Ian Burnley MA MSc ACA
Managing Director
Ian has spent most of his career leading teams and working with ambitious men and women in professional services, international corporations and early-stage businesses, most recently as a Director of the international coaching firm, atd partners, where he delivers coaching programmes and leads the commercial and technology activities. The atd partners group has recently grown following the acquisition of the business training provider, Beyond Theory, where Ian is Managing Director. Beyond Theory will remain a separate business with its focus on the delivery of management training programmes to medium sized businesses primarily in the UK.
Ian has been coaching for several years at senior and emerging leader levels and brings to his coaching a strong business focus underpinned by both senior level operational management and strategic planning and M&A experience. Ian provides an excellent insight and support for the challenges’ individuals and teams face in managing through growth and changing environments.
Ian has fulfilled many leadership roles in his career covering MD, strategy and planning, finance, commercial, operations and client services. The roles included managing a global change management programme and separately a change of ownership involving fund raising with and for private equity and work with listed companies where he led a number of acquisitions and disposals in the UK, Europe and USA. In recent years, Ian has worked with the leaders of early stage, entrepreneurial businesses focussed on growth and scaling up. His sector experience includes professional and IT services, telecoms, training and development, private equity, business travel and event management.
Ian has a Diploma in Coaching from the University of Cambridge and a Masters degree in Applied Positive Psychology and Organisational Leadership completed in 2023-24 at UEL in London with a focus on how the use of positive psychology can lead to improved organisational performance. Through his coaching, Ian aims to help individuals achieve a clarity in their future direction and an ability to move forward with confidence. Ian is a member of the Association of Coaching and International Coaching Federation and has lectured in coaching at Judge Business School, Cambridge. After graduating in economics from Cambridge University in 1984, Ian qualified as a chartered accountant at Coopers & Lybrand (now PwC) in 1988.
Testimonials:
“Ian managed in one of the very first sessions to ask the right questions and get to the “core” of what bothers and blocks me. This led to a true release of pressure not only once but often we had quite emotional sessions with lots of freedom and clarity afterwards. I consider this as the basis for the connection and relationship of trust I have with Ian”.
“The coaching really has helped me in a number of areas: you have challenged my thinking on how I add value in my current role and how can more clearly articulate this going forward; encouraged me to take steps to broaden my network/be braver in my outreach to senior stakeholders; supported me and offered great flexibility during times of intense work; and offered very practical hints and tips on upcoming meetings. Thank you!”
“Thank you very much for your time and advice last Friday – I truly needed it.
It made me think a lot and I am ready for the re-set.”