About me
Hi, I’m Sandra Smith, founder of Solar Coaching Ltd.
I work with people who are entering a new stage of life and work (often in their 40s and 50s) where experience is high, responsibilities are real, and the questions start to change.
Rather than asking “What’s next on the ladder?” people begin to ask, “How do I want this next chapter to feel?”
At this point, it’s not always about making a dramatic change. Often, it’s about creating space to think; space that’s been missing after years of doing, delivering, and meeting expectations.
My work is reflective, thoughtful, and designed to support people who want to move forward with more clarity, confidence, and self‑trust.
This stage isn’t about starting again or fixing what’s broken. It’s about recognising what has been built, making sense of what no longer fits, and shaping what comes next in a way that feels sustainable.
Coaching with me offers space for honest reflection, clearer decision‑making, and a steadier sense of direction, without pressure, urgency, or judgement.
I work with clients across the UK online via video call or phone.
Training, qualifications & experience
I’m a qualified coach and a member of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC).
I began my formal coach training in 2019 and have been coaching since then. Solar Coaching was formally established in 2024.
My coaching training includes a Level 5 Coaching Professional Apprenticeship, as well as a Customer Service Coach qualification through the Institute of Customer Service (ICS).
Alongside my coaching work, I bring nearly four decades of professional experience, beginning my career in banking before going on to build a long and varied career as an accountant. I’m ACCA qualified and have worked extensively across finance systems, project management, and leadership roles within complex organisational environments.
Although Solar Coaching is a newer venture, much of my professional life has involved mentoring, developing others, and creating space for people to think clearly about their direction and next steps.
Clients often describe me as calm, thoughtful, and gently challenging. I focus on you as a whole person, not just your role or job title, supporting you to move forward with clarity, confidence, and self‑trust.
Member organisations
EMCC UK is part of the Europe-wide European Mentoring & Coaching Council. Together their aim is to promote good practice and the expectation of good practice in mentoring and coaching across Europe. EMCC is an independent, impartial and non-profit making organisation.
Areas of coaching I deal with
Other areas of coaching I deal with
Specialisms
- Life Coaching
- Career coaching & career transition
- Executive coaching
- Leadership development
- Confidence & self-esteem
- Stress & overwhelm
- Work-life harmony for working parents
- Mentoring for finance and corporate professionals
- Personal development for mid-career professionals
Fees
£80.00 - £125.00
Free initial telephone or online session
Additional information
I offer coaching in short and longer‑term packages, designed to give you space to think over time rather than rushing decisions. Fees typically range from £80 to £125 per hour, with short and longer‑term packages available. We’ll always discuss this openly and without pressure.
When I work
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Further information
Coaching with me is calm, thoughtful, and reflective.
Clients often tell me they value having space to slow things down — space to think clearly, speak honestly, and make sense of what they’re experiencing without pressure or judgement.
This work isn’t about quick fixes or being told what to do. It’s about creating the conditions for insight, confidence, and clearer decision‑making to emerge naturally.
Sometimes our conversations focus on career direction or next chapters. Other times, we explore boundaries, leadership identity, values, or the questions that arise when a role or way of working no longer fits in the same way.
I work 1:1 online, offering a supportive but gently challenging space where you can reflect, reconnect with what matters to you, and move forward with more intention and self‑trust.
