An Interview with Emma Ellis, Confidence Coach and Wellbeing Strategist
Emma Ellis’s coaching journey is a testament to the transformative power of self-awareness, resilience, and human connection. As the founder of Redwood Ellis, Emma has built a thriving coaching and wellbeing strategy business, drawing on her 35 years of professional experience in private, public, and charitable sectors. From her early work with British Airways’ cultural change programme to her current roles as a confidence coach, wellbeing strategist, and mentor, Emma’s passion lies in helping people and organisations unlock their full potential.
“Knowing who we are and what makes us tick is vital to living our best life,” Emma shares. “For too long, I was running on autopilot, but once I gained self-awareness, everything changed.”
From Career Challenges to Coaching
Emma’s coaching journey began with a personal challenge. A difficult end to a professional role left her confidence shaken and her direction unclear. Seeking guidance, Emma worked with a career coach who helped her identify her core passion: people. “It was a lightbulb moment,” Emma recalls. “Everything I’d loved about my career—motivating teams, understanding people, and making a difference—pointed me towards coaching.”
Emma trained with Animas during the pandemic, finding a community and framework that aligned perfectly with her values. This was the beginning of Redwood Ellis, a business that combines coaching with wellbeing strategy to create meaningful change for individuals and teams.
The Birth of a Wellbeing Strategist
During the pandemic, Emma coined the term “wellbeing strategist” to describe her unique approach to supporting organisations. What started as simple wellbeing check-ins with remote employees quickly evolved into a broader role. “I wasn’t just checking if they were sleeping or eating well—I was uncovering what was stopping them from being productive and engaged,” Emma explains.
Her work with businesses now includes employee engagement surveys, team coaching, and delivering tailored strategies that address the core challenges faced by employees and leadership alike. “Often, I act as a bridge between teams and senior leaders, bringing forward insights that might otherwise be overlooked. These insights can lead to simple but transformative changes.”
One of Emma’s favourite projects involved addressing a company-wide issue of conflicting priorities. “Different teams felt overwhelmed by competing demands, and it was creating confusion and inefficiency. By streamlining processes and clarifying expectations, we helped the business regain focus and momentum.”
Mental Fitness: A Core Passion
Emma’s approach to coaching is underpinned by a concept she calls “mental fitness”—developing the self-awareness and resilience needed to thrive in today’s complex world. “Mental fitness is as important as physical fitness,” Emma says. “It’s about understanding who you are, recognising negative thought patterns, and building the tools to navigate life’s challenges.”
Emma’s passion for mental fitness was ignited during her training with Animas and further developed through her studies in Positive Intelligence. “Learning about neuroplasticity and how we can rewire our brains was a game-changer for me. It’s incredible what can happen when we challenge our assumptions and reframe our thinking.”
This passion also feeds into her work as a volunteer coach for Yes Futures, where she helps students develop resilience and self-awareness. “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a young person realise their potential,” she says. “Helping them understand how their thoughts and values shape their actions can be truly transformative.”
Whether she’s coaching young professionals to overcome imposter syndrome or mentoring leaders to build confidence, Emma sees mental fitness as a foundation for growth. “It’s about creating a mental roadmap for who you are and where you want to go,” she explains.
Supporting Neurodivergent and Neurospicy Minds
Emma’s lived experience with neurodivergence has shaped her coaching practice. Identifying as dyslexic and part of a neurodivergent family, Emma has a deep understanding of the unique strengths and challenges faced by her clients. “The Neurodiversity in Coaching course I studied for with Animas filled in so many gaps for me,” she reflects. “It gave me a historical and practical perspective on how to support neurodivergent individuals in a world that often isn’t designed for them.”
This understanding extends to her work with young people, particularly those navigating school and early career challenges. “So many young people struggle with confidence because the systems they’re in don’t align with how their minds work. Coaching gives them the tools to understand themselves and succeed on their own terms.”
Championing Women and Wellbeing
Emma is also a passionate advocate for supporting women in business, particularly those navigating the challenges of peri- and menopause. After completing the Newson Clinic’s Confidence in the Menopause training, Emma now delivers webinars and programmes to help women manage this often-overlooked phase of life. “Understanding the impact of menopause on confidence and wellbeing is crucial,” Emma explains. “With the right support, women can continue to thrive both personally and professionally.”
The Role of Authenticity in Coaching
Emma credits much of her coaching philosophy to embracing authenticity. She recalls watching an old, imperfect video of Animas founder Nick Bolton, which first drew her to the coaching school. “It wasn’t polished or perfect, but his passion shone through—and that’s what mattered. It reminded me that you don’t need to have it all figured out to start making an impact.”
This lesson has stayed with Emma throughout her career, inspiring her to focus on connection and authenticity rather than perfection. “What clients remember isn’t your presentation—it’s how you made them feel. Being genuine creates trust and space for growth.”
Looking to the Future
Emma’s vision for Redwood Ellis includes expanding her mental fitness programmes, developing more resources for neurodivergent clients, and continuing her work with schools and businesses. “I want to help as many people as I can to understand themselves earlier in life than I did,” she shares. “Self-awareness is the key to living authentically and building the life you want.”
She also hopes to explore creative projects, such as writing about her coaching journey and the lessons she’s learned. “Every step of this path has taught me something new, and I’d love to share those insights with others.”
Final Thoughts
Emma Ellis’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact that coaching can have—not just on individuals, but on teams, organisations, and entire communities. Her work with Redwood Ellis demonstrates how confidence, wellbeing, and inclusion can drive meaningful change.
To learn more about Emma’s work, visit Redwood Ellis or connect with her on LinkedIn. As Emma puts it: “Whether you’re looking to grow your team or find your own path, I’m here to help.”
