Professor David Clutterbuck is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of modern coaching and mentoring. Over the course of his career, he has educated more than a million coaches, mentors, and team coaches worldwide, making him one of the most influential figures in the field today. His ability to blend rigorous research with practical application has shaped how organisations and individuals understand leadership, talent management, and dialogue.

David’s journey began with the introduction of supported mentoring into Europe in the early 1980s, followed by his role in bringing 360-degree feedback into widespread use. He went on to co-found the European Mentoring and Coaching Council, which remains one of the most respected professional bodies in the field. David continues to serve as its Special Ambassador. His work has been recognised internationally, including a place in the Global Gurus Top 30 and his designation as a Thinkers 50 Coaching Legend.

As an author of some 80 books and thousands of articles, David has consistently sought to make complex ideas accessible and usable, coining the term “simplexity” to describe the art of simplifying without distortion. He holds a visiting professorship at Henley Business School and contributes to shaping the next generation of leaders and thinkers. Beyond academia and consultancy, David brings a distinctive style to his talks, informed by his training as a stand-up comedian and his interest in the social value of laughter.

Today, David leads international initiatives exploring the intersection of coaching and artificial intelligence, systemic approaches to diversity and inclusion, and large-scale mentoring programmes for young people. At the core of his work is a commitment to using dialogue to create meaningful, sustainable change in organisations and society.