Enabling Excellence in Higher Education

Empowering researchers, academics, and leaders to thrive – through tailored professional development, leadership coaching, and organisational transformation.

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I help Higher Education institutions to navigate complexity, align diverse teams, and lead with clarity, enabling collaboration that bridges silos and amplifies underrepresented voices in a constantly evolving sector.

Researcher & Academic Development

For researchers and academics at all stages

Communicate with impact and clarity.
Negotiate and influence effectively.
Advance career progression and navigate critical transitions.
Secure academic roles or explore opportunities beyond.
Support transitions into team and cross-functional leadership.
Develop creativity and enhance problem-solving.
Overcome imposter syndrome.
Present with confidence and impact.
Take strategic steps for a research career.
Master self-advocacy and amplify your voice.

Executive, Workplace & Career Coaching

For professionals seeking clarity & confidence

Strengthen strategic vision and decision-making.
Navigate organisational complexity and ambiguity.
Develop diverse and underrepresented leadership talent.
Resolve workplace conflict constructively.
Develop leadership presence and emotional intelligence.
Enhance communication and influencing skills.
Overcome self-doubt and identify unique strengths.
Manage career transitions into senior roles.

Leadership Development

For emerging and senior leaders in complexity

Develop leaders as coaches.
Guide teams through change and uncertainty.
Cultivate emotional intelligence and resilient leadership.
Strengthen strategic decision-making.
Provide self-assessments and 360-degree feedback for skill development.
Enhance leadership presence and impact.
Design context-focused leadership programmes.
Build high-performing teams through positive leadership.

Wellbeing in the Workplace

For organisations creating cultures of care

Support with preventing and overcoming burnout.
Establish sustainable ways of working.
Build resilience and manage stress effectively.
Develop and implement workplace wellbeing strategies.
Strengthen managerial wellbeing competencies.
Optimize wellbeing in hybrid and flexible work environments.

Organisational Effectiveness

For institutions, teams, and leaders of change

Facilitate strategic vision through impactful away days.
Strengthen team cohesion and relationships.
Build and empower high-performing teams.
Maximise potential with strengths-based development.
Guide navigation through change and uncertainty.
Accelerate talent for sustained high-performance.

Communities of Practice

For institutions building a peer-driven culture

Design and implement expert Communities of Practice (CoP).
Enable strategy-aligned knowledge sharing and collaboration.
Empower ground-up organisational cultural transformation.
Accelerate creativity, problem-solving, and innovation through CoPs.
Support the formalisation and transition of existing groups into CoPs.
Reenergise and refocus existing CoPs through bespoke consultancy.

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Let’s Work Together

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Award-Winning Excellence & Trusted Consultancy

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Dual Higher Education Perspective & Unique Insight

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Outstanding Facilitation & Keynote Delivery

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Coaching for Clarity & Transformational Change

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Strategic Focus & Measurable Impact Reports

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Human-Centric & Psychologically Safe Spaces

Daniela Bultoc, Higher Education consultant, smiling and speaking, wearing a floral dress with colorful graphic circles in the background.

I empower Higher Education institutions and professionals through a unique blend of hands-on university experience, strategic consultancy, and emotionally intelligent leadership development.

My work is grounded in evidence-based practice, emotional depth, and a deep understanding of the academic landscape.

I create psychologically safe, human-centric spaces where leaders and researchers can explore their uniqueness and lead with confidence.

With nearly 20 years of experience in Higher Education (both in institutions and as a global consultant) I bring a multi-award-winning track record and a deep, multilayered sector understanding.

My delivery is results-focused yet deeply personal, combining robust tools like the Resilient Leaders Elements™ with creative, reflective learning environments.

Experience across 11+ countries

Trusted by world-class institutions

Multilayered Higher Education sector understanding

Human-centric delivery and results-focused

My mission is to ignite excellence across Higher Education, empowering leaders and researchers to navigate complexity, amplify strengths, and build thriving cultures that drive meaningful impact and deepen wellbeing.

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Awards & Recognition

Vitae Researcher Development Senior Fellow: Recognised for sector-level impact in researcher development.
ODHE Funding Winner(2021): Awarded for connecting HE communities of practice in hybrid working.
Universities Human Resources (UHR) Award Winner (2019): Best Organisational Development & Culture Change Initiative.
Times Higher Education (THE) Award Winner (2011): Outstanding Research Management Team.
THE Award Nominee (2010 & 2012): Recognised for outstanding support for Early Career Researchers.
Best Omoiyari Project (JCI UK): Awarded for community-led peace-building and inclusion.

Professional Qualifications

MBA in Higher Education Management: Strategic insight for the HE sector.
ILM Level 7 Executive Coach: Advanced coaching for senior leaders navigating complexity.
EMCC Global Coach & Mentor Practitioner: Adhering to international coaching standards.
Resilient Leaders Elements Consultant: Building resilience in leaders and teams.
ESCI Certified (Emotional & Social Competency): Enhancing leadership effectiveness through emotional intelligence.
MBTI Certified: Improving self-awareness, team dynamics, and communication.
ILM Level 3 Workplace Coach: Fostering talent, career development and engagement.
CIPD Certified in Training Practice: Designing impactful learning experiences.
Mental Health First Aider: Promoting workplace wellbeing.

Cover of the book Building Communities of Practice in Higher Education (Routledge, 2024), featuring the chapter “Enabling Organisational Change and Strategic Alignment, Disrupting Hierarchies and Mapping Career Pathways Through Communities of Practice” by Daniela Bultoc.

Bespoke Expertise in Higher Education

“Enabling strategic alignment and cultural transformation through communities of practice.”

Author of: “Enabling Organisational Change and Strategic Alignment, Disrupting Hierarchies and Mapping Career Pathways Through Communities of Practice,” in the book Building Communities of Practice in Higher Education (Routledge, 2024)

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The Impact of Working Together

For Institutions

Boosted staff retention and morale.
Developed agile, collaborative teams.
Confident and resilient leadership in uncertainty.
Achieved clarity during change and restructuring.
Strengthened inclusion, wellbeing, and talent strategies.
Demonstrated impact through measurable reports.

For Individuals

Gained career clarity and direction.
Increased confidence and self-belief.
Acquired tools for stress management and resilience.
Enhanced emotional intelligence.
Mastered communication, influence, and team relationships.
Deepened self-awareness via assessments and 360-degree feedback.
Cultivated a stronger sense of belonging and inclusion.

When people feel valued, supported, and inspired, they go beyond performing.
They thrive.

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Who I Am

Daniela Bultoc engaging in a collaborative conversation during a professional session, wearing a floral dress and smiling while leaning toward a participant.

From humble beginnings, I learned the profound truth that being underestimated can forge an unshakeable determination.

This experience shaped my core belief: that we all possess the power to choose our path, transcend limitations, and redefine what’s possible.

This conviction is the driving force behind my commitment to enable excellence.

For me, this means empowering individuals to clarify their unique strengths and equipping organisations to achieve their highest potential through clarity, connection, and purposeful action.

Through nearly two decades in Higher Education, I’ve honed this mission, becoming a multi-award-winning researcher developer, organisational development consultant, and leadership coach, recognised nationally for my contributions.

My work is an invitation to choose growth, to embrace change, and to believe in your capacity to lead.

I am passionate about cultivating peak performance, deeper wellbeing, and impactful relationships, helping you and your organisation to not just meet, but truly exceed your potential and make a significant difference in the world.

Daniela Bultoc speaking with enthusiasm during a professional discussion, wearing a floral dress and smiling while gesturing with her hand.

My Core Values

Commitment to Excellence & Impact

I deliver work that matters. Every engagement is designed to spark insight and lead to meaningful, lasting change.

Belief in Choice & Transformation

Everyone has the capacity to choose growth. My work invites people to rewrite their stories — no matter where they begin.

Deep Empathy & Understanding

I create a safe, non-judgmental space rooted in lived experience — where people feel heard, seen, and supported.

Honesty & Alignment

Integrity is essential. I lead with authenticity and help others align their values, actions, and goals.

Faith in Human Potential

I believe — deeply — in people’s ability to overcome challenges and unlock their potential. When clients can’t see it yet, I hold the belief for them.

Daniela Bultoc confidently presenting, wearing a black dress and statement necklace, with colorful graphic circles in the background.

What Clients Are Saying

“Daniela, in a word, is gifted. She is a highly skilled executive coach, seamlessly using multiple techniques to enable you to understand yourself and challenging situations differently and then goes further giving you the confidence and skills to deal with things. The sessions are transformative and have allowed me to develop as a cognitively and emotionally intelligent academic leader in Medicine.

I have known Daniela for 4 years and I can honestly say I wouldn’t have progressed in my leadership journey without her”.

Professor Sonia Kumar

Executive Dean of Medicine, School of Medicine, St Mary’s University.

“I was lucky enough to attend Daniela’s training session on Developing a University-Wide EDI Community of Practice at the University of Leeds.  Daniela is clearly an expert trainer who possesses the rare talent of creating inspirational, highly informative learning in an environment which truly supports personal growth and development. 

The group made rapid progress during Daniela’s session, moving from a set of virtual strangers to a mutually respectful, gelled team of collaborators in just one day.  Daniela’s expert understanding of Higher Education, skilful delivery and warm personality made her training memorable, valuable and highly impactful.

If you need an expert trainer for your HE institution, I would recommend Daniela unreservedly”.

Sue O’Leary-Hall

Director of Leadership, Learning and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Specialist

“I’ve collaborated with Daniela on a number of different initiatives including communities of practice and most recently researcher leadership development. Daniela is a thoughtful, creative, curious, experienced and passionate practitioner, motivated to enable impact and grounded in rich experience of higher education, and learner centred design.

In delivery, she creates the conditions to invite engagement with the learning process and communicates with clarity, bringing energy and focus. Participant feedback demonstrates increased confidence and clarity amongst impact on other key measures and, the recommissioning of programmes is a testament to the quality of Daniela’s contribution”.

Sarah Hubbard

Senior Consultant, Leadership, Organisational Development and Research, Advance HE

“Daniela is an outstanding coach with a unique talent for helping others enhance their leadership, self-awareness, and self-confidence. I first encountered Daniela through a series of workshops she organized for young researchers within the Wellcome Leap HOPE program. Her optimism and remarkable ability to inspire confidence in participants truly impressed me.

Later, I had the privilege of receiving personal leadership coaching from Daniela, which proved to be an incredibly impactful and positive experience. Daniela expertly guided me in transitioning into a new leadership role with purpose and confidence, equipping me with new tools and strategies to navigate ongoing challenges.

Our sessions always began with a clear goal, followed by actionable ways to improve leadership resilience. Daniela creates a safe and supportive environment to explore strengths and weaknesses, fostering self-awareness and inspiring personal growth. I wholeheartedly recommend Daniela as both a professional development trainer and a leadership coach.”

Dr. Cara Buchanan

Scientific Program Lead at Wellcome Leap

“Daniela is a dynamic and inspiring facilitator who consistently delivers highly effective research impact, leadership, and management sessions to researchers at all career stages. I was particularly impressed by her remarkable flexibility in quickly transforming face-to-face workshops into engaging online sessions in response to the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

What truly distinguishes Daniela’s facilitation style is her ability to connect with and cater to participants from diverse backgrounds and professional experiences. I wholeheartedly recommend her and will certainly commission her again to ensure our researcher communities continue to benefit from her expertise.”

Dr. Saneeya Qureshi

Head of Researcher Development and Culture, University of Liverpool

“I had the pleasure of working with Daniela when I sought her support for my career and leadership development. Through our sessions, Daniela skillfully helped me articulate my ambitions and values, using these insights to develop a clearer focus, define my goals, and understand my leadership style.

Daniela’s coaching has been immensely helpful, both for my long-term aspirations and for more immediate, practical actions and habits. Her coaching style was both calming and energizing. I cannot recommend Daniela highly enough and look forward to seeking her wise guidance and reflection again soon.”

Dr. Fiona Cosson

Head of School of Social Sciences at the University of Bradford

“Daniela possesses deep expertise in understanding the evolving needs of researchers at every career stage. What truly sets her apart is her exceptional grasp of the university environment, its organizational dynamics, and the administrative complexities involved. She consistently finds practical, cost-efficient solutions, even when faced with budget constraints. Daniela’s flexibility and commitment to sharing her expertise have significantly contributed to our organization’s capacity building.

Her clear understanding of our requests and the academic landscape, coupled with her ability to navigate complex university processes, ensures a highly effective approach. The training she delivered was of exceptional quality, and researchers were extremely satisfied with the outcomes. We fully trusted her expertise and the program she suggested, and it truly made a difference to everyone who participated.”

Chiara Biglia

Head of Career Center Division & Research Manager at The Polytechnic University of Turin

“Daniela has an innate ability to connect with people on a deep and meaningful level, which is a rare quality among researcher development professionals. She can quickly understand individual needs and communicates in a wonderfully assertive yet empathetic way. Her active listening not only means she hears you, but she truly grasps the situation you’re navigating, making you feel less alone and more supported. This emotional connection is incredibly valuable.
Her training provides highly applicable and useful information, offering practical tools and approaches. Her classes are not only meaningful but also enjoyable, creating an environment where participants feel like real people, not just a number. She uses humor effectively to connect with the culture and motivate participants to listen and apply what they learn.
Every time I’ve left Daniela’s class, I’ve felt a clearer sense of direction and renewed motivation to get things done. She provides that crucial boost of energy, helping researchers sustain their motivation through the challenges of a PhD and academic life. The blend of group sharing and one-to-one coaching she offers is invaluable for facing specific academic challenges.”

Dr. Laura Diaz

Research Leader and CEO at Biomédica Irritada

“I met Daniela at the UCL Leadership for Action programme, where she was the Programme Director. I discovered skills within myself in a fun and hands-on way that I wouldn’t have otherwise.

Her enthusiasm was contagious, and it really made us want to be the best versions of ourselves. I totally recommend her work!”

Dr. Solange Paredes-Moscosso

Cancer researcher | Science diplomacy advocate | Founder @DiploCiencia

Ready to Unlock Your Potential?

Let’s explore how we can work together — from 1:1 coaching to culture-wide transformation.

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