Chris Leighton is a leadership coach working with senior executives, founders, and high‑growth startups navigating high‑stakes transitions.
From nuclear engineering to global corporates and high-tech startups, Chris has led £100‑million business units, worked in companies like Xerox, Hilti and Zumtobel, founded three startups, including the Earthshot‑nominated AI healthtech platform AirZones - and built an innovative D&I leadership consultancy.
He trained as a coach at the University of Cambridge, holds an MBA from Henley Business School and is a guest lecturer in innovation and leadership. Chris has led sessions on culture and teamwork at global events including COP28 and Expo Dubai and serves as a non‑executive director and advisor to several high‑growth startups. He has also featured on TV and radio discussing leadership, culture and workplace wellbeing.
Alongside my start-up and advisory roles, I work one-to-one with a small handful of senior leaders - helping them cut through the noise, realign with their potential and create exceptional lives and legacies they’re proud of.
That’s the formal version. The reality is more personal - and probably closer to yours.

I chased titles, bigger salaries, bigger teams — and got them. I hit the milestones I thought I wanted. But when I got there all I felt was trapped. I’d been playing a part for so long I’d forgotten who I really was underneath.
Hyperactive Mind, Relentless Drive
I’ve always been restless. My mind never stops - brilliant for ideas and energy, brutal if I slip into auto-pilot and forget to stop. I’ve wasted many holidays just recharging.
The clinical term is ADHD, I believe it’s my superpower!
I’ve chased peace through ultra‑endurance sports and through relentless learning, throwing myself into everything from dragon boating hydrodynamics to deep hypnosis — I solved the meaning of life question years ago.
It’s exhilarating — although it can be exhausting.
What Changed?
When I became a dad, I realised I didn’t want to bring my children up to live the life I was living. That hit me. So I dedicated the next ten years of my life to transforming me, from corporate success, to pushing myself daily into new challenges, launching startups, moving our family around the world and then helping others do the same – because the results are priceless.
Looking back, I was already coaching my friends at school - I was the one people turned to for advice. Later, in corporate roles, my natural coaching style helped me lead and grow quickly.
When people began referring me to others for coaching, I realised what had worked for me could also make a real difference for others too. That’s when I embraced coaching more formally and I haven’t looked back since.
Now, coaching is the work that I enjoy the most. Seeing people shift and grow remains the most amazing experience – I love it!
If this resonates, perhaps it’s time for a conversation. Let’s see if we’re a fit.