Dame Commander of the British Empire

Shaping the leaders who define organisations

London-based executive coach, business psychologist and leadership keynote speaker. Three decades developing leaders across the NHS, BBC, Home Office, and UK government.

Book Neslyn Connect
30+
Years of leadership development
DBE, CBE, MBE
Three Royal honours
-£21.5M →
+£3.5M
Deficit to profit, Kingston PCT
Dame Neslyn Watson-Druée, DBE
Dame Neslyn Watson-Druée
DBE, CBE, MBE, CPsychol
Career at a glance
1989
Founded Beacon Organisational Development
2023
Awarded DBE in King's Birthday Honours
6
Royal and industry honours
6
Published books on leadership
NHS · BBC · Home Office · Ministry of Justice · Ernst & Young · HM Civil Service
Clients across public and private sectors
Trusted by
The Method
The BEACON Framework

Six pillars built from three decades of developing leaders across the NHS, government, and private sector. Not theory — practice refined by results.

"Leaders with integrity create environments where every voice matters. The strongest organisations arise when we nurture talent at all levels."
— Dame Neslyn Watson-Druée, DBE
B
Be Your Best

Self-awareness and personal excellence as the foundation.

E
Expand Vision

Strategic thinking and emotional intelligence to see further.

A
Achieve Potential

Turning capability into measurable organisational impact.

C
Communicate

Creating thinking environments where quality decisions flourish.

O
Opportunity

Identifying and acting on opportunities that drive growth.

N
Nurture Talent

Building sustainable leadership pipelines in your organisation.

What Neslyn does
Two ways to work together

Every engagement is grounded in the BEACON methodology — built from 30 years of evidence and practice.

Keynote Speaking
Talks that change how people lead

From NHS conferences to global summits. Each keynote is tailored, evidence-based, and built around your audience.

  • Integrity in Leadership
  • Emotional Intelligence in Business
  • Building Resilient Teams
  • Organisational Transformation
Enquire about speaking
Executive Coaching
One-to-one coaching for senior leaders

For directors, civil servants, NHS executives and entrepreneurs. London-based and online coaching programmes using the BEACON framework.

  • Executive Leadership Development
  • High-Performance Coaching
  • Team Transformation
  • Board Readiness
Start the conversation
Recognition
Honours that speak for themselves

A career recognised at the highest levels — from Buckingham Palace to global leadership forums.

2023 · King's Birthday Honours
Dame Commander of the British Empire
For exceptional contributions to leadership development and organisational transformation
2013
Queen Elizabeth II Medal
Health Service Innovation and Leadership
CBE
Commander of the British Empire
For Health Service Development
1999
Member of the British Empire
For Nursing Leadership
International
Woman of the Decade
Community Leadership — Women Economic Forum
Industry
Best Leadership & Executive Coaching Provider
Business Elite Awards
What leaders say
In their words

From NHS programme leads to BBC broadcasters.

"

She captivated the room so much that we changed the agenda by popular demand to give her more time. The response was electric.

Yasir Muneer
Programme Lead
NHS
"

Neslyn guided me through key aspects of my development, helping me become the leader I aspired to be.

Cheryl Avery
Director
Ministry of Justice
"

Her deep knowledge and huge heart fast-forwarded my development and amplified my courage.

Dr Helen Carrier
Director
Dept for International Trade
"

Neslyn reignited my ambition. It's an honour to have her as my coach.

Diane Caddle
Director
Ministry of Justice
"

You've guided me to step into my power. Thanks to you, I'm ready to rise into greatness.

Brenda Emmanus
Broadcaster
BBC
Latest thinking
From Dame Neslyn's LinkedIn

Leadership insights, event updates, and reflections.

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Published work
Books by Dame Neslyn

Leadership thinking distilled into practical frameworks.

2nd Edition · 2024
From Impossible to Possible: BEACON Leadership

Breaking through the barriers that hold leaders back — drawn from decades of coaching at the highest levels.

Order on Amazon
2nd Edition · 2024
Relationship Skills for Executives: 7 Ways to Experience Joy

How leaders build and maintain the relationships that drive organisational success.

Order on Amazon
2020
Authentic Choice: Be You

A guide to finding your authentic self and making choices that align with your true purpose.

Order on Amazon
2017
Joyful Living: The Guide to Your Purpose & Passion

Discovering purpose and passion as the foundation for a fulfilling life and effective leadership.

Order on Amazon
2014
The Beacon Leadership Technique

Building effective relationships for high-flying executives — the original BEACON framework in print.

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Classic
Fly High Land Safely

Navigating the highs and lows of leadership with resilience, grace, and strategic awareness.

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Ready to work with Dame Neslyn?

Whether you need a keynote that changes the room or coaching that changes how you lead — it starts with one conversation.

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Dame Neslyn's Office
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