Taking our own medicine
WIP was born from a belief we share with the executives we coach: that the most meaningful career moves are planned, and require introspection and action. We regularly encourage leaders to explore and test out ideas alongside their core roles — using thoughtful experiments and possibly side projects to gain clarity before committing to change. That philosophy, strongly influenced by the work of Herminia Ibarra, is one we actively practise ourselves.
Alongside our roles at London Business School, we found our coaching being sought after by our executive students’ partners, friends, colleagues and alumni — accomplished professionals wrestling with familiar questions about direction, identity and what “next” might mean. Again and again, we saw the same gap: a lack of structured, senior‑level career coaching that combined deep reflection with practical market insight.
WIP emerged to meet a need in the market — a separate, independent practice where we could apply our experience, frameworks and coaching philosophy to support experienced executives through career transitions with rigour, care and intent. Because no career is ever finished. All meaningful work remains a work in progress.
Meet the WIP Team
Paul Drew
Co-founder
Paul Drew is an executive career strategist with over 30 years’ experience working with senior leaders as they navigate complex career decisions. His background spans executive search, outplacement, leadership development and senior‑level career advisory work, giving him a deep understanding of how organisations assess executive talent and how individuals make choices at critical career junctures. Paul works with experienced executives who are reassessing direction, evaluating options or preparing for a significant career move. His approach is grounded, analytical and person‑centred, combining structured exploration with challenge and practical insight. He helps clients develop clarity about their working identity, articulate a credible and compelling value proposition, and make deliberate decisions aligned with both professional ambition and wider life priorities. Paul brings extensive experience in executive recruitment, career narrative development, interview preparation and senior‑level decision‑making. He is known for creating the space in which executives can think rigorously about what comes next — and for holding them to account as insight turns into action. Paul holds an MBA, an MSc in Career Management and Coaching, and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B).
Paul Fitzpatrick
Co-founder
Paul Fitzpatrick brings over 30 years of experience across a broad range of sectors, including chemicals, management consulting, technology, start‑ups and family‑owned businesses. His career spans operating roles, advisory work and executive development, giving him a practical understanding of how leadership capability translates into impact across different organisational contexts. As a co‑founder of WIP, Paul works with experienced executives at points of progression, redirection or reassessment in their careers. His approach is grounded, commercially minded and highly individual, focused on helping clients understand how their experience is perceived in the market and how to position themselves with clarity and credibility. Paul is particularly skilled at helping executives distil their experience into a strong value proposition, develop clear professional narratives, prepare for senior‑level interviews and activate their networks effectively. He combines sound judgement with market insight to support well‑considered career decisions. Paul holds an MBA and a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Manchester.