International leadership coach celebrates MA graduation at UWTSD
After more than 25 years in senior international leadership roles, Cristina-Laura Novotny is celebrating graduating with her MA in Coaching and Mentoring, part of the Professional Practice Framework, from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD).
With an extensive background in finance, operations, governance, compliance, internal controls and executive coaching, Cristina has held senior corporate positions with global organisations including Philip Morris and Schneider Electric before moving into consulting, leadership development and transformational coaching.
Cristina said she decided to study at UWTSD because the programme provided an opportunity to use her extensive professional experiential learning while strengthening the academic foundations of her practice.
“I was drawn to UWTSD because the programme offered an academic pathway that recognised and built upon my professional experience, while also challenging me to deepen my reflective practice and connect my work more explicitly with theory, research and professional standards.”
She chose the course because it closely aligned with her work as a practitioner.
“I wanted a programme that would allow me to integrate my previous training and professional experience with rigorous academic reflection. The Recognition of Accredited Learning pathway was particularly valuable, as it enabled me to demonstrate how my prior learning and practice met Level 7 academic expectations.”
One of the highlights of the MA was the opportunity to reflect deeply on both her personal and professional development.
“The course helped me connect theory, practice, supervision, ethics, and personal learning in a much more integrated way. I particularly valued the reflective assignments, as they encouraged me to examine not only what I do, but also who I am being.”
Cristina’s specialist work focuses on transformation in leadership effectiveness within organisational settings.
Balancing postgraduate study alongside a demanding international role and family commitments presented challenges, as did translating years of experiential learning into an academic framework. Cristina added that she
“overcame this by becoming more disciplined in my reflective practice, using supervision, revisiting key theories and allowing myself to slow down and examine my learning more critically.”
Cristina believes the MA is particularly valuable for experienced practitioners seeking to strengthen their professional practice.
“I would definitely recommend the course, particularly to experienced practitioners who want to deepen their professional practice through academic reflection. The programme offers a valuable opportunity to integrate experience, theory, ethics and research. It is not only about gaining a qualification, but also about becoming more conscious and grounded as a practitioner.”
Sarah Loxdale, Senior Lecturer and Lead on Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL):
“Cristina’s success highlights the value of recognising prior experiential learning at an advanced level. Through the RPEL pathway, she was able to demonstrate how her significant professional experience met Level 7 expectations, while engaging in rigorous academic reflection. This approach not only validates existing expertise but also challenges practitioners to extend their thinking, resulting in more confident, evidence-based and reflective professionals.”
Cristina says the course has already had a significant impact on both her professional and personal development.
“Professionally, it has helped me articulate my approach with greater clarity and confidence. It has also strengthened my ability to connect outcomes with organisational impact. Personally, it has deepened my self-awareness and helped me reflect more intentionally on my own growth, values and presence.”
Lowri Harris, Senior Lecturer within the Professional Practice Framework (PPF) added:
“Cristina’s journey is a powerful example of how the Professional Practice Framework enables experienced professionals to translate extensive, high-level practice into academic achievement. Her ability to critically reflect on her experience, and to connect this with theory and research, embodies exactly what the MA is designed to support. We are proud to see practitioners like Cristina deepen their impact through the programme.”
Following graduation, Cristina plans to continue developing her work in transformational leadership effectiveness, while integrating research more fully into her practice. She also hopes to continue contributing to growth in complex international environments and pursue further academic and professional development.
If you’re interested in developing your professional practice, applications are now open for the October intake — please email ppf@uwtsd.ac.uk or visit https://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/professional-practice-framework for more information.
Further Information
Lowri Thomas
Principal Communications and PR Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07449 998476