About Tami
Hello. I’m Tami Irokawa McGonigal, an International Coaching Federation Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Certified Neuro-transformational Coach (CNTC), and leadership development consultant with an international career spanning over 25 years.
As a former corporate lawyer, a gender and racial minority, and a working mother operating in a competitive international environment, I’ve seen it all. The uncertainty of a career change. The need to perform under pressure. Managing difficult relationships. The importance of cross-cultural communication. The challenges of juggling work and home life.
Now I work with ambitious professionals and leaders from diverse backgrounds—from startups and charities to international household names—who operate in a global market, helping them develop their mindset and skills to become more impactful and find their own, unique path to greater fulfilment and results.
I specialise in leadership development, cross-cultural communication, and resilience and well-being, with a particular expertise in supporting women and professionals from racial and ethnic minorities.
Tami proved to be the best coach one could wish for. Having been a lawyer herself, she completely understands the legal culture and its perks and burdens. But what really stands out is her multicultural background, and her ability to listen and to help you achieve what you are looking for.
She is also a fantastic listener and promoter of your best self. I can’t praise her highly enough.
My happy clients
Professionals who work(ed) for these organisations
My approach
RINZEN (凛然) is a traditional Japanese word that means ‘awe-inspiring’ and describes confidence inspired by knowing and being yourself. It is all about being bold, brave, and authentic.
Together, we’ll discover your RINZEN by building the necessary mindset and skills to identify your authentic leadership style and more sustainable ways of working through coaching and workshops.
Holistic
Your personal and professional life are intertwined. Your emotions, beliefs, and physical health influence your performance at work.
So, rather than focusing solely on your professional goals, I consider all aspects of your life and well-being to help you achieve greater fulfilment, results, and a more sustainable way of working.
Practical
During our coaching sessions, you’ll get space, time, a different perspective, and practical support that will not only encourage you to become more curious and reflective but also to take inspired action.
We’ll explore:
Based on the latest research in neuroscience
By showing you how your brain works and how you can rewire it, I help you understand and manage your thoughts, behaviours, and emotions better. This will help you master your challenges and achieve positive change faster and with less overwhelm.
Enriched by multi-cultural experience
My Japanese heritage, cross-cultural exposure, and over two decades of experience operating in a competitive global environment leave me in the unique position of someone who has faced and successfully overcome many of the challenges you may currently face. The real-life insights and examples I’ll share with you will give you reassurance and show you effective ways to achieve your goals.
This approach is also reflected in my team coaching that focuses on identifying individual strengths and using each team member’s unique skills, experience, and character to achieve a common purpose more effectively.
In my workshops, no experience is ever the same. I bring a lot of positive energy and encourage each participant to be fully present and explore their limits, as I believe that’s the best way to learn.
I’ve worked with Tami on projects like leadership coaching, DEI, and performance enhancement programs, where her customized approach really shines. Tami combines strategy with hands-on expertise to create a custom-made programme that fits your needs, timeline, and budget perfectly.
Tami’s coaching programmes and workshops keep participants engaged and bring positive, long-lasting changes to their work lives. She is a reliable advisor who combines deep knowledge with a strong focus on results that last.
My background at a glance
These days, I live between London and Dubai, together with my Irish husband and our border collie/lab Finn. After so many years of hectic professional life and parenting, I find a lot of pleasure in seeking adventure in nature and exploring the rich local art and culture of the Middle East and North Africa. I am also a long term aspiring yogi who may one day be able to do a headstand (but am taking my time).
My qualifications
BA Joint Honours Chinese and Management, University of Durham (with a year abroad at Tunghai University, Taiwan)
My happy clients
I came to Tami when I switched jobs and jumped from a role where I was largely able to mind my own business to one where, suddenly, I was pretty much in charge, doing lots of things I’d never done before, including making big decisions and dealing with numerous stakeholders.
The coaching sessions helped me increase self awareness and express things that were an issue for me but seemed too trivial to raise with anyone else.
I found Tami to be very patient and quick to draw out the real issues hiding behind the things I was saying. This programme was an unexpected but much needed bonus.
I invited Tami to conduct our annual off-site training for our litigation associates, who range from newly qualified to those nearing partnership. Our team often deals with long hours, complex cases, and high-pressure situations that can affect their daily lives.
Tami’s training was invaluable in helping our team understand that while they cannot change the behaviours of others, they can gain insight into their own behaviours and reactions. More importantly, by delving into the neuroscience behind these behaviors, Tami’s workshop has equipped our team with the tools to manage stress more effectively and improve their professional and personal lives.
Tami helped me to identify what I wanted my next career steps to be. She was a great sounding board and provided me with the space to reflect on what was important to me in my life and work.
Tami also helped me to discover an immediate financial imperative and motivation to work—the insights I needed for my happiness and self-esteem. I really enjoyed working with her.
With her background and career, Tami has a deep understanding of both Japanese and Western cultures and the differences of communication styles between them. She also knows how to deal with these differences while working with people from various cultures and can help you become a master in cross-cultural communication yourself.
Interested in working together?
Wondering what coaching can do for you or your team? Would you like me to conduct a workshop for you or your employees, or to deliver a keynote at your event? Please get in touch. I usually respond within 48 hours.
