Individual Coaching
Supporting Compassionate Leaders
We work with professionals across the international development and social impact sector. Whether you’re stepping into a leadership role, exploring a career transition, or planning a new phase of your journey, we are here to help you navigate your next steps with compassion.
Is Individual Coaching right for me?
Working in international development and social impact is deeply rewarding and, at times, uniquely challenging.
Professionals drawn to the field are often gifted at problem-solving, deeply empathetic, and driven to improve unjust systems. However, these gifts can become overextended, leaving even the most experienced individuals feeling overwhelmed or depleted.
YCompassion Coaching is rooted in a deep understanding of the complex systems you navigate in your day-to-day work.
Our tailored sessions offer a supportive and confidential space to:
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Reflect on the unique challenges and opportunities you’re facing.
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Experiment with practical tools and approaches that help you move forward with purpose and clarity.
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Grow your compassionate practice, for yourself and those around you.
YCompassion Individual Coaching
We work with professionals across the development and impact sector. Whether you’re stepping into a leadership role, exploring a career transition, or planning a new phase of your journey, we are here to help you navigate your next steps with compassion.
“Our conversations have helped me so much as I think about the future.”
- Special Advisor, U.S. Department of State
“After our work together, I would describe my leadership style as confident, assured, and valued.”
- Program Manager, Abt Global
“If you're curious about compassion, what it is, and how it can translate into different areas of one's life, I recommend working with Signe.”
- Carbon Removals Specialist, Biochar
Our monthly coaching package is customised to your evolving needs and ambitions, offering:
Tailored Coaching Plan
A bespoke coaching plan that sets out your professional goals, and details how we intend to work together.
Targeted Coaching Sessions
Two one-hour coaching sessions, during which we’ll focus on what feels most relevant to you. This might include goal-setting, reflective exercises, actionable planning, or skill-building activities.
Compassionate Leadership Techniques
A safe space to practice and discuss techniques that enhance your self-compassion and unique leadership qualities.
Ongoing Support
Ongoing WhatsApp and email support to help you maintain momentum.
Self Guided Activities
Curated resources and exercises that help you make meaningful progress.
Onboarding Pathway
You may have tried coaching before, or you may be entirely new to the process. Either way, our onboarding pathway helps set the stage for a productive partnership and an impactful coaching journey:
Initial Consultation
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your goals and determine whether our coaching approach meets your needs. If you and your coach decide that you are not a good fit, we are also happy to refer you to other qualified coaches and supportive resources.
Confirmation
Once we decide to move forward, we’ll sign a contract to formalize our partnership.
Reflective Questionnaire
Next, you’ll complete a questionnaire to reflect on your goals more deeply.
First Coaching Session
We will then schedule our first session, during which we will establish a strong foundation for our work together.
YCompassion Coaches
Over the next year, we are building a network of ICF-accredited coaches specialising in international development and social impact, with extensive experience using compassionate approaches.
As we build the team, Signe will lead most coaching engagements. An ICF-accredited coach with over a decade of experience as an international development manager and government advisor, Signe’s approach is grounded in her extensive field experience and compassionate leadership training.
“I cannot recommend Signe enough. I’ve experienced an incredible transformation—from being unemployed and deeply burnt out to thriving in a fulfilling job with meaningful work, excellent compensation, and a healthy work-life balance. Signe’s approach combines deep empathy with actionable strategies, including tools like journal prompts, strengths analysis, and value clarification, fostering profound self-reflection.”
- Fullbright Grantee
“My colleagues and I continue to implement several of the strategies Signe shared with us. In particular, we regularly conduct “temperature checks” and collectively and individually identify triggers that can lead to breakdowns in self-care.”
- Director, CARE
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How much does the programme cost?The YCompassion Leadership Programme is valued at $1,100. However, our first cohort this spring 2025 received a discounted pilot price of $390 in exchange for feedback that will help improve future offerings. We completely understand that investing in your professional development is an important decision, and that for some, it may not be the right time. However, for others, it may be arriving at exactly the right moment, especially if you want to cultivate active hope amidst uncertainty. We encourage you to explore employer sponsorship. Many organisations recognise the value of investing in their staff’s personal and professional growth. If you’d like guidance on approaching your employer, we’re happy to help.
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How much time do I need to dedicate to the programme?Navigating the complexities of the international development and social impact sector is no easy task, and it may seem that there is no time for professional development. The core components of the YCompassion Leadership Programme require a commitment of 20 hours, which is spread over three months. In that time, you’ll learn the core concepts of compassionate leadership and experiment with evidence-based approaches alongside a curated cohort of like-minded peers.
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Is the course live? How long will I have access to the materials?This is a live, virtual course, and we record all of our sessions. You will have access to all of the recordings until six weeks after the final session has taken place. We encourage you to attend the sessions live, but we understand that life can sometimes get in the way—in which case, we will share the session recording with you.
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What happens when the programme is concluded?We will schedule a cohort check in three months after the programme has concluded, giving you a chance to reconnect with peers and share what you have learned.
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Do you offer scholarships?We offer two scholarships per cohort, with fully funded places available for participants who would otherwise be unable to join the programme. Please complete this form to apply.
Hi, I'm Signe
Signe is the founder of YCompassion and a certified coach. With over a decade of experience in international development, she has worked with organisations such as the World Bank, Overseas Development Institute, and Collaborative Africa Budget Reform Initiative.
“Coaching is made for those moments when you feel stuck, unsure, or overwhelmed.
At YCompassion, we help clients to reflect on their unique objectives and uncover what's holding them back. Rather than spending weeks or months trying to work things through by yourself, a YCompassion coach will help co-create ways for you to move forward with clarity.
Drawing on years of experience in international development and social impact, we work with clients to integrate compassion into their daily life, influencing how they lead, how they feel, and the systems they work in.”
Our clients and learning partners include:
