Holmes Noble and MRA partner to tackle high failure rates among senior leaders

Holmes Noble has formed a strategic partnership with Matthew Radley & Associates (MRA), an EMCC-accredited executive coaching practice, to help create board-ready leaders. 

The partnership brings together executive search with coaching and development programmes focused on senior executives.

Research found only 19% of organisations had succession plans in place, with one in five directors rating their process as excellent. 

Up to half of new senior leaders were seen as failing within 18 months, which posed risks to continuity and growth.

Holmes Noble and MRA will offer coaching and development for executives at all stages, including coaching, psychometric profiling, transition support, team coaching, board development, and non-executive director readiness.

Programmes will be delivered by coaches with postgraduate qualifications and EMCC global accreditation, with specialist knowledge in neurodiversity, mental health, corporate governance and leadership psychometrics.

Additionally, research found coaching investment delivered results, with 86% of companies reporting positive board outcomes and participants seeing up to a 70% increase in work performance.

Holmes Noble and MRA will offer complimentary leadership readiness assessments to organisations looking to strengthen succession planning.

Amy Speake, CEO of Holmes Noble, said: “The boardroom needs brilliant minds of course, but we must also develop leaders who can navigate complexity, build trust under pressure and drive transformation. 

“This alliance ensures leaders have access to world-class development programmes that build the strategic capability, governance expertise and leadership impact needed at board level”.

Matthew Radley, CEO of MRA, said: “Exceptional board leadership doesn’t happen by chance. 

“Our comprehensive coaching programmes create the high-support, high-challenge environment where senior executives develop the confidence, self-awareness and strategic thinking required to excel in the boardroom and shape the future of their organisations.”