Colin Hiles

Catch Colin on It's Not About Trees with John Lunn 27 April to 03 May.

Colin Hiles is an executive coach who works primarily with senior leaders, including CEOs, CFOs and other C-suite executives.

Over a coaching career spanning more than 30 years, he has specialised in helping high-performing leaders strengthen mindset, behaviour and decision-making in complex organisational environments.

Colin is known for his distinctive coaching model built around measurable leadership growth. His “no growth, no pay” approach means clients only pay if stakeholders confirm that the leader has improved over the course of the engagement, aligning his reputation directly with behavioural change and leadership effectiveness.

Working closely with senior leadership teams across multiple sectors, Hiles focuses on developing the qualities he believes underpin effective leadership: humility, accountability and the courage to grow. His work centres on helping leaders move from reactive or fear-based thinking towards clarity, responsibility and purposeful action.

He also writes and shares regular insights with a large community of leaders through a weekly newsletter read by thousands of executives around the world.

DO Radio Show Notes

In this episode, John Lunn speaks with executive coach Colin Hiles about leadership, mindset and personal responsibility in what many describe as an “age of chaos.” The conversation explores how leaders can remain effective in a world where systems are shifting rapidly, uncertainty is constant and traditional strategic planning horizons are shrinking.

Colin brings the perspective of more than three decades working with senior leaders, primarily CEOs and CFOs, helping them develop greater self-awareness and behavioural change. His work focuses on shifting leadership mindsets—from fear to courage, from procrastination to decisive action, and from overwhelm to clarity and energy.

A distinctive element of Hiles’ coaching model is his “no growth, no pay” approach. Clients pay nothing upfront; payment is only made if stakeholders confirm that the leader has measurably improved over the course of the year. This creates a powerful dynamic where both coach and client are accountable for real behavioural change rather than theoretical development.

Throughout the discussion, Hiles emphasises two qualities he believes are essential for leadership today: humility and courage. Humility acknowledges that even highly accomplished leaders still have room to grow. Courage, meanwhile, is the willingness to act despite discomfort and uncertainty. Together, these qualities create the conditions for genuine learning and stronger organisational cultures.

The conversation also touches on the cascading impact of leadership behaviour. What leaders model—openness to feedback, responsibility, and a willingness to improve—sets the tone for the wider organisation. When leaders visibly work on themselves, it gives others permission to do the same.

The episode closes with reflections on personal responsibility and agency, captured in a simple principle Colin often shares:

“If it is to be, it is up to me.”

In a rapidly changing world, the discussion suggests that leadership development is less about perfect plans and more about cultivating the mindset required to adapt, learn and grow.