Glory’s story

Hello, I’m Glory Ayo, Admin Lead and Business Support Manager for an NHS Talking Therapies Service in London. My daily role involves leading an admin team of 16 and managing key business support functions to make sure everything runs smoothly for our clinicians and patients. I’ve been in this role for four years and I’m also in my final year Level 6 Hult Apprenticeship at Ashridge studying towards a bachelor’s degree in business management.

Facing challenges head-on

When I stepped into my role during the Covid lockdown, I inherited a disgruntled team struggling with low morale and remote working. I knew this was going to be a big challenge, and I urgently needed effective strategies and support. This is where my apprenticeship coaching sessions came in, providing a safe psychological space to voice concerns and strategise solutions.

My coach: A safe space

Having sessions with my Ashridge progress partner/coach, Denise, offered me a psychological safety space where I could be my authentic self and talk about the good, the bad and the ugly! This space offered me the opportunity to raise many concerns from personal, work and study related issues. I always felt listened to and supported, which has increased my power of resilience. It’s a great opportunity to have this safe space where it’s all about me!

My coach: A pillar of strength

In recent months during my work-based project (WBP), I became really stressed with the urge to give up and drop out of the course. But Denise has been a pillar of strength and support. We problem solve together, identifying areas of strengths and gaps, and agreeing SMART objectives to get to where I want to be. Denise ensured I got my 20% study time. And she encouraged me to utilise my team by delegating tasks to help take some burden off me whilst I complete the WBP.

The coaching impact: Improved leadership & confidence

Through my apprenticeship, 1-2-1 coaching sessions have made me a more emotionally intelligent leader. It starts with self-awareness and being mindful of my wellbeing. Denise has also given me guidance to help me achieve my goals as an apprentice—especially providing support with my WBP. One key insight I’ve learnt from Denise is the realisation of knowing that ‘my time’ is precious too. I’ve learnt to be firmer with where I spend my time and energy. Also to be more assertive—knowing when to say ‘no’ and push back!

Added ROI for my organisation

Through these coaching sessions I’ve also improved my leadership and operational management skills. One of my biggest achievements is applying what I learned in real time. My WBP is looking at the strategic challenge on capacity vs demand and how this can be addressed. I’m focussing on how my organisation can enhance the provision of care through an accelerated, digitally led care process in collaboration with external partners by managing the long wait list. I see my WBP as a ROI for my organisation.

Coach Denise’s insights: Going beyond assessment to empowerment

I’ve always viewed this role as a ‘coach’ rather than an ‘assessor.’ I use my experience in coaching to really listen to what my apprentices are saying. We have a great conversation which then enables them to take action. Only after that do we complete the forms required, rather than making the forms the focus of our discussions.

Denise says her coaching role emphasises listening and empowerment over traditional assessment: “Our conversations enable real actions and solutions. Glory’s desire to achieve, passion for her work and team, and bubbly personality made coaching her not just productive, but joyful and enabled me to bring out the best in her.

Resilience, reggae and real-world success

Working in an extremely busy NHS clinical service, Glory has always had the challenges of time and resources to enable her to take her off-the-job-training time. My role was to discuss how she was feeling and to help her to find ways of keeping that time secured, especially with the added pressure of completing her work-based project.

I remember a conversation where I asked Glory how she wanted to stop over-thinking things. She said she would listen to Bob Marley and sing along to Three Little Birds, especially the lyrics “Don’t worry, ’bout a thing, ‘cos every little thing, is gonna be all right.” This then became a mantra through our other conversations and emails.

Closing thoughts from Glory: Go for an apprenticeship!

If you’re considering a work-based apprenticeship, Glory says, go for it! Be proactive, ask questions, and take up the opportunity now–enrol at Ashridge. It’s a great place to build a career with real-world experience and there’s a support network available: your employer as well as the Ashridge staff and faculty, which includes a dedicated personal progress assessor/coach on every apprenticeship.