Sope Agbelusi

My clients are primarily C-suite executives, senior leaders, and founders from industries such as technology, Fashion, financial services, healthcare, media, and consumer goods. They are typically high-performing individuals running 8-figure companies or leading divisions within global corporations like Google, Nike, Morgan Stanley, Spotify, and HSBC.

When Tom, a senior executive, started working with me, he was feeling stuck—overwhelmed by the pressure of his role and disconnected from both his team at work and his family at home. Through our coaching journey, we focused on helping him unlearn the belief that he had to be constantly perfect and in control, replacing it with a more authentic, grounded leadership style. Tom began to recognise that leading from a place of vulnerability and openness didn’t diminish his authority but enhanced his ability to connect and influence.

As Tom grew into his new leadership approach, the impact on his team was immediate. He created a culture of psychological safety, where his team felt empowered to share ideas and take risks. This led to a significant improvement in team dynamics and performance, as his openness fostered a sense of trust and collaboration. The group began to innovate more freely, which translated into higher engagement and better business results.

At home, Tom’s transformation was equally profound. He started applying the same principles of empathy and authenticity with his family, creating deeper connections with his spouse and children. The stress that had once bled into his personal life was replaced by a sense of balance and fulfilment, allowing him to lead both at work and at home with renewed confidence and clarity.

When working with executive coaching clients, I start with a discovery call to understand their unique challenges, goals, and leadership style, if required I will gather feedback from key stakeholders. From this we go on a journey where I challenge, support but hold my clients accountable. My approach is rooted in both personal transformation and practical application, empowering leaders to lead with clarity, resilience, and authenticity.

My work has been shaped by a combination of personal and professional experiences that have deeply influenced my approach. As a father and husband, I understand the importance of balance and vulnerability, which I bring into my coaching. Leading teams of people 15+ years older taught me how to earn trust and navigate buy-in from experienced professionals. Being a Black man in predominantly white spaces has shaped my resilience and perspective on inclusion, driving me to create safe, equitable environments for others. I’ve led turnaround projects generating over a billion dollars for my clients, giving me insight into high-stakes decision-making and organisational change. My love for neuroscience, research, and continual learning through books and podcasts informs how I integrate science-backed strategies into leadership transformation, while building software and working with C-suite executives has reinforced the need for adaptability in complex environments. These experiences collectively drive my commitment to helping leaders authentically unlock their potential.

I sit on the board of the the Tilt foundation, Cultivating Leadership’s parent company

I employ a variety of methodologies tailored to meet each client’s unique needs, drawing from professional frameworks and my own personal experiences as a leader. My approach is not limited to the techniques below; I focus on meeting clients where they are, recognising that every leader’s journey is different.

By blending my expertise with real-world understanding, I guide clients through meaningful growth that aligns with their challenges and goals.

Here are a few of the key methodologies I use to foster this transformation:

Vertical Development
Helps leaders grow beyond skills, expanding their mindset to navigate complexity, uncertainty, and ambiguity at a higher level of awareness.

Polarity Management
Guides leaders to balance competing, interdependent values (e.g., stability vs. change) and manage the tension between them for lasting success.

Systems Thinking
Enables leaders to recognise patterns and interdependencies, improving their ability to lead effectively within complex organisational dynamics.

Shadow Work
Helps leaders uncover and integrate hidden aspects of their personality, leading from a place of authenticity and self-awareness.

Growth Mindset
Encourages leaders to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, fostering resilience and continuous development through dedication and learning.

When not working, I’m a husband and father, committed to finding harmony between personal and professional life. I’m a passionate football fan, cheering for Arsenal, and love exploring new cultures through travel and visiting different countries. Whether it’s learning from experiences or enjoying the game, I find joy in growth, discovery, and connection.

The boundaries of my work centre on providing transformational leadership coaching that is distinct from therapeutic interventions, focusing on professional and personal growth. While I support clients in exploring mindsets and behaviours, my role is not to address deep psychological issues, which may require referral to licensed mental health professionals. My coaching is client-driven, meaning I guide leaders toward their goals without making decisions for them, empowering them to choose their path. I adhere to strict confidentiality within ethical and legal guidelines, ensuring a trusted space for growth.