Cathy Byrne

Experience

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  Rt Hon David Blunkett MP

  Jan 1992 - Jul 1992

  Researcher

  Researcher for David Blunkett MP when he held Shadow Local Government position

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  Westminster Strategy

  Oct 1993 - May 1996

  Account Executive

  • Monitored legislative development of client issues in Parliament and researching public policy• Account support on public affair clients including BBC, Amnesty International and Bar Council.

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  Edelman

  May 1996 - May 2002

  Associate Director

  • Member of senior management team in corporate and public affairs division responsible for two of the largest accounts in the business (Microsoft and UPS)• Under my direction the fees of my two largest accounts increased by 40% and 50% respectively • Client portfolio also included Kingdom of Jordan, Simoco International, Pfizer and Eli Lilly• Joined as Account Executive

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  Cafcass

  May 2002 - May 2004

  Head of Communications

  • Member of executive team responsible for all aspects of internal and external communications including issues management, media, PR, stakeholder engagement and marketing• Established function and team as first in-house Head of Communications

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  Confederation of British Industry

  Jun 2004 - Sept 2005

  Head of Campaigns, Public Services

  • First ever dedicated campaigning role at CBI • Devised and oversaw implementation of campaign on public services reform • Established Future Services (tripartite coalition of CBI, National Consumer Council and the National Council for Voluntary Organisations)• Devised and executed successful high profile campaign to deliver changes to public policy to improve business opportunities for CBI members.

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  ReputationInc

  Sept 2005 - May 2009

  Director

  • Advised clients on all aspects of reputation management including corporate reputation strategy, corporate communications, public affairs and stakeholder engagement, reputation messaging, reputation research and insights, crisis and issues management, internal communications and change programmes, CSR strategy and media relations• Seconded to ReputationInc’s Dubai office in 2007 (Dubai International Financial Authority, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation).• Client portfolio included: LTA, Diageo (UK, Europe, PLC), Asda, Southern Water, Cancer Research UK, ICAEW, Smiths, Hikma, Kingdom of Jordan, Homeserve, Global Alcohol Producers Group, Equal Opportunities Commission (and then merged body of Equality and Human Rights Commission), Resolution Foundation and Centre for Cities. Show less

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  Lawn Tennis Association

  Jan 2011 - Dec 2013

  Head of Communications

  • Developing and overseeing the execution of the LTA’s communications strategy • Advising on issues and crisis management • Leading customer services function within the LTA • Overseeing public affairs and stakeholder engagement to build advocates for British tennis in Westminster, Whitehall and beyond• Influencing public policy developments to improve the regulatory environment for growing the sport• Leading PR and media strategy on participation agenda• Managing external PR agency support• Supporting LTA’s charitable partner (the Tennis Foundation) to help promote work in community tennis, disability and education sector Show less

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  Forster Communications

  Jul 2014 - Dec 2014

  Director of Corporate Communications

  • Heading up Corporate Communications practice• Providing high value client counsel• Driving new business development• Developing and marketing service offer• Leading Corporate Communications team

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  Reputation Inc

  Jan 2015 - Jul 2020

  Partner

  • Reputation strategist: enables companies to build and protect their reputation. • Creative fixer: natural problem solver, balancing big thinking with intuition to surprise and delight clients.• Impactful leader: inclusive leader who drives talent, enabling change and delivering client ambitions.• Respected reputation coach: engaging facilitator developing reputation skills for clients at the highest levels.• Client relations expert: loyal and committed partner focused on exceeding expectations. • Regarded as a strategist, confidante, collaborator, deliverer.Partnered with a range of impressive companies and organisations including: Microsoft, Reckitt and Benckiser, Tata Steel, Tata Communications, GE, UPS, Diageo, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Cancer Research, the CBI and the Lawn Tennis Association. Show less

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  CFB Executive Coaching

  Apr 2021 - now

  Executive Coach and Consultant

  The founder of CFB Executive Coaching, an executive coaching and consultancy firm. • Advising and coaching senior leaders in UK operations within global companies to maximise their performance for business impact. • Bringing a rich toolkit of skills, professional knowledge and expertise to my coaching pedigree and style. Offering a range of expertise including:• Leadership styles– helping leaders understand the range of leadership styles (for eg. authoritative, coaching, democratic) and how best to adapt their style to meet business goals, their own professional development goals and the business environment.• Communications skills – building effective interpersonal skills to improve emotional intelligence leading to enhanced professional relationships.• Enhancing impact and influence – developing gravitas, confidence and persuasion skills to increase influence across organisational boundaries. • Developing a personal brand – helping clients clearly articulate and confidently project what makes them different.• Building confidence – encouraging new ways of thinking to deliver a ‘can do’ attitude and challenge ‘closed’ mindsets.• Career transitioning – helping to set goals and build plans to achieve career ambitions such as 100-day plan for new role.• Women’s Executive Development – individual assessment, feedback and coaching to enhance confidence, performance and professional fulfilment.To find out more visit www.cfbcoaching.com Show less