University Workshops

Dani’s theory based approach is a powerful tool enabling deep reflection with a practical application. The feedback from the course shows that participants found it ‘valuable’ and ‘incredibly useful’. We certainly aim to run the course again in the future.

We could be relaxed and talk about all these things without fear and anxiety that comes when you are all on your own, it is a good way of connecting with other people who have similar experiences. That anxiety is removed when you are placed in an environment where you share with people who have a common experience. I mean before you come on this course you definitively have some issues like, how to articulate, how… where do I go from here, I have a PhD now what do I do. It is not just all too official; it has been both enlightening but also entertaining at the same time.

I started my coaching with Danielle with a general sense of uncertainty regarding job and career prospects, unsure whether or not I wanted to stay in academia, and if not, unsure of what to pursue instead! Coaching offered me an invaluable space in which to reflect on and reappraise my own values and priorities. It allowed me to discuss my hopes and concerns for the future with someone impartial and non-judgemental, giving me the confidence to trust my own instincts and resist external pressures and expectations that didn't chime with my interests and desires. This was my first experience of coaching and it surpassed all of my expectations by a long way !

I’ve worked with Dani on several projects requiring a combination of research and interpersonal/engagement skills, all of which Dani has in abundance. With each project, Dani has joined the team, deeply listened to the ambition and translated this quickly into workable proposition. Dani’s skills in facilitating and coaching are noticeable in all of her interactions. Dani is committed, enthusiastic and has completed each job on time and to budget. Our team really enjoy working with her and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her to others.

Dani has been a true critical friend in enabling our work to have insight and develop improvements. This has been particularly true with regard to our work with women where Dani was able to see opportunities and pathways that have now encouraged new ways of working

It can affect the corrections you are making […] this doesn’t only help with your career progress, it helps me to know, okay this is who I am now, and to communicate this clearly in everything that I do including my thesis.

Danielle is the most dedicated and focused professional I have met in all the years I have spent working in Education

I have worked with Dani at several points in the last year. Danielle married warmth and professionalism perfectly to create a welcome, authentic and safe space to work in. She has greatly supported me in developing more focus, clarity and confidence around the companies direction and growth. There were plenty of those life changing ‘aha’ moments too. Everyone would benefit from working with Danielle, whatever the issue and whether for business or personal transformation.

Danielle has a natural talent for coaching people in developing their ideas and to inspire confidence in them. The coaching was down-to-earth and realistic. These sessions have helped me go into the fieldwork phase of my PhD with confidence and assurance. I would recommend Danielle to anybody who is struggling with the demands of postgraduate work. Thank-you Dr White!

[This workshop] starts that process of thinking what this means, to take a breath, to think… where am I, where have I been, and where would I like to go. Cutting the distraction out, asking these questions of each other, […] getting rid of all the bits and focusing on the important things.

I’ve so appreciated my coaching sessions with Dani over the last 4 months. I am a career switcher setting up as a charity consultant for the first time. Dani has helped me settle into this new world, reflect on prioritising what I will do and particularly why I will do it. I had the unexpected challenge of more work and opportunities than I could cope with. Dani was an essential sounding board to check back opportunity to motivation and keep focused on what really mattered to me. Four months on I feel confident and established and its been amazing to reflect on the distance travelled in that time. Thank you Dani.

I worked with Dani over the past four months from project conception till the live launch and delivery period. I found her to be professional, warm, supportive, and pro-active in every way you’d expect a coach to be. During our time together, she came up with great concepts and ideas which she brought to life in a remarkable and engaging way! I would highly recommend Dani for coaching, programme design and execution.

Throughout the workshop, you are thinking where is the moment where this question will be answered, step by step, I read through everything we did yesterday, and I came in this morning and begin to see things coming together. That question was really answered, so now this is where I belong, this is where I am going. Whereas before, coming here I was lost, what next? We just coming here for two days, now I am far away from there. It has been really helpful, really really worth coming for. Thank you !

I hope the Graduate Centre will continue to offer this course in the future. I’ll recommend it to any PhD student whom would benefit from it

Dani is one of the most approachable, likeable and easygoing professionals I’ve worked with. I had the privilege of working with her to design, develop and deliver a personal development coaching program. Not only is she a joy to work alongside, but her professionalism and expertise is difficult to rival. She has a thoughtful and considered approach to career development and deeply cares about those she coaches. If you get the opportunity to work with her, do. You won’t regret it.

It was really enlightening, the whole process from yesterday to today. I have learnt a lot about my abilities, my values and how I can apply that to my career.

Danielle has excellent research skills, she is an extremely good communicator, teacher, mentor and developed this community research project with skill, proficiency and sensitivity. I would recommend her for further research projects, she fulfilled a very difficult remit with energy, empathy and her knowledge of community consultation and expertise is outstanding.

Danielle created an environment where I could really be myself, I was open about my anxieties and insecurities. This combined with her ability to cut through the confusion in my mind enabled powerful conversations and progress. I am amazed at what I have been able to achieve professionally (and personally) through in a very short time through our coaching! Thank you 🙂