About Jay
Musician, Coach, Public Speaker...Personal Cheerleader.
Jay has performed on cello for 30+ years, with numerous orchestras and ensembles around the UK, from north Scotland, right down to the south coast. She has also been invited to travel extensively to perform on cello, including locations such as Canada, USA, the Caribbean, the Channel Islands, and most of Europe.
Jay has worked as a backing musician across a wide range of professional recordings and live performances. Her work has been featured on BBC Radio 3, Radio 4, BBC World Service, Classic FM and Netflix. She has recorded at Abbey Road Studios and Maida Vale Studios, and has performed at high-profile events including for HRH Princess Anne and Olympic Team GB.
She has also worked alongside artists and public figures such as Alicia Keys, Amanda Holden, Akash Odedra, Joan Armatrading, Stormzy and Ebony Bones, among others.
Jay works with both adults and students exploring the creative and performing arts, supporting them to build confidence and develop their presence on stage. With a specialist MA (Distinction) in Cello Performance and a Diploma in Transformational Life Coaching, she brings together performance expertise and coaching to help clients better understand themselves and grow in their creative expression.
During the global pandemic, Jay was diagnosed as Autistic with ADHD. This deepened her commitment to supporting other creatives, particularly those navigating similar experiences. Alongside her performing career, she now works internationally as a public speaker and coach, helping creatives expand their confidence, visibility and sense of possibility.
To maintain an excellent standard of performing, Jay studies under award-winning cellist Richard Jenkinson at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. She also works with her own life coaches for continued support.
So…what’s my origin story for coaching?
Needless to say, doing so led to crippling anxiety, imposter syndrome, and a massive fear of actually being seen. The classical music industry whilst I was growing up was massively and cruelly racist, and appallingly sexist. (And sadly, quite often, it’s still both.)
The irony? I stuck out like a sore thumb.
Feedback & Reviews
Nothing conveys trust, respect, and honesty more than the words of my amazing clients…
Jay is as spectacular as she is irritating – but let me be clear that the irritating is purely because she’s so right, sees straight through the nonsense excuses I make, and points out the ways in which I can simplify my own life by just… pausing a second.
There’s nothing worse than the feeling that you don’t “meet your full potential” – but Jay helps you to stick a finger up at those who tried to set your potential, to limit your growth, and your own inner walls as you step right on over what you thought you could achieve and get way further.
Lizzie A.
Creative Copywriter
Crikey! Not only did Jay help me begin to find my self confidence again, but she made the sessions relaxed, focused, and a giggle. It has been a really rough year for me, and Jay managed to hear that and acknowledge it, at the same time as pulling the curtains back from all the doors of opportunity that were there for me. She gave me SO much to think about, as well as little tasks to do. Yup – there were moments where she challenged me to be true and honest with myself and that is never easy, but by the glorious tale feathers of a cockerel, she did it without me feeling down on myself, or embarrassed. I will be booking another session in the near future. She is worth every moment of the session. THANK YOU!!!
Amy L.
Creative Entrepreneur
Jay is an absolute inspiration – she literally sees no limits, and her many achievements demonstrate this. Her coaching sessions are equally inspirational – Jay’s gentle questions and prompts encouraged me to really dig deep and think. She helped me rediscover my enthusiasm and self-confidence, and prompted me to re-evaluate a lot of things I’d been taking for granted for years. She has supported me massively, cheered me on at every step, and encouraged me to celebrate each and every achievement. I’ve grown, I’ve changed, and I’m happier than I have been in a long time. I can’t thank you enough Jay – you are awesome!
Jenny L.
Musician, Teacher
What Can I Do for You?
I have achieved some AMAZING things in my life, making some incredible creative dreams come true. I would love so much for you to be able to do the same, and more.
Public Speaking and Presenting…
High Profile Performances
- Alicia Keys – Queen Charlotte’s Global Orchestra, for Netflix
- Stormzy & Chineke! Orchestra, Brit Awards
- Amanda Holden – Heart Radio and Global Radio
- Joan Armatrading, for ITV News with Chineke! Orchestra
- HRH Princess Anne (Private Event)
- 2024 Olympic Team GB (Private Dinner & Ball)
- Private Clients from London, the Caribbean, and the US under NDA
In our work together, I usually ask for three things…
Be willing.
The most powerful breakthroughs often come from being willing to explore parts of ourselves we’ve avoided. Coaching provides a safe and supportive space to do that.
Be open.
Some conversations may feel challenging, but this is often where the real shifts happen. Letting go of old beliefs and building more supportive ones requires curiosity and honesty.
Be present.
Coaching works best when we both show up fully. I will always bring my full presence and care to our sessions because I genuinely want to see you shine. I ask that you bring the same commitment to the space we create together.
Ready to Begin?
You’re about to take the first step towards something powerful – shining brightly, and rightfully taking up some of the infinite space!
Let’s start the journey and see what magic we can create.