Bert Stemarthe Logo
Portrait Bert Stemarthe wearing glasses, light blue collared shirt and navy blue jumper, standing against a dark blue background.

About me

Being part of a process that helps people live better lives is a gift my career keeps giving me. It brings me meaning, purpose, and joy — along with a healthy dose of challenge. At the heart of everything I do is a deep curiosity about people and a drive to keep learning.

A career built on curiosity

That drive to fill knowledge gaps has shaped my entire professional journey. It led me to train as an executive coach, then as a team coach — and when I realised how much I didn't know about how organisations and teams truly function, I enrolled in a Master's programme in Business and Organisational Psychology. Each step has made me a more effective practitioner for the people I work with.

Seeing the person, not the title

I have worked with some of the most senior executives in their fields — leaders who oversee hundreds or thousands of people — and what strikes me most is how universal our human vulnerabilities are. The executive who is anxious about speaking up in a meeting. The leader holding everything together at work while managing a chronically ill child at home. Too often, organisations see only a title or a role. I see the person.

A rare combination of expertise

My work sits at the intersection of three disciplines — and it is as a coach that they come together most powerfully:

Psychotherapy gives me deep insight into behaviour, emotional responses, beliefs, and the lasting impact of trauma, grief, and difficult life experiences

Coaching provides the tools and techniques to help clients think differently, act boldly, and achieve what matters most to them

Business & Organisational Psychology helps me understand the environments my clients operate in — the leadership cultures, systemic pressures, and organisational dynamics shaping their experience

This combination is rare. You will find it difficult to meet a therapist, coach, or business psychologist who brings all three together in the way that I do.

How I can help you

Whether you are navigating a personal challenge, professional pressure, or something that sits across both, I bring a uniquely integrated perspective to our work together. I look forward to hearing from you — please feel free to get in touch.

Bert uses a variety of approaches, and has grounding in different areas of practice which I really value – he’s able to deftly balance theory with practical application. We built a strong rapport quickly and I felt very comfortable being open and honest. He was confident at challenging me and my thinking, in a kind way. He’s smart and empathic, which was key to building this trust and openness. Bert’s coaching has given me a new perspective and tools to build on.
— Finance Head, Culture and Heritage

Credentials

A circular badge with a green outer ring and a white inner circle. Inside, a stylized tree with multicolored leaves and a blue trunk. Text reads 'abp The Association for Business Psychology' and 'CERTIFIED BUSINESS PSYCHOLOGIST'.

Certified Business Psychologist

ICF Member badge from the International Coaching Federation, indicating a professional coach membership.

ICF Certified Coach

A digital badge with purple colours displaying the text "Certified Professional Standards Authority" and "Accredited Register." The badge includes a checkmark symbol, member number 417569, and the abbreviations MBACP.

BACP Registered