Helping tech leaders uncover blind spots, build trust, and create high-performing teams
Coaching for newly promoted and established engineering managers to strengthen leadership, team dynamics, and psychological safety
Based in Liverpool, UK — coaching worldwide.
About Colin Hughes – Support for First-Time Tech Managers
I’m Colin Hughes – a former Engineering Manager turned leadership coach and 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 coach and mentor first‑time engineering managers and unfulfilled tech leaders to create psychological safety, run effective 1‑to‑1s and stay values‑driven. The work blends NLP tools (ANLP 2025), Certified ScrumMaster practices (CSM 2025) and a Diploma in Life Coaching.
Credentials & Approach
- 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 First‑Time Engineering 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 first‑time engineering 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 First‑Time Engineering Managers at Scale
Coaching Programme for First‑Time Engineering 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 First‑Time Engineering 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 First‑Time Engineering 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 CallWhat 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.
Book Your Free Chemistry CallEmail: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/colin-hughes-coaching