancing empathy with difficult decisions is not always straightforward, but I’ve learned the value of clear, open communication, addressing issues as early as possible, often preventing challenges from escalating in the first place.

The role has also given me visibility across a broad cross‑section of the organisation, deepening my understanding of how culture and performance connect. It has stretched me both professionally and personally, and reinforced the importance of having the courage to engage in honest, sometimes difficult conversations in the service of positive change.

“As the joint People Coach advocate for the Social Mobility Network, I use my professional and lived experience to promote access, create space for every voice to be heard, and help people recognise their value within the organisation.”

A busy role that’s constantly evolving:

This is a busy and continually evolving role, where resilience is essential. It requires clear prioritisation and the self‑awareness to pause, reflect, and recalibrate when needed. I’ve learned that staying effective means not just managing workload, but managing energy and boundaries as well.

Strong relationships with Task Managers, peers, and fellow People Coaches are critical to success. Collaboration and teamwork enable better judgment, faster problem‑solving, and more sustainable outcomes. Ultimately, it’s about creating the conditions where people can support each other, speak openly, and move through problems as ‘one team’.

The DE&S culture:

DE&S is a large, complex organisation, and I can genuinely see a cultural shift taking place. We’re moving towards servant leadership – where people support one another and success is measured by how we succeed together.

Culture doesn’t change overnight, but I see it in the small, everyday moments. People who usually work from home are choosing to come in, staying longer, even baking cakes for colleagues. I notice people checking in after meetings or taking time to acknowledge small wins. Those moments speak volumes – they show growing trust, stronger connections, and a real sense of belonging.

DE&S also has some fantastic networks that are open to everyone. I’m proud to be part of the Social Mobility, Gender Equity, and Race and Culture networks. As the joint People Coach advocate for the Social Mobility Network, I bring a professional and lived experience to the role, passionately focussing on access, creating space for every voice to be heard, and helping people recognise the value they already bring to the organisation.

Would I recommend the People Coach role to others:

Absolutely – if you care about people and want to make a meaningful difference to the future of the organisation, I’d highly recommend this role. It will stretch, challenge and fulfil you, often at the same time!

The role requires honesty and courage, particularly if you’re making tough calls or holding difficult conversations – but that’s where the greatest impact is felt and real growth happens. Not only for the people you support but for you as well.