Jenny Jenkin
Leadership Coaching for Higher Education
Are You?
– trying to navigate institutional change while juggling competing priorities?
– constantly on the back foot with no time for strategic thinking?
– being overlooked at work despite your wealth of expertise and talent?
– worrying incessantly about a difficult boss, colleague or situation?
With over 30 years as a leader in the UK university sector, I’ve experienced both the triumphs and challenges of working in HE professional services. I truly understand what you’re facing.
The freneticism of daily life in HE, doing more with less and the relentless pace of change can make the working day seem almost impossible for mere mortals. The very real and complex people issues that crop up most days can make it even tougher.
But it doesn’t have to be like this. It is absolutely possible to step off the hamster wheel and regain a real sense of control, purpose and calm. And when you exude those qualities, your team and your colleagues will feel it too!
And that’s where I come in. I set up my coaching business in 2023 with a mission to make the working lives of senior women in HE more rewarding, fulfilling and purposeful. And now I help people to cut through the noise and regain control, enabling them to flourish in their careers and lead with genuine influence and authority.
Importantly, this means knowing, and holding true to your own core values – that is the way that you can stay on track and truly excel as a leader. I’ve seen this many many times with clients and it’s transformative.
Together, we can transform your experience from overwhelmed to clear and purposeful.
Download your free plan
Are you:
- Tired of spending time putting out fires instead of leading your team strategically?
- Ready to build your team's independence and confidence?
Do you:
- Want simple coaching techniques that free up your time while building your team's problem-solving abilities?
- Need a clear, actionable plan specifically designed for busy HE leaders facing constant change?
Are you:
- Trapped in operational firefighting rather than strategic leadership?
- Seeing your expertise overlooked in committee decisions?
- Battling subtle undermining that erodes your confidence?
- Struggling to navigate challenging relationships?
- Wondering how to advance your career?
Instead, do you want to:
- Turn difficult conversations into breakthrough moments?
- Build genuine influence without playing politics?
- Lead with quiet authority, even under pressure?
- Make real impact without self-doubt?
- Feel genuinely valued for your contribution?
You are not alone. And you can easily and naturally achieve this.
I’ll show you how.
Quick Tips
Handling Those Difficult Moments
- Notice when your stomach flips or your jaw clenches – these physical reactions are valuable data;
- Pause before responding (even a 5-second delay can change the dynamic). Hold the silence!
- Flip your instinctive response to something unexpected and different;
- Try curiosity instead of defensiveness – ask “Could you help me understand your perspective?”
When You Need to Exude Gravitas
- Arrive 5 minutes early to big meetings – it changes the dynamic completely;
- Own your expertise – you’ve earned your seat at the table;
- Visualise feeling weighted down to your seat, keep feet flat on the floor, crown of the head confidently held up!
- Use the power of the pause – take a breath before speaking. Then speak slowly;
- Remember that everyone else is figuring it out too.
When Everything Feels Urgent
Use the “urgent vs important” matrix – it really works;
Question supposed urgencies: “what’s the real impact if this waits 24 hours?”;
Plan in buffer time – things always take longer than expected. Especially in Universities!
Create templates for recurring tasks;
Try the 80/20 rule – what yields the greatest return?
When You're Doubting Yourself
Keep a “good stuff file” of positive feedback, good references, leaving cards (!) thank you notes, and successes you feel proud of;
Notice when you’re catastrophizing – challenge those 3am thoughts. Write them down and then write an alternative, more realistic reflection;
Remember: being stretched out of your comfort zone means you’re growing. Stay with it!
Ask yourself: “What would I tell a colleague in this situation?”
Investing in Professional Growth That Lasts
While quick fixes provide temporary relief, true transformation requires personalised guidance.
Imagine leading with confidence through institutional challenges, having your expertise genuinely valued, and making meaningful contributions—all while protecting your wellbeing and keeping energy for what truly matters.
I understand the complexities of HE leadership because I’ve navigated them myself. From budget constraints to difficult stakeholders, from team dynamics to implementing uncomfortable decisions—I’ve been where you are. And it’s not easy!
Let’s explore how you can untangle your thoughts and move on to lead with purpose and impact, even amid constant change, complexity and uncertainty.