Challenge that moves things forward.

I’m Polly McAllester, a leadership development, consultant, coach and facilitator. My work is grounded in real-world experience and a belief in honest, practical conversations.

With a background in senior HR roles, I’ve seen how leadership shifts when people pause, listen well and ask better questions. That’s the work I love, helping people lead better, together.

I’ve always been drawn to what’s really going on beneath the surface, in teams, conversations and the ways people lead.

Early in my career, working in senior HR roles, I was often in the room for big decisions and high-stakes conversations. Again and again I saw the same thing; when people had space to pause, listen well and ask the real questions that needed to be explored, trust grew, relationships became stronger and progress came more easily.

That’s what led me to this work. Leadership development, coaching, facilitation, it all comes back to helping people lead well, together.

"Leadership isn’t always about agreeing. It’s about making progress. I bring thoughtful challenge that helps people see what’s really going on."

Leadership is often about stepping into the uncomfortable so you can move towards what's possible. I help leaders see what's really happening, build the trust in the room and create lasting change.

Leadership support grounded in experience

As Leadership Development Director at a major property company, I learned that real change comes from aligned actions and honest conversations, not just frameworks. That experience shapes how I work today: bringing practical support, behavioural insight, and a clear focus on what people and organisations need to thrive.

As an accredited coach, trained by the NeuroLeadership Institute, I combine psychological insight with real-world application and help leaders slow down, see differently and make the shifts that create lasting cultural impact.

Work with me

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What my clients say...

"Your support over the past few years has been invaluable. From our initial meeting through to our recent sessions, your guidance has been instrumental in shaping our approach and the exciting journey ahead. Your insights and dedication have been greatly appreciated."

Group Commercial Director

My approach?

Real experience, honest conversations and a focus on what moves things forward

Overarching all of my work with individuals, teams and organisations is a focus on culture; how it is we are doing our work together.

Processes and frameworks are helpful, but they only go so far on their own. What really creates change is making time for conversations that bring underlying dynamics to the surface, the habits, tensions and ways of working that have built up over time. When people can see those patterns clearly, they can understand what’s helping, what’s holding them back and what needs to shift.

That’s why all of my work encourages teams to dig deeper and do the real work that helps to shape lasting change.