Nana-Efua Lawson is a Chartered Psychologist and leadership coach, specialising in creating brave, safe, and honest spaces for leaders to explore their values and challenges. She believes that leaders are much more than what their workplaces often require them to show, and her coaching focuses on enabling leaders to make wise, values-based decisions. Nana’s supportive yet challenging approach helps leaders navigate complexity with authenticity and purpose.

Nana is the founder of Castlegate International and has a wealth of experience as an internal and external consultant, working across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. Before establishing her consultancy, she worked at Standard Chartered Bank, where she played a key role in defining and executing their learning and talent agenda across the Middle East. Clients consistently praise her perceptiveness, insightful challenges, and results-focused approach, combined with her supportiveness, energy, and fun.​

Nana’s areas of expertise include Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), women in leadership, leadership transition coaching, and team effectiveness. She works extensively with leaders during transitions, helping them develop political savvy and build critical stakeholder relationships. She also supports leaders from marginalised groups, guiding them to find their voices and navigate their organisational landscapes successfully.​

Nana holds an MSc in Occupational & Organisational Psychology from the University of Surrey and is a Chartered Occupational Psychologist. She is accredited with several professional bodies, including the British Psychological Society (BPS) and the European Mentoring & Coaching Council (EMCC). She is certified in a range of psychometric tools, including MBTI, Hogan, Lumina Spark, and Strengthscope.