The Shapeshifter

Hello! My name is Jude (aka the Shapeshifter) I specialise in coaching people who either work in the creative industry, or who want to live a more fulfilled creative life. If that’s you, you’ve come to the right place…

So what is it you want to get out of creative coaching? Is it support to step up to a bigger role, find a new direction, or learn new skills?  Maybe you want to reconnect with a creative passion that's got a bit lost along the way? Or perhaps you just don't know. You're just bored of the unruly, unregulated, self-doubting.  The revisions and indecisions. The contradictions, cravings and the downright destructive games the creative mind plays.  I hear you. There's no pressure to come to me with a defined goal, but be assured with my support, you will reach one and feel more confident, more balanced, more resilient and less stressed.

Creatives say I am pragmatic. They like working with me because I help them get stuff done.  I guess that's because the bedrock of our work together will be around finding clarity. Once you have clarity you have the confidence to do anything. It's that simple. Not saying it’s easy, but trust in the process...

And me.

I've been around the creative block (literally) many times. I've always been a writer, but for the past 30+ years I've worked in advertising - multiple guises - copywriter, executive creative director, agency owner, career consultant, mentor and coach. I really do understand the unique ‘challenges’ and rewards a career in the creative sector brings- what it takes to go for it and when to simply say, no.  

Aside from working the talk, I've invested in training (and continue to do so) with the best. I'm both certified and accredited, but more importantly I root my learning in science and shared wisdom. (And yes there's some alchemy in the mix.) I'm not a tick box coach, I don't do quick fixes, platitudes and fridge magnet philosophy. No 'be your best self' on my watch. My style is described as, gentle but deeply challenging. (After all you are paying for results.) I take YOU seriously, but we'll share a few laughs along the way. 

If I sound like your kind of coach, the next step is to email me and book in a free 30 minute 'ask me anything' chemistry chat. There's no obligation to take things any further (and I urge you to speak to a few different coaches).  If we do decide we can work together, we'll make a bespoke plan based on your objective, budget and timing. That plan could look like anything from an intensive hour, an exploratory coaching with collage session or a 6-week programme with homework built in. 

If you've read this far, do get in touch. I can help you find the success you want, doing what you love. It's a claim I don't make lightly and I'm not saying it won't be challenging, but I promise it won’t be dull.  

Jude (aka The Shapeshifter) 

My single session rate is  £150. For package prices please see website

Some say...

“When I first started working with Jude I was feeling very lost. I had just closed a business that had been my baby for several years, and I had poured my heart, soul and my financial resources into it. Having to shutter it left me feeling empty and directionless. Broken. With Jude’s coaching, over three sessions, I found myself again - I found gratitude for my skills and traits, I found a sense of purpose, and I found the courage to have agency over my working future. I am now really busy and loving it - working with great clients on challenging briefs that enable me to do my best work. I would highly recommend hiring Jude if you want to transition from one phase of life to another and/or transform your relationship with yourself and your work. Thank you Jude! You are brilliant!“

EL, Brand strategist & writer, London

I’m sitting here with the end product of my collage technique session with the wonderful Shapeshifter, Jude. It wasn’t at all what I expected. Beforehand, I did a lot of resisting around ‘not being a visual person’, ‘not really into vision boards’. This experience was something quite different, quietly profound and insightful - a sort of homecoming through images. My intention was set to explore a change of career but I got something deeper (and maybe even more useful for the career change)…

So I’m feeling a lot of gratitude for Jude, for the 2.5 hours (?) she so generously held an inspirational, creative, safe space for me to wander and wonder. She was a calm, supportive, professional presence with a wise guide’s ability to encourage me to go deeper and a bit more lateral while staying on track. I’ll be keeping this collage above my desk as a daily reminder of who I am, what I want to create in this world and why. Just fabulous. Thinking about doing this: don’t think, ACT!

R.L. Freelance Creative Writer.

“Jude was able to provide a valuable and pragmatic perspective that helped you organize your thoughts and gain clarity on your situation. Her question, "What would it take to let it go?" appears to have resonated with me and helped me come to a realization and factual thinking. This question is particularly powerful because it prompts me to consider the possibility of letting go of certain expectations that may not be feasible or realistic. By focusing on what I can control and being open to moving on, I can maintain my value and prioritize my own well-being. Jude created a safe and supportive space that allowed me to express my thoughts and feelings, which is an important aspect of any coaching session…

NM / Creative Director, Amsterdam

“Jude and I spoke on the phone over several weeks. We discussed life, work, the expectations we put on our ourselves, the things that hold us back, how we get to where we want to be. I enjoyed every minute of it (because who doesn’t love digging a little deeper?). It was all so warm and reassuring. But wait… wasn’t she meant to be telling me how to find the success I wanted for myself? And therein lies Jude’s killer move. Somehow, through attentive listening, careful contemplative pauses and the questions she provoked (in my head), I realised she’d cleared a path for the action I was lacking and opened my eyes to the mistruths I too often tell myself. I was ready to do at last and no longer feared trying. Jude has given me awareness, inspiration, action, accountability and more. Speaking with her is the most-tender-but-most-powerful kick in the arse. I recommend you try it.

GN, Senior Copywriter, London

“Jude is one of those people that can both clarify and astound in one sentence. She imparts incredible wisdom, but in such a way that it never feels condescending or instructional, but instead emboldens and inspires you to reach for more, defy expectations and go forth. She has helped unleash a braver, more authentic and self-assured part of me that was lying dormant for the majority of my adult life, through a combination of meaningful conversation, exercises and tangible tasks. I trust myself more, I question the norms more, I speak up for myself more, and it feels good. I'm determined that the tools Jude has provided me with will last a lifetime - a more creative, meaningful, empowered lifetime.”

PH, Creative Director, London

“How can someone be so lovely and calm yet stir such a powerful energy to make bold decisions. Pure witchcraft.”

 ST, CEO, London

“I am so grateful for my time spent with Jude.
She was relaxed in her manner, but carefully listening to what I said and I felt she really heard me. I was impressed that she was able to recall and play back things I’d mentioned many weeks earlier at poignant moments. She asked me insightful questions to help me untangle my thinking. When I wobbled, she helped me to re-frame my thoughts and eased me back on track. Jude became my sounding board and best supporter. A refreshing and positive experience. Thank you Jude.”

GJ, Designer, Cambridge

*names withheld for privacy purposes, live references available on request.