Welcome to Connected Coaching NE Ltd
Founded in 2021, Connected Coaching NE was created with a clear purpose: to help individuals and teams thrive in the real-world contexts they lead every day.
We are Julie McVeigh and Amber Farrier, and between us we bring decades of leadership experience across local authorities, the NHS and voluntary sector organisations. We understand first-hand the pressures leaders face – stretched resources, complex systems, and the increasing demand to do more with less. We also understand the opportunity: that courageous connected leadership changes cultures, performance and lives.
We both qualified as Organisational Leadership Coaches and Mentors in 2010, and in 2019, trained with Brené Brown to become certified global facilitators of the Dare to Lead programme. This evidence-based work underpins all that we do: helping leaders build courage, clarity and meaningful connection in their organisations.
Our backgrounds are different and complementary. Julie’s career spans Social Work and Senior Leadership roles, bringing deep expertise in people, systems and cultures. Amber's leadership journey began in Finance and Business Management, offering strategic insight, commercial understanding, and operational strength. What unites us is a shared passion for growing leadership potential and strengthening capability at every level.
We believe that leadership is not about position; it is about impact. Whether you are an emerging leader building confidence, a senior team strengthening trust and performance, or an organisation seeking cultural change, we work alongside you with warmth, challenge and practical insight.
If you are ready to invest in yourself and your team, and to lead with courage and connection, we would love to work with you.
Our Values
EMPATHY-DRIVEN GROWTH
We believe true transformation happens when people feel heard and understood. Our coaching approach fosters deep connection, enabling personal and professional growth.
CALM
LEADERSHIP
We champion the power of calm, helping leaders navigate challenges with clarity, confidence, and composure. Strong leadership starts with a steady mind.
AUTHENTICITY
IN ACTION
We help people and organisations lead with integrity, aligning their actions to their values. When authenticy is at the core, trust, connection and success will follow.
Client Testimonials
'I absolutely blooming love this!! Dare to Lead has helped me to evolve my approach to my leadership role. It helps to gel the “gap” that (in my opinion) exists in “traditional” NHS leadership training; personality types, colours etc. It has a more personal impact in engaging in conversation and makes you more aware of your own behaviours and why you may feel you “react”. Personally I have become very aware of “armouring up” and the reasons for this. I am more aware of being brave and who is in the “ring” with me. I think my team are sick of hearing me saying “Clear is Kind, Unclear is Unkind”.
Professional Lead, NHS
Dare to lead has provided the skills and approaches to support our school to continue to improve through changing times. The work allows us to understand our context and use key tools to succeed. These approaches are : Rumbling with Vulnerability, Living into our Values, Braving Trust, and Learning to Rise. I have been a School leader for thirty years Dare to Lead has allowed me to more fully to respond than to just react’.
Executive Headteacher Teacher
‘I have found the whole process eye opening. I know the learning I have had will be felt within all areas of my life. I have felt lost for years in my leadership role and this course has given me the space and concepts to really identify what this is about. This has genuinely been transformational to my life and leadership.'
Sue, UK National Charity
‘So grateful to have had the opportunity to complete Brene Brown’s Dare to Lead with Connected Coaching NE. Although recognising that self-reflection is always a good thing, what I loved about Dare to Lead is that it turns that reflection into self-development, making me braver, more empathetic, more aware and therefore hopefully an all-round better human. Loved it!’
Cath, Course Participant
'I am just constantly thankful that we did Dare to Lead before this crisis as I’m certain it has made our Team stronger and more able to acknowledge our vulnerabilities together at this time’
Local Authority Senior Leader, Children’s Services
‘I really feel I can embrace the research, messages, learning and tools in all aspects of my life. Inspiring and exciting- I found the facilitators to be very motivational and passionate.’
Ruth, Local Authority Senior Leader, Early Help
‘I have just completed one of the best training courses I've ever done. It's made me think about how I am at work, when coaching, with family & friends - pretty much all aspects of my life. It's been interesting, fun, thought-provoking, challenging and rewarding. A massive thanks to Amber Farrier and Julie McVeigh for leading us through 'Dare to Lead'. Rarely am I compelled to say this, but I truly recommend this course to anyone, particularly if you're in a management, leadership or coaching role’
Nathan, Course Participant
