Leadership, Wellbeing and Change - Reimagined
Alternative leadership approaches for stronger performance, healthier mindsets and lasting resilience
About me
I'm Abby Traynor, a northern leader, coach and consultant working with charities, social purpose organisations and values-led leaders and aspiring leaders. I support organisations and individuals navigating complex change, trauma-informed practice, wellbeing, governance and growth, without losing sight of people, purpose or compassion.
I’m currently Chief Executive of a specialist, trauma-informed organisation supporting survivors of sexual violence across the North East.
My work spans strategic leadership, organisational development, governance, culture change, funding, risk, safeguarding and workforce wellbeing - all within high-pressure, emotionally demanding environments.
Alongside this, I’m a qualified coach with lived experience of overcoming adversity, and a strong belief that leadership support doesn’t have to be performative, punishing or inaccessible to be effective.
alt leaders exists because I’ve seen first-hand that:
- Brilliant people burn out in broken systems
- Values can get lost under pressure; and
- leadership support is often least available where it’s needed most
I work with leaders and organisations who want to do things better, for themselves and their teams.
What is Coaching?
“Coaching is unlocking people’s potential to maximise their own performance”; John Whitmore
Coaching with me is about creating space - to think, reflect and make sense of what’s really going on for you.
It’s an evidence-based, non-directive approach that’s focused on growth and change. While coaching can sometimes overlap with mentoring or counselling, it’s different in one important way: it’s about moving forward. It can be challenging at times, but it’s always supportive and grounded in your goals, values and context.
By the end of the coaching process, most people tell me they have:
- Greater clarity and self-awareness
- Increased confidence and motivation
- Practical actions they actually feel able to follow through on.
Testimonials
"I can confidently say, Abby’s help at a much needed time had a huge positive impact on my life. Owning and running a business is very very stressful and often lonely. Having the regular sessions with Abby helped me structure things more effectively and efficiently. This lead to having a much more relaxed home life and giving me the time and head space to enjoy my evenings and weekends with my family"
Director, South Shields
"Abby consistently provided a safe environment to explore the various topics. She was able to easily move between different coaching styles and techniques to ensure each session resulted in tangible outcomes.
Abby was also able help me understand the root of certain thought patterns I currently have. This demonstrated her ability to listen and then respond with insightful questions. These questions enabled me to unpack my own narrative"
Director, North Tyneside
"Abby was very efficient and easy to talk to, I felt that she listened to my problems in the business and with time management especially.
Abby’s approach helped me to formulate action plans to tackle my overloaded mind and helped tremendously in helping me take the decisions needed going forward."
Director, North Shields
"Abby obviously understands the pressure of running a business and managing staff as she has similar responsibilities, and this made me feel like I had access not only to coaching but to peer support, and the acknowledgement that there are common issues experienced by all which is comforting.
Abby’s process is structured and action focused which was really useful for me, and she was easy to talk to. Clever questioning made me think about things in a different way. Overall I found the process really valuable and would recommend Abby’s services."
Director, Newcastle



































































































