Helping tech leaders uncover blind spots, build trust, and create high-performing teams

A trusted thought partner for newly promoted and established engineering managers to strengthen leadership, team dynamics, and psychological safety

Based in Liverpool, UK — coaching worldwide.

Colin Hughes – leadership coach for first‑time engineering managers, Liverpool UK

About Colin Hughes – Supporting Tech Managers

I’m Colin Hughes – a former Engineering Manager turned strategic thought partner & mentor for tech professionals who want to lead people, not just projects, with clarity, confidence and purpose.

Over 20 years in software (8 in leadership) I built high‑performing teams, delivered under pressure – and hit burnout hard. I know what it’s like to look capable on the outside yet feel lost underneath.

Today I support tech managers to lead better teams. The work blends NLP tools (ANLP 2025), Certified ScrumMaster practices (CSM 2025) and a Diploma in Life Coaching.

Credentials & Approach

  • CMI Level 7 Strategic Management & Leadership (Edge Hill University - expected completion 2026)
  • Certified ScrumMaster (Scrum Alliance 2025)
  • ANLP‑registered NLP Practitioner (The Coaching Academy 2025)
  • AC-Accredited Diploma in Life Coaching (The Coaching Academy 2025)

Coaching & Mentoring for Tech Managers

Leadership Coaching Programme (9 Sessions)

According to DDI’s Global Leadership Forecast 2025, only 35 % of first‑time managers feel ready to lead. When you’re juggling delivery, wellbeing and stakeholder pressure, it’s easy to feel like you’re winging it.

Research by FocusHR 2024 found that psychological safety — not technical skill — is the biggest predictor of success.

Our 9‑session leadership coaching and mentoring programme for tech managers helps you build that safety, communicate with clarity and lead from a grounded, confident place.

  • Navigate difficult conversations and team dynamics
  • Run 1‑to‑1s that actually move the needle
  • Overcome imposter syndrome and self‑doubt

Sources: DDI 2025, FocusHR 2024

Supporting Tech Managers at Scale

Coaching Programme for Tech Managers

According to Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace 2024, 70 % of the variance in team engagement comes down to the manager. Yet most engineering leaders are promoted without formal leadership training — costing organisations dearly.

The financial impact is real: low‑engagement teams see up to 43 % higher turnover, and in the UK, replacing a single mid‑level developer can cost £30,000 + (Oxford Economics 2023).

Coaching Support for Tech Managers helps tech organisations protect that investment — coaching managers to create safer, higher‑performing teams.

  • Reduce churn and engineer burnout
  • Improve team engagement and trust
  • Build promotable, self‑sufficient leaders

Sources: Gallup 2023, Oxford Economics 2023

Who I Help – Tech Leaders & First‑Time Engineering Managers

  • First‑time engineering managers who want to lead people – not just projects – with clarity, confidence and resilience.
  • Tech companies & startups investing early in leadership development to boost retention and performance.
  • Mid‑career professionals in tech feeling unfulfilled and ready to realign their career with who they truly are.
  • Burned‑out leaders who’ve lost their spark and need mindset support to regain focus, energy and purpose.

I work with both individuals and organisations – whether you're stepping into leadership or supporting those who are. Based in Liverpool, UK – coaching worldwide.

Coaching & Mentoring Services

Based in Liverpool UK — coaching worldwide.

🧭 Career Transformation Coaching & Mentoring

Feel stuck, burned out, or misaligned in your current path? This coaching helps you reconnect with your values, build confidence and move toward a more fulfilling direction—on your terms.

  • Explore what's no longer working—and why
  • Clarify your values and career vision
  • Build confidence to take action

Best for: Mid‑career professionals or leaders in tech ready to realign their work with who they are.

🤝 Coaching for Tech Managers

Practical, grounded leadership coaching programme led by a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM). Build trust, handle team dynamics, and step into leadership without burning out.

  • 1:1 Software Engineering Manager Training on real leadership challenges
  • Build trust and psychological safety
  • Navigate the developer‑to‑manager transition

Available for:
✔ Self‑funded engineering managers (B2C)
✔ Orgs developing first‑time leaders (B2B)

🧠 NLP, Mindset & Mindfulness Coaching

Deep mindset work and mindfulness for tech leaders to shift limiting beliefs, reduce imposter syndrome and boost emotional resilience. Backed by ANLP‑registered NLP practice and Life‑Coaching credentials.

  • Let go of unhelpful thought patterns
  • Rewire self‑talk and confidence
  • Use NLP tools for real change

Available for:
✔ Individuals seeking mindset shifts (B2C)
✔ Leaders needing inner clarity and resilience (B2B)

Not sure which option fits best?

Book a Free Chemistry Call

What Clients Say

Ready to Take the First Step?

Whether you're a tech professional at a crossroads or a company looking to support your leaders - this is the place to start.

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