A developmental coaching approach

You’ve worked hard to get here.
You’re capable, experienced and trusted — yet you sense there is another level of leadership calling you.

At senior levels, the challenges change. Decisions are heavier, visibility is higher, and the space to think deeply is increasingly rare. You may be carrying responsibility not just for results, but for culture, people and the unspoken expectations that come with being a woman at the top.

A.S.C.E.N.D is designed for this moment.

This coaching framework supports senior women leaders who are ready to move beyond simply coping or performing, and instead lead with greater clarity, confidence and inner authority. It creates space to slow down, reflect and strengthen how you make meaning — not just what you do — so you can navigate complexity with composure and courage.

Through A.S.C.E.N.D, you will:

  • Reconnect with what truly matters to you at this stage of your leadership

  • Surface and release ingrained assumptions or patterns that no longer serve you

  • Expand your capacity to lead in ambiguity, pressure and change

  • Strengthen your presence, voice and strategic influence

  • Lead in a way that is powerful and sustainable — without losing yourself along the way

This is not about fixing you.
It’s about honouring your experience, deepening your perspective, and supporting the next evolution of your leadership — on your terms.

If you are a senior woman leader who wants to lead with more ease, purpose and impact, A.S.C.E.N.D offers a place to think, grow and rise — from the inside out.

A developmental coaching approach

Not all leadership coaching is created equal. While performance coaching is often narrow in focus, developmental coaching tackles the whole person, increasing your capacity to embrace complexity and challenge. When we grow developmentally we change the cognitive structure of our brains, helping to broaden our self-identity, making us more adaptable, creative and increasing our ability to see multiple perspectives.

Evidence Based Approach

No pop Psychology here - I take an evidence based solution-focused approach to improve performance and wellbeing. So you can be reassured that only interventions proven to be successful will be used in your coaching journey.  

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Tailor-made for you

Think about the leaders that inspire you. No doubt each has their own unique style.

That’s why an ‘off the shelf’ approach just doesn’t work when it comes to leadership coaching.  You will have specific unique coaching needs. Together we develop a brand of leadership that’s truly yours and realise your leadership potential.

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A select few

I only work with a small number of clients at any given time. This enables me to bring my best to our working relationship.

Working across every sector

  • Information Technology

  • Professional Services

  • Consulting

  • Finance

  • Insurance

  • Energy

  • Education

  • Sales

  • Communications

  • Media Relations

  • Advertising

  • Government

  • Pharmaceuticals

  • Manufacturing

  • Food production

  • Beauty

  • Operations

  • Health

  • ehealth / Public health

  • Not For Profit

If not now, when?

I’ve helped countless leaders find their true voice, from those starting their leadership journey to those in ‘C’ Suite.

Interested in finding your true voice?

Let’s Work Together

  • Ruth helped me identify exactly what was blocking my progress and provided the self-awareness I needed to show up more effectively in the workplace. By aligning my professional goals with my deeper values, I am more effective and impactful in the workplace. I started this process looking for direction; I’m finishing it feeling empowered, confident, and ready for the future.

    Alison Lim
    LOreal - Transformation Director

  • Working with Ruth Elliott over the past couple of years has been one of the most valuable parts of my leadership journey. She has this rare mix of deep listening, clear insight and gentle challenge that helps you see what is really going on beneath the surface. What I value most is that she never tries to solve things for you. She creates the space for you to find your own clarity, your own accountability and your own version of leadership that is sustainable, human and far more effective. I am incredibly grateful for her support and would recommend Ruth to any leader who wants to grow, breathe a little easier and lead with more purpose.

    Dr Colman Taylor
    HT Analysts - Owner & Chief Vision Officer 

  • Photo of Sarah G

    Ruth has made a significant impact on my understanding of how I lead and, more importantly, the leader I want to be.

    Sarah G, Managing Director, Devonport Chocolates

  • Photo of Alex T

    Meeting Ruth has been life changing. I came out of our 6-month coaching programme feeling comfortable in my own skin with a strong desire to test my limits. I now and forever will continue to use what I have learnt in our sessions in the rest of my life’s journey. This is something I will always treasure and be so thankful that I did to make my life richer.

    Alex Tran, Head of Analytics & Insights, Woolworths Group

  • Photo of Felicity

    I was amazed at how many of the answers were already there. I just needed Ruth to ask the right questions.

    Felicity, Senior Leader, Fonterra

  • Photo of Tim K

    The coaching process was often challenging and at times quite testing however it was always delivered with great care and patience and the outcome was far more than I could ever have imagined. I am a far better person and leader as a result.

    Tim Knight, Senior Sales Leader

  • Photo of Sara M

    I was recovering from a bit of burnout and my past routines and behaviours needed to change. Ruth provided a safe place for me to have an open dialogue with unbiased professional support.

    Sara M, Auckland

  • Photo of Victoria W

    Ruth opened my eyes to what I could believe in and strive for. Her knowledge and passion in her profession was obvious but it was backed up by her fabulously insightful and calm manner. She is an amazing leadership coach.

    Victoria Walker, Director Channels, NSW Health

  • Photo of Tee M

    I loved the way your session revealed strengths I didn't fully understand I had, plus helped me realise, rationalise and respond to my weaknesses.

    Tee M, Leader, IT, Auckland

  • Laura M profile picture

    Ruth is truly everything you would need from a coach; she is genuinely caring, passionate about your growth, holds you accountable and encourages you to press on with the work needed to achieve your coaching goals. Perhaps best of all, Ruth is able to swiftly pivot when needed, adapting a session to give you the coaching you need at that time, whilst keeping you on the path towards your goals. I would recommend Ruth as a coach for anyone in leadership or looking to grow their career whilst maintaining their wellbeing.

    Laura M

  • I went into coaching with Ruth post burnout and not having a full view on what good looked like. Ruth was able to guide my unsurity and ambiguity into focussed action and change all whilst being extremely empathetic and totally judgement free. My life is truly improved as a result of our coaching.

    Rebecca Fox, Senior Leader

  • “Some people coach leadership.  Ruth Elliott lives it.  She's totally committed to her clients' success, cares deeply for them as people (not just as leaders), and brings a sense of curiosity and lifelong learning to everything she does”

    Paul Mitchell, CEO, The Human Enterprise

  • Denise

    I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to experience leadership coaching with Ruth. She is kind, thoughtful, so experienced in her field, and absolutely committed to ensuring the person she is coaching gains maximum value from every session. As leaders we often put others first, the company, the team, the goals and targets. We often forget to look after ourselves and be balanced leaders. Ruth created a space where I could focus on me for once, and that time was priceless. Thank you Ruth.

    Denise Stewart, Chief Product Officer,  Studiosity

  • I came to Ruth following a prolonged experience with burnout. She struck the right balance of caring concern, challenge and self-learning to help me discover my own way forward. The impact of coaching on my self-awareness and leadership has enabled me to play at the next level for myself and my team. I would highly recommend Ruth to anyone wanting to understand themselves more and how they can intentionally shape their leadership and life journeys.

    Keren, Senior Supply Chain Leader