Founder of The Head Gardener

Caroline Beardall is an accomplished leader, executive coach, and founder of The Head Gardener, with a distinct approach to cultivating leadership growth inspired by neuroscience, behavioural science, and garden design. She is a former NHS Director, an ex-HM Government National Project Leader, and a Big Four consultancy partner. Caroline brings three decades of experience to help leaders in corporate, government, and business environments achieve impactful growth, resilience, and authentic influence.

Caroline has developed her '8-petal model' to help ambitious leaders achieve clarity, confidence, and a quieter mind. Her approach empowers clients—corporate leaders, government executives, and business pioneers—to tackle self-limiting beliefs and foster authentic impact, achieving lasting success in both personal and professional realms.

Drawing on her extensive leadership background, Caroline has coached and guided leaders in where her experience and ICF accreditation spans national projects for the Department of Health, workforce strategy at the NHS, and organisational effectiveness initiatives in both public and private sectors. Caroline brings a practical, deeply human perspective to her work, combining structured frameworks with empathetic support to guide leaders toward authentic, impactful growth.

Speaker Topics and Approach

Caroline speaks on achieving impact through inclusion, involvement, and inspiration. Her sessions leverage her proprietary '8-petal model'—a framework for personal and professional growth rooted in the principles of garden design and neuroscience. This model offers leaders new perspectives and practical tools to address limiting beliefs, manage mental health challenges, and build self-confidence. Through engaging stories and actionable insights, she equips audiences to cultivate clarity, confidence, and self-acceptance, resulting in stronger, more resilient teams.

Coaching and Consulting Expertise

In addition to her speaking engagements, Caroline is a trusted coach to senior leaders and top teams. Known for her integrity and high standards, she combines 'kick-ass kindness' with accountability, helping leaders and executives excel while staying true to their values. Caroline’s coaching expertise includes psychometric assessments (EQ2.0, MBTI), scenario-based learning, and team development, ensuring that her clients are equipped with the skills and perspectives needed for lasting impact. Her extensive background allows her to consult on organisational change, executive development, and people management, supporting businesses in achieving their strategic goals.

Facilitation and Professional Credentials

With an in-depth understanding of human dynamics, Caroline is a skilled facilitator who brings teams together in a way that respects individual strengths while creating a collaborative environment able to unlock tough issues, foster team cohesion, and guide high-stakes conversations. She has held a faculty position with NHS IMAS for Consulting and Facilitation and is recognised as a Fellow of both the CIPD and the Royal Society of Medicine. Her expertise in guiding organisations through strategic change has been sought by both national healthcare bodies and private sector leaders, making her an invaluable presence in boardrooms and conferences alike.

Beyond the Professional Sphere

Caroline’s passion for growth extends into her personal life as well. She is a skilled potter, steam and model railway enthusiast, competitive bridge player, and cricket scorer. Known for her warm, approachable style, she brings authenticity and a wealth of experience to every interaction—whether on stage, in the boardroom, or in her personal pursuits. Her dedication to her clients’ success and her commitment to honesty and excellence make her a trusted guide for leaders aiming to cultivate impactful, lasting change in their organisations.