- Executive Mentoring with Coaching for Finance Leaders
Strategic support for executive Leaders Leaders Success
I help CFOs, finance leaders, transformation leaders and board members get clarity, make faster decisions and lead with conviction under pressure.
4.9 out of 5 from 47 executive reviews • Chartered Accountant • Chartered Manager • Confidential by design • NDA available on request
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Client Ratings and Trust Markers
Client ratings and trust
Confidential by design (ICAEW ethical standards; conflicts managed)
Preferred by CFOs, transformation leaders and board members
Spotlight Testimonial
Transform Your Leadership
- Executive Mentoring
Lead with confidence. Learn from lived experience.
I work with CFOs, finance leaders, transformation leaders and board members. You get practical, senior-level support you can apply immediately: surface the right options, weigh trade-offs and commit to clear action when the stakes are high.
Teaching, affiliations and professional designations
Associate Lecturer, Cranfield School of Management
Guest Lecturer, UCL MBA
Committee Member, ICAEW Audit Registration Committee
Freeman of the Chartered Accountants’ Livery Company
Chartered Accountant (FCA)
Chartered Manager (CMgr MCMI)
You’re an experienced leader. Perhaps a CFO, a Head of Transformation, a Board member, or a high-performer one step away from the next leap. You don’t need motivation. You need strategic clarity, safe challenge, and a sounding board who speaks your language.
Strategic Decision Clinic
Make a high-stakes call with confidence. Map options, trade-offs and risks Agree the recommendation and next actions Receive a concise decision brief you can share Format: one 90-minute session with follow-ups Turnaround: decision brief within 48 hours Best for: investment cases, governance calls, critical resourcing
Boardroom Readiness
Walk into scrutiny prepared and calm. Rehearse the narrative and opening message Pressure-test numbers and likely challenges Prepare six likely questions with model answers Format: one rehearsal session plus materials review Deliverables: two-page brief, opening narrative, Q&A bank Best for: board cycles, investor meetings, audit and year-end
Transformation Sounding Board
Keep control when pressure rises. Align stakeholders and decision rights Surface delivery risks and mitigations Set a 90-day lane to land milestones Format: regular sessions with check-ins Deliverables: stakeholder map, risk radar, 90-day plan Best for: complex programmes, recovery phases, cross-functional change
Features
- 1:1 blended mentoring and coaching tailored to your goals
- Pre-work review before each session
- Confidential space to think out loud
- Practical tools and working notes after each session
- Flexible scheduling to suit executive diaries
- Optional between-session support by email or voice note
Benefits
- Clear thinking under pressure
- Faster, better decisions
- Stronger boardroom influence
- Visible progress on the priorities that matter
- Sustainable energy so you lead from strength, not survival
“Mentoring gives you wisdom. Coaching gives you structure.
I give you both, tailored to your world and focused on results.”
How I Help
You get a blended approach that combines executive coaching and senior-level mentoring. I help you make faster, higher-quality decisions, prepare credible board materials and keep momentum when pressure rises.
Sessions
Focused 60–90 minute conversations on your live priorities. I review pre-work, board packs or briefs in advance. We agree owners and dates before we close the session.
Sessions
Focus
Challenge
I test assumptions, stress-test numbers and surface trade-offs. I red-team your narrative, highlight risks and help you choose the smartest path with clear criteria.
Challenge
Mind Growth
Insight
You draw on 20+ years advising CFOs, finance leaders and transformation heads. I bring patterns that work at board level, practical tools and examples you can use immediately.
Insight
Smart Strategy
Clarity
You leave with decisions made and actions agreed. I send same-day session notes and a concise decision brief within 48 hours. Where useful, you also receive a two-page board summary and a short Q&A bank.
Clarity
Clear Direction
Sessions
1:1 conversations tailored to your goals and context, ensuring every discussion drives meaningful progress.
Focus
Challenge
Honest, agenda-free input from seasoned advisors who understand the complexity of leadership.
Mind Growth
Insight
Proven strategies and perspectives built on over 20 years of advising senior leaders across industries.
Smart Strategy
Clarity
A confidential space to untangle complexity, explore solutions, and move forward with focus and energy.
Clear Direction
Results you will see
Practical strategies and clear decisions you can defend in the boardroom. We track progress and convert intent into visible outcomes.
CLARITY & DIRECTION
Identify the real constraint, agree decision criteria and choose the smartest path. Deliverables: a two-page decision brief with options, trade-offs, recommendation and next actions.
CONFIDENCE & PRESENCE
Handle high-pressure moments with calm authority. Rehearse your opening message and likely challenges. Deliverables: a crisp opening narrative and a Q&A bank with six to ten model answers.
SPEED & MOMENTUM
Move from discussion to decision to delivery. Reduce rework and shorten cycles. Deliverables: a 90-day plan with owners and dates, plus check-ins to keep pace.
RESULTS THAT SHOW
Demonstrate progress your board, investors and team can see. Evidence: first-pass approvals, fewer late edits to board packs, clean audit outcomes, milestones landed on time.
Mini case wins
CFO, plc
Investor scepticism on an investment case. We reframed the narrative, pressure-tested sensitivities and prepared a Q&A bank. The board approved at first pass.
Head of Transformation
Governance created delays and rework. We reset decision rights, clarified RAID ownership and rehearsed steer-co. Phase one delivered on time.
Finance Director
Fragmented papers and late changes. We introduced a pre-board review and a red-team pass. Clean audit cycle with materially fewer late edits.
Your Mentor
Amna Zaidi FCA CMgr MCMI
What Clients Say
Packages and Next Steps
Chemistry Call: a short conversation to understand your goals and fit
Engagement Options: block of sessions or retained support
Start Date: I agree a schedule with you that fits your diary
Company sponsorship available:I can invoice your organisation directly
Light FAQ for objections
Is this coaching or mentoring?
It is both. I give you guidance and help you perform.
How often do we meet?
Most clients meet fortnightly for 60 minutes. We can adjust to your diary.
Will this stay confidential?
Yes. I keep your details and discussions private.
Can we focus on one live decision?
Yes. Bring it to the session and we will work it through.
Do you work with non-finance leaders?
Yes, if the brief fits my expertise.
