Defy Expectations is a leadership decision firm.

We don’t work through exploration, chemistry, or open-ended conversations.

We work through clarity.

That means we assess leadership reality before recommending coaching, development, or change.

This isn’t our philosophy.

It’s our operating standard.

Begin with Leadership Defined

Why we work differently

Over time, one pattern became clear.

Leadership development fails most often not because leaders aren’t capable,
but because action starts before understanding.

Coaching begins too early.
Programmes are applied too broadly.
Effort increases while clarity decreases.

We no longer work that way.

Our People

Helen Honisett

Helen is a seasoned and successful business leader with a rare blend of expertise in learning and advanced technology. Her specialism is in managing and growing businesses through change by leading sales organisations in a way that pivots...

Pat Chapman-Pincher

Pat has spent more than 40 years in the global communications industry through good times and bad and knows how to succeed in both. She has always been at the forefront of technology, responsible for creating and growing companies...

Fiona Dewar

Fiona has over 35 years’ experience leading in businesses. She started her career in large blue-chip organisations before moving to SME’s and leading one of Scotland’s most successful start-up businesses. With an HR background, Fiona is one of a few HR professionals who have successfully transitioned to lead an organisation.

Chris Farnath

Christopher has over 25 years of experience in the B2B SaaS sector, specialising in customer success and engagement. He has worked in global leadership roles, leading teams across six different continents, Christopher provides advice and business mentorship to build teams and transform their customer experience.

Jeremy Bentham

Jeremy is an executive and team coach, sales trainer, interim advisor and consultant. He has extensive experience of large customer and complex selling and uses his own real-life examples to bring discussions to life.

Ilinca Munteanu

Over the past six years, Ilinca has been designing and delivering leadership programs that blend practical experience with insights from behavioral science and neurocognitive models. Currently pursuing studies in psychology, she is deeply committed to understanding human dynamics, especially in high-pressure environments.

Alison Milne MBE

Alison has had a varied portfolio career, encompassing several executive and non-executive positions, all driven by her strong dedication to rural Scotland, agriculture, and economic growth. She merges strategic acumen with practical experience, having founded and managed her own businesses in agriculture, manufacturing, and business consulting.

Fer Kitzen

Fer is a commercial jack-of-all-trades. He began his career in complex B2B software sales. After holding roles as an Account Manager, Partner Manager, and Sales Manager, he transitioned into digital marketing. His goal was to bridge the gap between marketing and sales teams—something he recognized as a crucial missing link in many companies.

Adrian Barker

Adrian has 25 years’ experience of working in, and leading high-performance teams, in both the public and private sector. He uses this experience in his capacity as a Learning and Development professional and executive coach. Drawing on his background as a police officer, Detective, close protection and CTSFO, he brings a unique perspective to clients and helps teams and individuals achieve goals and objectives.

Michael Pincher

Leaders don’t need another AI evangelist. They need someone who makes Generative AI deliver. That’s Michael.

With the skill to cut through hype, align AI with strategy, and build teams that actually know how to use Generative AI with intent, his work turns capability into commercial impact.

Michael's two books on this subject: Your Genie Is Listening (non-technical professionals) and Promptology (advanced practitioners), prove one point: the value isn’t in building models; it is in making them work.

Polly Henriques

Polly is a seasoned Programme and Project Manager with over 15 years of experience across various sectors and companies of all sizes. She has a proven track record of successfully managing complex projects and delivering results that exceed expectations. Before stepping into project management, Polly honed her organizational and communication skills as an Executive Assistant, providing her with a unique perspective on the intricacies of business operations.

Nush Gilbert

Nush is a skilled and intuitive marketeer, with a rare ability to blend strategic thinking with operational execution. Her specialism lies in creating authentic connections with our customers.

She is detail-driven and collaborative, with a natural talent for bringing order, creativity, and consistency to busy marketing teams.