Nicola Payne

Helping individuals and the team increase their performance so we improve our outcomes & better serve our clients

I’m an Executive Coach and former HR Director with over 20 years’ experience working for big brands in various sectors including financial services, technology, retail and transport.   I originally joined the Hatmill team to support the introduction of a “Teal” way of working and ensure we avoided the pitfalls of traditional professional service firms and create a place we all wanted to work.

I began my career in retail as a manager in ASDA Walmart moving from store operations to HR Management roles – generally being thrown in the deep end and learning just how tricky people and relationships can be!

I then worked with Network Rail bringing together diverse working cultures and competing stakeholders to deliver Europe’s largest construction project during the organisation transition from plc to government-owned asset before moving to MFI where I integrated new businesses following M&A and led the HR support for the first major IT transformation for 30 years.

In my last corporate role as HR Director at Visa, I led operational HR, was a member of senior executive teams; led complex change and restructure programmes and coached and mentored loads of people coming up through the ranks.  All of this means I get how things really work in the corporate world.

I have a degree in Accountancy & Financial Analysis and an MA in Industrial Relations from the University of Warwick.  I’m also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development and a Professional Certified Coach accredited with the International Coach Federation.

As a coach, I’m especially passionate about helping professionals in mid-career take control, increase their impact & become the courageous leader who truly makes a difference in their organisation.   With me, you get a Coach, Consultant & Mentor all rolled into one.  I’m big on integrity and relationships, so blend my HR & change management experience, political savvy and neuroscience knowledge to help create win/win scenarios for employees and organisations alike, because I truly believe that’s when the magic happens.