Jac Phillips: The Leader’s Leader.
Jac is an Executive Coach, NED, and leadership advisor with over 35 years’ experience spanning corporate, creative, and entrepreneurial worlds. She brings a bold, future-focused perspective grounded in lived experience, combining sharp insight with a refreshingly human sense of humour.
Senior leaders turn to Jac as a trusted partner when navigating growth, complexity, and challenge. She’s known for unlocking new ways of thinking, helping leaders harness their potential and lead with greater impact and humanity.
What do you love most about coaching?
Unlocking the potential in others. Most people have far more than they realise, but fear, self-doubt, and noise get in their way. When I help a client cut through the BS, focus on what really matters to them, and build a roadmap they actually believe in… that moment when clarity and confidence kick in? That’s the magic. And I get to experience this every day. What a huge privilege!
What do you consider to be some of your proudest achievements—big or small?
Helping talented, thoughtful humans become better leaders without losing themselves in the process.
Being asked to sit on boards where I can influence culture and strategy from the top.
Co-creating a podcast that’s real, raw and full of laughter, as well as hearing from listeners who say it helped them learn and try new things.
And personally? Building a life I don’t want to escape from. One that has work I love, people I admire, and time for my health, family and horses.
What’s your coaching superpower?
I have a knack for saying what needs to be said – kindly, but directly. My clients often say, “That’s exactly what I needed to hear, even if I didn’t want to hear it.” I also bring a commercial lens to every conversation. I’ve been in senior leadership positions, so I understand what pressure looks like at the top, and I don’t coach from the sidelines.
How do you define success in your own life?
Freedom is success to me. The freedom to work with people I genuinely like and respect. The freedom to be creative, to challenge, to support and to do it all in a way that feels real and true to who I am. It’s also about impact. Helping others see their own brilliance and back themselves – that’s the work that lights me up. And finally, it’s about how I live. I’ve built a career I love from my farm in the country, surrounded by nature, space and calm. I work to the beat of my own drum, without the noise of corporate theatre. So if I’m showing up with purpose, using my voice, helping others grow, and doing it all whilst looking out at my horses in the paddock with a dog at my feet – that’s what defines success for me.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received—or given?
"Say yes, even if you don’t think you’re ready. You’ll figure it out."
That advice has taken me into some of the best, most challenging and most rewarding roles of my career. Growth doesn't come from comfort. And confidence? It comes from putting yourself out there, from action, so just do it.
What lights you up outside of work?
Nature, connection, and a good laugh. I’m happiest when I’m outside in the country with my horses and walking or running with my dog Django. I love great conversations over great food, a killer playlist, creative side projects like my podcast with Ral, and quality time with the people I adore who teach me new perspectives. I’m also a big believer in joy for joy’s sake – whether that’s travel, music, movies, or just sitting on my back deck with a good glass of red.
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I have reinvented myself a million times over! I’ve had 16 different jobs across 6 different industries and in multiple countries. I love a challenge and have a lot of self-belief, yet very few qualifications! I am rich in experience, and I love sharing what I have learnt – my successes and also my f**k ups if it means helping someone. I don’t take much seriously… unless it’s made with grapes or is my family.
What’s a quote or mantra you come back to often?
If you’re not winning, then you’re learning.
When do you feel most like yourself?
Every. Single. Day. I am living a life aligned to my values and doing meaningful work with people I really admire.
What are you most excited about right now?
The future of leadership and understanding the brain, specifically using neuroscience to deliver better business results. I love learning new things; technology and AI are intriguing me right now. Every board meeting I attend, every client I speak to, every podcast episode I record with Ral, and every thing I read, watch or listen to teaches me something new, and I fill my days satiating my huge curiosity!