Dr. Dame Neslyn Watson-Druée, DBE, CBE
A Visionary Leader and
Builder of Future Leaders
“Best Leadership and Executive Coaching Provider 2024”……. SME News Q2 2024
Dr. Dame Neslyn Watson-Druée is a visionary leader who has left an indelible mark across diverse fields such as nursing, healthcare, business coaching, and media. Recognized for her unwavering dedication and exceptional contributions, she holds the esteemed titles of Dame and Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). Dame Watson-Druée’s life’s work has been driven by her passion for empowering individuals and leaving a lasting positive impact on the world.
Overcoming Adversity: Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Emerging from a society tainted by discrimination, Dame Neslyn confronted formidable obstacles such as racism and exclusion. These challenges steeled her determination to shatter barriers and rise as a leader, steadfastly advocating for the rights of marginalised communities. Her narrative embodies resilience, bravery, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.
In 1989, Dame Neslyn founded Beacon Organisational Development after facing adversity from a manager who felt threatened by her intelligence, gender, and race. This experience fueled her mission to transform leadership through targeted development and coaching, making her a beacon of inspiration for many. Over the years, Beacon has grown to become a leader in transforming executives and organisations, driven by core values of creativity, vision, and integrity.
"I focused and leveraged my strengths, applied solutions to the gaps that I saw in leadership and service development. I thought about my former boss who told me she was going to block me. I wondered if she would have related to me differently had she had leadership training?"
Empowering Leaders Through Emotional Intelligence
Dame Neslyn’s coaching philosophy is deeply rooted in emotional intelligence, which she views as essential for effective leadership. Her DRIVE Framework—Discovery, Relationships, Impact, Vitality, and Energy—helps leaders unlock their potential, forge meaningful connections, and make lasting impacts. Through her guidance, individuals build confidence, strengthen relationships, and achieve their career aspirations.
With over 35 years of experience, Dame Neslyn has received more than 25 awards for her exceptional work, including being honoured three times by Queen Elizabeth II and recognized with Damehood in His Majesty King Charles’ Birthday Honours. She is a Top 100 Global Coaching Leader as of 2017, accredited by the Association of Coaching, and certified in various coaching approaches, including High Performance Coaching and Emotional Intelligence Coaching.
Tailored Coaching for Success
Dame Neslyn offers a bespoke six-month coaching program tailored to the needs of high-level executives and leaders. This program includes personalised one-on-one sessions designed to tackle specific challenges and goals. With ongoing support and a unique satisfaction guarantee, Dame Neslyn ensures that her clients receive the highest level of coaching, empowering them to excel in their professional journeys.
Her extensive track record within the NHS as a former nurse, midwife, health visitor, health promotion officer, deputy director of nurse education, and non-executive director, including 10 years as chair of NHS Kingston, underscores her commitment to leadership excellence. In 1993, she piloted the Leadership Career and Personal Development Programme within the NHS, laying the foundation for the NHS Breakthrough Programme and the current NHS Leadership Academy.
Recognizing Excellence: Celebrating a Legacy of Leadership
Dame Neslyn has been recognized with numerous accolades, including Damehood and a CBE, for her outstanding contributions to healthcare and leadership. As a Fellow of the Royal College of Nursing and one of the 100 Best Global Coaching Leaders, she embodies core values of Caring, Integrity, Diversity, and Excellence. Her work continues to inspire and empower future leaders across the globe.
Building a Legacy of Leadership
Dame Neslyn’s legacy is one of empowering others to achieve greatness. She has mentored countless individuals, guiding them through the complexities of leadership and helping them realise their full potential. Her story is a testament to perseverance, integrity, and the power of visionary leadership.
Testimonials: Track Record of Excellence and Impact
Individual references and testimonials are available upon request
Awards
- 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award – Zenith Global Health
- 2018 Woman of Excellence – Women Economic Forum
- 2017 Leadership & Empowerment Award – Phoenix Newspaper
- 2017 Stardust Award – Radio Works World
- 2017 Women of the Decade in Community Leadership & Social Change Award – Women Economic Forum
- 2017 Radio Works World Author’s Award
- 2017 Inaugural Best 100 Global Coaching Leaders – World HRD Congress
- 2014 Wise Women Award for Business Innovation
- 2013 Inaugural Top 50 HSJ BME Pioneer
- 2013 Her Majesty’s Queen Elizabeth 11 Medal for Health Service Innovation and Leadership July 2013
- 2012 Windrush Award for Nursing Innovation
- 2012 Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) for Health Service Development.
- Hon Doctorate Birmingham City University
- Hon Doctorate Bradford City University
- Fellow of City and Guilds London Institute
- 2001 Fellowship of the Royal College of Nursing
- Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for Nursing Leadership 1999. Millennium Nurse – Special Recognition Award by Secretary of State for Health for outstanding contribution to nursing
- Gold Standard Special Pioneering Award – Leadership Development in Public Sector (British Diversity Awards – BDA))9
- 1997 Special Honours Windrush Achievement Award (BDA)
- 1996 Gold Standard Award by British Diversity Awards for improving employee potential.
- 1996 National Training Award by the Government Office for London
- 1996 Consultancy and Training award by American Express through EFBWBO
- 1986 Industrial Society ESSO Management Development Scholarship
Senior Level Professional
Major Global Corporate Organisation