A Conversation with Alex Lazarus

Dame Kelly Holmes Trust sat down with Alex Lazarus, CEO of Lazarus & Maverick,

a global leadership coaching and advisory firm shaping the future of leadership, culture and performance, to reflect on how our partnership has grown over the years.

Since meeting Alex, she has been on a journey with the Trust which has included her taking part in our first international fundraising challenge, a trek to Machu Picchu and supporting the Trust at events. Additionally, Lazarus & Maverick supported our staff through team development workshops and a transformative executive coaching programme. Delivered by coaches who have worked with some of the biggest companies in the UK and across the globe, the sessions have helped our team grow both personally and professionally. In the same way our athletes provide the mindset and skills needed for young people to succeed, the coaches at Lazarus and Maverick develop resilient minds, high-performing teams and a creative, solutions-focused approach to challenges.

Our team have been working with Alex, Paul Barbour, Claire Scholes, Julie Nelson, Mamta Gera and Neeha Khurana to help develop aspects of work the staff want to improve.

Speaking about her experience, Annie Moody (Interim CEO from the 1st July) shared: “I’m so grateful for the coaching sessions I had with Neeha through Lazarus & Maverick. I’ve never had coaching like this before, and it honestly made such a difference. Neeha’s approach really helped me have clarity on my next steps, gave me tools that boosted my confidence, and gave me space to reflect on everything I’ve achieved so far. Having someone outside of my usual work and life bubble gave me a whole new perspective, and I feel like I’ve grown so much in a short time because of it. Big thanks to Neeha and Alex for the opportunity.

Maxine McCombie-Mortlock, Health Programme Coordinator, reflecting on her executive coaching with Julie Nelson of Lazarus & Maverick, added: "I am really enjoying my sessions with Julie. Julie has helped me articulate areas of growth—something I’ve struggled to do myself. Hearing it reflected back made me feel proud and more confident in letting go of control and trusting the process.”

Another team member reflected on their sessions with Mamta Gera and how coaching helped with self-awareness and emotional insight: “Mamta was a phenomenal coach, deeply knowledgeable, warm, and an absolute pleasure to engage with. Our conversations sparked multiple ‘aha’ moments and helped me uncover blind spots I hadn’t even realised were holding me back. I’m incredibly grateful to Lazarus & Maverick for the opportunity. This experience was transformative.”

Alex with Dame Kelly Holmes on the Trusts’ fundraising trek to Machu Picchu

We asked Alex to share more on why she and her company were drawn to the work we do here at Dame Kelly Holmes Trust. She responded: “At Lazarus & Maverick, we focus on leadership advisory and development for experienced, high-performing individuals, typically adults already on successful career paths, and we value the importance of shared knowledge and lived experience. The Trust, by contrast, steps in much earlier, supporting young people who are struggling and may never access those same opportunities without support. We were drawn to the Trust’s work and its use of athletes as mentors—becoming a ‘Champion in the Corner’ of young people and inspiring the next generation. By sharing real experiences of overcoming adversity, we believe we can together support those who have been systematically disadvantaged.”

How does your partnership with Dame Kelly Holmes Trust support your Corporate Social Responsibility?

“Knowing what the Trust is all about and how it helps young people develop confidence, resilience, self-esteem and wellbeing – we knew it was the right partnership. Corporate support can extend beyond financial contributions and instead provide client introductions, advocacy and networking opportunities.”

Can you tell us about your experience in our 2024 Machu Picchu Fundraising Trek?

“Machu Picchu was an opportunity of personal adventure; it showed the empowering effects of stepping out of your comfort zone and the value of openness to experience. In the same way that Dame Kelly Holmes Trust athletes foster personal growth and experience, the fundraising trek involved navigating ambiguity and uncertainty, promoting a flexible mindset. I would highly recommend that anyone, given the opportunity, take part in similar experiences, allowing personal reflection and development whilst fundraising to support those who need it most.”

“This partnership is one we’re proud of,” Alex added. “It’s about shared values and impact. And it’s a privilege to support the brilliant people who make the Trust’s mission possible.”

Our partnership with Lazarus & Maverick is one that will continue to grow, and we are looking at ways Dame Kelly Holmes Trust and Lazarus & Maverick can collaborate on unique opportunities that combine leadership development with charitable giving and cultural advocacy. We are excited about the tangible difference we can make together to transform the lives of those we serve – watch this space!

We’d like to say a big thank you to the Lazarus & Maverick coaches who have taken the time to offer expert advice, support and encouragement to the Trust staff team as we look to continue to put world class athletes shoulder to shoulder with young people. Find out more about Lazarus & Maverick here.