Dena Merson

Coaching Profile

After completing an English degree at Cambridge, Dena spent sixteen years in the City. She was head of secondary Eurobond trading at Credit Suisse and was made a Managing Director at 34. She ran a multi- billion balance sheet and was responsible for teams in London, Europe and New York. In 2003, seeking a new challenge, Dena decided to live her dream of building a racehorse breeding business and has now bred the winners of 100 races, here and abroad including a Royal Ascot winner and Derby trial winner. She has also sat on various boards.

Her experience of coaching however had made a lasting impression. In 2012 Dena decided to build on her City and entrepreneurial background to form Ad Libitum Business Coaching using her business experience and coaching expertise to work with leaders at managing teams, risk and client relationships. She finds modes of communication and techniques that ensure enduring change in leadership style through the formation of clear, coherent strategies. Dena offers clear feedback on impact but also addresses underlying concerns. She coaches executives by focusing on hidden and under- utilised strengths to resolve performance challenges. Ad Libitum works at developing clients who wish to further their career, by building the self-confidence and awareness that will enable them to achieve organisational business objectives and thrive in senior management and leadership positions.

Dena's extensive client base includes investment banks, management consultancies, the military, charities and horseracing industry. She also specialises in helping women flourish in organisations by examining what is holding them back and building their self-belief and business identity. Dena uniquely offers knowledge gained from three very different careers. This perspective brings something fresh to senior executives. She has first- hand experience of leadership, as well as board experience, enabling her to offer solutions from working with leaders in different spheres.

Based in London, Dena works with clients across the UK, both face to face and on Zoom, Teams etc. She also has clients in Europe and Asia. Some of her recent assignments and testimonials will give a flavour of her work.

Selection of Coaching and Consultancy Assignments

• Focusing on business and Board performance with military commanders.

• Working with senior NHS leaders as they navigated the pandemic.

• Working with a City CFO on restructure.

• Focusing on stability in a Brexit environment with the CEO of an Investment Banking legal entity.

• Helping three management consultants achieve promotion to Partner.

• Working on a change strategy with a Chief Executive in the sports world.

• Exploring Board process with a charity.

• Coaching a CF10a to handle regulatory pressures from the financial regulator.

• Addressing the communication gaps between a compliance officer and his legal team.

• Preparing a female City MD for her move to a senior role in Asia.

• Pioneering Women in Racing’s Mentoring Programme and leading a workshop for the Minister of Sport.

• Giving a lecture to 100 Women in Hedge Funds in Geneva on career transition.

• Developing and implementing Racing Home, a project for the horseracing industry  helping  mothers deal with the challenges of being a working parent.

Education and Coaching Qualifications

• Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge BA (Hons.) MA English

• Managing Director at Credit Suisse.

• WABC Certified Business Coach (CBCTM) 2010-2021,APECS Accredited Master Executive Coach 2022

• Graduate of Meyler Campbell Mastered Coaching Programme TM.

• Board Member and Trustee on various Horseracing Boards, Executive Council Member Royal Over-Seas League.

Contacts Details

email: dena@adlibitum.uk.com 

websites: adlibitum.uk.com  simplyracing.uk

phone +44(0) 7710 099181