Name: Toni Sheppard
Role: Coach, Mentor, Trainer, Adviser
Industry Focus: Beauty, Service, Retail, Tourism & Hospitality
Programme(s): ILM Level 5 Coaching & Mentoring (completed), ILM Level 7 Coaching & Mentoring (in progress)
A Natural Mentor Seeking Professional Depth
Toni Sheppard spent years leading large teams across sales, service, and consultancy roles, instinctively favouring a mentoring-based leadership style. After the pandemic, she pivoted towards formal coaching work—driven by a desire to strengthen her skills and gain professional credibility.
“I wanted to be recognised as a professional in this field and felt it was time to hone my technical skills, broaden my toolkit and learn from the experts.”
Toni’s motivation was rooted in integrity: she saw too many leaders operating without the depth of expertise she felt was necessary to genuinely support others. For her, credibility wasn’t just a bonus—it was essential.
Choosing Agile Group
Introduced to Agile Group through a government SME mentoring initiative, Toni quickly recognised something different about the learning experience on offer.
“The quality of tutoring and Agile’s general approach to learning and development was unlike anything I’d encountered.”
What stood out was Agile’s balance of rigour and warmth—expert tutors, practical content, and a clear commitment to personal growth.
The Learning Experience
Despite not having studied formally in years, Toni found Agile’s blended learning approach engaging and unintimidating. Live Zoom workshops offered a structured yet natural environment to explore theory, practice skills, and connect with like-minded learners.
“Agile’s blend of structure, peer support and expert-led sessions created an environment where even someone like me—who hadn’t studied in years—could thrive.”
Toni especially valued the practical resources, peer encouragement, and thoughtful guidance from her tutor, Naomi. A WhatsApp group with fellow participants extended the learning community long after the course had finished.
Professional and Personal Growth
The ILM programmes have given Toni a stronger foundation, deeper insight, and more tools than she ever anticipated. Techniques like advanced questioning, deep listening, and reflective practice are now embedded in her coaching approach.
“I’m more mindful of what isn’t being said. I let silence in. My confidence in facilitating executive-level mentoring has grown hugely.”
The impact has extended far beyond Toni herself. Her mentees have gone on to:
- Expand their businesses into new locations
- Pivot into new markets
- Take on senior leadership roles
One recently shared they’d been promoted to an executive position—directly crediting Toni’s coaching.
Toolkit for a New Era
Toni now brings a structured, evidence-based approach to every mentoring session. With a rucksack full of models, strategies and frameworks, she’s able to support growth, development and resolution across a wide range of scenarios—professionally and personally.
“These tools are way beyond what I’d developed through instinct alone. And I’ve found subtle ways to use them in life outside of work too!”
Are you ready to turn your natural mentoring instincts into a recognised coaching qualification?
Join a supportive community of professionals like Toni and develop coaching skills that make a real difference—at work, in leadership, and in life.
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