Rob West

About Me

I am an experienced software engineering leader having spent over twenty years in the web development industry. I have worked on projects for household names such as Pepsi, Carlsberg, The London Eye, Madame Tussauds, Historic Royal Palaces and Sky.

I am also a transformational coach, helping people to step out of their busy day-to-day work, creating a tranquil space in which they can gain a greater understanding of their unique talents and of the limiting assumptions that are holding them back. I have a Diploma in Transformational Coaching from Catalyst 14 and I have an EMCC Global Individual Accreditation at the Foundation level.

Photo taken at a Jaywing event - apologies to the photographer, I can't remember their name! If it was you, then message me and I'll add the credit.
Photo taken at a Jaywing event - apologies to the photographer, I can't remember their name! If it was you, then message me and I'll add the credit.

I am passionate about learning and ideas, which is why I love working in technology. I am as fascinated by the process of software engineering as I am about the languages and tools. The creation of software is a creative, collaborative and exploratory process that requires far more than just technical skill. This is why I come back to the principles of the agile manifesto again and again as the foundation for good technical leadership. 

For me the web should be an empowering medium, and that means bringing content to users whatever their device or disability. Whilst I was Technical Director at Jaywing I championed the early adoption of Responsive Web Design and mobile first before anyone in digital marketing knew what they meant. I instinctively felt that these methodologies were right because they were about delivering truly cross platform content.

My academic background, studying Philosophy and Psychology at the University of Oxford, has provided me with strong analytical and logical thinking skills. These form the basis of my development expertise but can also be applied in many other aspects of business and management. I have recently reconnected with these academic roots through the study of transformational coaching. I first discovered the power of coaching through being coached, and the personal insights I found inspired me to learn more. I have since developed a huge passion for coaching as the foundation for effective leadership, but also as a vocation that allows me to have a positive impact on others. 

Outside of work I am a competitive time trial and track cyclist. I am a former British Masters Champion and UCI World Masters silver medallist in the Individual Pursuit. I train about 8 hours per week which requires solid organisational skills and lots of early mornings but the hard training provides a balance to my life that enables me to more effectively and calmly manage the demands of work.

On the top step of the podium at the European Masters Track Championships in 2017. Photo credit to Rachael Elliott
On the top step of the podium at the European Masters Track Championships in 2017. Photo credit to Rachael Elliott

Cycling has taught me many valuable lessons that can equally be applied in a work setting. In particular it has helped me to understand the importance of mindset and mental resilience. So much of sporting performance is about what goes on in your head, the right attitude and approach to training and competition can have a huge impact on the outcome. More than this, I have learned to think of the mind being like a muscle which can be trained, strengthened and changed. You can choose your mindset and you can make fundamental changes to your character and attitudes to improve yourself. I’ve used this insight as part of my coaching practice and to improve the way I interact with work colleagues.

© 2023 Rob West. All Rights Reserved. Built using Kontent and Gatsby.