For many of our alumni, Ashridge is the gateway to a truly rewarding vocation, where professional impact meets personal fulfilment.
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Meet some of our Ashridge alumni
From career pivots, launching their own practice, and coaching for our sister organisation—our alumni find the freedom to forge the next stage of their career on their own terms.
Melanie Peck
Finding an authentic calling and identity
Associate Executive Coach, Hult Ashridge Executive Education
Founder, Journey Coach
Former VP HR Global Leadership & OD, Beiersdorf
Master's in Executive Coaching, Class of 2023
Before becoming a coach, Melanie was a global VP in HR, working 14-hour days. Despite outward success, she found herself wondering, “Is this it?” Realising that her professional role had become her identity, she embarked on a journey of self-reflection with a Master's in Executive Coaching. Using Gestalt theory to examine her South African roots and her struggles with perfectionism, she reconciled her personal history with her professional practice to become her whole, authentic self as a coach. Now, Melanie runs her own independent coaching practice alongside her work as an Associate Coach for Hult Ashridge Executive Education, helping others to navigate transitions and find their own authenticity.
“The gift of my master's experience was doing this deep inquiry to understand myself better, which helped me to bring my authentic self into the coaching room.”
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Simon McBride
From corporate existence to real connection
Founder & Managing Director, Red Wolf Coaching
Former Head of People & Organisation, Investec
Master's in Executive Coaching, Class of 2022
After three decades working across management consultancy and finance, Simon reached a point of self-inflection. As he put it, “Sometimes we can feel like the pedals of the bike we're on are going so fast that our legs can't keep up. And we miss the opportunity to connect.” Seeking to move from increasingly draining corporate responsibilities to a more meaningful connection with his work and family, he used his Master's at Ashridge as a launchpad for his own coaching consultancy. Today, he helps leaders navigate complexity and find fulfilment in their own work, while enjoying the balance and freedom of having his own thriving coaching business.
“Ashridge offered me the keystone and inspiration to set up my own business. It enabled me to develop the philosophies that underpin my coaching.”
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Vykinta Kligyte
Refreshing perspectives, deepening practice
Partner & Financial Sector Advisory Lead, Korn Ferry
Executive Coaching Pathway,
As a partner at Korn Ferry with over 20 years of experience in consulting, Vykinta came to Ashridge to ground her approach in the latest research and relational practice. Having worked in demanding, solutions-driven environments, she often felt pressure to provide the answer for her clients. Her master's journey was an opportunity to reframe her approach — from being the problem-solver to being the witness who sparks insight. By embracing the diversity of her cohort and the rigour of the Ashridge approach, she has gained the confidence to challenge C-suite and Fortune 500 leaders in her role as coach, focusing on asking the targeted questions that enable them to find their own path forward.
“After more than 20 years coaching as a consultant, I joined Ashridge for new practices, models, and the latest research. My greatest learning has been reframing my own thinking—recognising that I don't need to have all the answers.”
Want to meet some of our alumni in real life?
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