CEO Insights Magazine

In the Gulf region’s rapidly evolving economic and organizational landscape, leaders are now expected to navigate unprecedented complexities with emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and a human-centered approach. Executives who once relied solely on strategy and technical expertise increasingly seek tools to adapt, evolve, and inspire.

In this environment, coaching has emerged not as a luxury but as a strategic necessity for those aiming to thrive in high-performance settings. At the forefront of this transformation is Christina Nuttall Bonnard, founder of Ellipse Coaching and an ICF certified leadership coach. She partners with high-performing mid-managers, senior executives, and ambitious entrepreneurs prepared to undertake profound inner work.

Christina’s approach extends beyond conventional performance frameworks, helping individuals uncover personal values, confront inner critics, and address fears that subtly influence daily decision-making.

Her philosophy is grounded in the understanding that sustainable transformation begins within. With neuroscience showing that 95 percent of human behavior and decision-making is driven by the subconscious, she guides clients to recognize and reshape automatic patterns and habitual responses, fostering intentional action that drives tangible, lasting growth.

Christina’s credibility is reinforced by 15 years in Fortune 500 companies across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Now based in Dubai, she continues to support leaders worldwide, from emerging markets to highly developed economies, helping them cultivate authenticity, resilience, and impact while navigating the complex demands of modern leadership.

What key insights have meaningfully shaped your professional journey over the years?

Throughout my professional journey, I have learned to value diverse perspectives, knowing that inclusion drives innovation and stronger decision-making. I have also come to appreciate the importance of asking for support when needed, recognizing that collaboration and mentorship lead to better outcomes.

Patience and consistency have proven essential, as meaningful progress often results from steady, intentional effort rather than rapid leaps. Most importantly, stepping outside my comfort zone has allowed me to develop new skills and expand my capabilities, reminding me that true growth begins where familiarity ends.

What motivated you to create Ellipse Coaching?

Ellipse Coaching was born from the transformative impact coaching had on my own personal and professional development. I realized many people either misunderstand coaching or have never experienced its true value. I wanted to bridge that gap, sharing powerful tools that help individuals unlock potential and create meaningful, lasting change.

How do you support individuals in uncovering their core values and aligning them with their personal and professional growth?

I guide individuals in uncovering their core values through a reflective and structured approach that reveals what truly motivates them. Through visualization and aspirational thinking, we explore the deeper beliefs shaping their identity and behaviors, much like discovering what lies beneath the surface of an iceberg.

I then help them connect these values to a broader life purpose, creating clarity around what drives fulfilment and inspires meaningful contribution. By examining where their goals align or conflict with their current actions, we address limiting beliefs and internal barriers, enabling them to create stronger alignment, unlock potential, and achieve both personal and professional success.

How do you cultivate collaboration among execu­tives, entrepreneurs, and organizations to enhance performance and drive meaningful transformation?

To foster a culture of collaboration, I guide clients through a structured process that addresses team dynamics while emphasizing curiosity, co-creation, strengths, and actionable outcomes. Collaboration begins with cultivating curiosity, deep listening, and psychological safety, encouraging openness and valuing diverse perspectives as sources of innovation.

We co-create a shared vision by exploring possibilities and asking questions about values, seamless teamwork, and performance amplification. Recognizing and leveraging individual and collective strengths, while proactively addressing barriers, ensures effective collaboration. Vision is translated into actionable steps through workshops, joint goal-setting, KPIs, and consistent communication channels.

Accountability and recognition are reinforced via progress tracking, check-ins, and celebrating wins. By integrating these elements, I help executives, entrepreneurs, and organizations boost performance and achieve meaningful, lasting change.

How do you enhance human-centered leadership skills and foster creativity in individuals?

My approach to enhancing human-centric leadership and fostering creativity combines emotional intelli­gence, physical awareness, and cognitive thinking to unlock untapped potential. I emphasize the power of aligning emotions, energy, and logic to create synergy that drives exceptional results, using practices like embodiment and metaphors to deepen self-awareness.

To nurture creativity, I encourage playfulness and challenge limiting beliefs, inviting clients to express ideas through unconventional methods like drawings or visualizations. I also advocate shifting perspectives through changes in environment or physical posture to stimulate fresh thinking. Ultimately, this approach reconnects individuals with their humanity, cultivat­ing curiosity, creativity, and leadership excellence.

What is your vision for the future, and what guidance would you offer to emerging leaders based on your experience?

My vision for the future is to inspire leaders to embrace the courage required for transformational growth by confronting both their deepest desires and the fears that hold them back. I believe this process unlocks powerful insights, reveals new opportunities, and fosters meaningful fulfillment in professional and personal life, cultivating authenticity, purpose, and balance.

From my experience, I advise emerging leaders to step outside their comfort zones, embracing challenges that drive resilience and self-discovery. Cultivating creativity and flexibility, making conscious decisions aligned with values, and committing to lifelong learning are essential practices that equip leaders to navigate complexity, innovate, and lead with impact.

Christina Nuttall Bonnard, Founder, Ellipse Coaching

Founder of Ellipse Coaching and an ICF-certified leadership coach, Christina Nuttall Bonnard empowers executives, mid-managers, and entrepreneurs worldwide to achieve personal transformation, resilience, and high-impact leadership through deep inner work.