Executive Leadership Training

Behind every great leader is a story of growth, challenge and deliberate practice. Here is ours — and the philosophy that shapes every programme we deliver.

Our story

TrustUs Leadership was founded in 2014 by a small group of former C-suite executives who shared a frustration: too much leadership training felt theoretical, disconnected from the messy reality of running an organisation. They set out to build something different — programmes grounded in the lived experience of leading through uncertainty, conflict and rapid change.

From a single workshop series in Edinburgh, we have grown into a consultancy that serves senior leaders across the United Kingdom and beyond. Our client list spans financial services, technology, healthcare, energy and the public sector. What unites them is a commitment to becoming better — not just busier — leaders.

Our headquarters sit on Casper Road in the quiet village of Little Gerhold End, Scotland. We chose this location deliberately: away from the noise of the city, it offers a reflective environment that mirrors the kind of thoughtful leadership we champion. Yet we deliver programmes wherever our clients need us — in boardrooms, offsite retreats and virtual classrooms around the globe.

Aerial view of a Scottish village surrounded by green hills

Mission and values

Our mission is simple: to develop leaders who create environments where people and performance thrive together. Every decision we make is guided by five core values.

Candour over comfort

Growth begins where comfort ends. We tell leaders what they need to hear, not what they want to hear, and we create safe spaces for honest dialogue within teams.

Evidence over opinion

Our frameworks draw on peer-reviewed research in organisational psychology, neuroscience and behavioural economics. We stay current so our clients benefit from the latest insights.

Practice over theory

Every concept we teach is paired with a practical application. Participants leave each session with tools they can use the very next day.

Relationships over transactions

We measure success not by the number of programmes sold but by the depth and longevity of the partnerships we build with our clients.

Sustainability over spectacle

We design for lasting behavioural change, not motivational highs that fade by Monday morning. Our follow-up structures ensure learning sticks.

Meet the team

Our facilitators and coaches bring a combined sixty-plus years of senior leadership experience across multiple industries.

Dr. Catherine Elliot, founding director

Dr. Catherine Elliot

Founding director and lead facilitator

Catherine spent fifteen years in financial services before earning her doctorate in organisational behaviour. She specialises in strategic thinking, board effectiveness and women in leadership.

Marcus Okonkwo, executive coach

Marcus Okonkwo

Executive coach and programme designer

A former chief people officer in the technology sector, Marcus brings deep expertise in emotional intelligence, resilience and cross-cultural leadership. He holds ICF Master Certified Coach credentials.

Priya Sharma, learning experience lead

Priya Sharma

Learning experience lead

Priya designs the immersive simulations and experiential exercises that make our programmes memorable. Her background in educational psychology ensures every activity is purposeful and inclusive.

Our impact in numbers

1,200+
Leaders trained
96%
Client satisfaction
85+
Organisations served
11
Years of experience