Gbemi Kuforiji
Executive Coach | Life Coach | Mentor
I believe that everyone has the potential to grow, develop and achieve more than they sometimes believe possible.
My passion is helping people recognise that potential and develop the confidence, clarity and self-awareness to move forward.
My Journey
Before establishing Purple People Coaching, I spent nearly 30 years in senior leadership positions within the NHS, including 20 years as a Chief Pharmacist.
Throughout my career, I worked with professionals at every stage of their development, from those taking their first steps into leadership to experienced executives navigating complex organisational challenges.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my NHS career was supporting and developing others.
In 2018, I began coaching senior NHS colleagues. Seeing the positive impact these conversations had on their confidence, professional development and ability to navigate challenges inspired me to pursue coaching professionally.
This eventually led me to establish Purple People Coaching.
What Makes My Approach Different?
I bring together extensive senior leadership experience, professional coaching qualifications and a genuine understanding of the challenges people face in their working and personal lives.
Having spent many years in senior leadership, I understand the pressures of making difficult decisions, managing competing priorities, leading teams and navigating organisational change.
As a senior Black woman working within the NHS, I also have first-hand experience of some of the additional barriers that diverse professionals may encounter when progressing into leadership positions.
These experiences have shaped my commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive and non-judgemental coaching environment where people feel comfortable exploring their challenges and aspirations.
I recognise that no two people are the same, and I tailor my coaching approach to each individual’s needs.
My Coaching Experience
I have coached and mentored a diverse range of professionals, including:
· NHS executives and senior managers.
· Chief Pharmacists and other senior healthcare professionals.
· Board directors and senior organisational leaders.
· Professionals preparing for leadership roles.
· Graduate scheme participants and emerging leaders.
· Individuals navigating career transitions and personal development challenges.
My coaching focuses on helping clients develop confidence, self-awareness, effective communication, leadership capability and the ability to achieve meaningful, sustainable change.
Professional Qualifications
I am an ILM Level 7 qualified Executive Coach and Mentor and an Associate Member of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC).
I am also accredited to administer and interpret Hogan Personality Assessments, which can provide valuable insights into personality, leadership behaviours and professional development.
My professional background and coaching qualifications enable me to combine practical leadership understanding with evidence-informed coaching approaches.
My Coaching Philosophy
I believe that coaching is not about providing people with answers or telling them how to live or lead.
It is about creating the right environment for individuals to explore their thinking, challenge assumptions, recognise their strengths and discover their own solutions.
My style is warm, supportive and appropriately challenging.
I listen carefully, ask thought-provoking questions and encourage clients to explore possibilities they may not previously have considered.
Above all, I want the people I work with to leave our coaching conversations feeling more confident, more self-aware and better equipped to achieve their goals.
My aim is simple: to help you recognise your potential and find the confidence to fulfil it.
