Paignton coach who faced burnout after 30 years in education wins national award
Claire Tindal, a leadership coach from Paignton, has won a silver award at the Best Businesswomen Awards 2026 for her work in executive and leadership coaching, and in networking for women leaders.
A Paignton leadership coach who founded her business after facing burnout at the end of a 30-year career in education has won silver at a national awards ceremony.
Claire Tindal, founder of Tindal Leadership, was named runner-up in the Best Coach category at the Best Businesswomen Awards 2026. The result was announced at the national final at the Daventry Court Hotel on October 16.
The award recognises her work in executive and leadership coaching, and in networking for women leaders.
Ms Tindal set up Tindal Leadership in 2023 after experiencing burnout. The business is based between Paignton and Totnes and provides leadership coaching and mentoring for women who lead.
Since then, she has coached more than 60 leaders and run more than 40 events in Exeter and Plymouth for the Devon Women’s Leadership Network.
It was the first time she had entered an award. She said: “I am delighted to win this silver award for best coach 2026. It is the first time I’ve entered an award, and it’s been a real lesson in the importance of overcoming imposter syndrome, and backing yourself.”
She added: “I am so grateful to all my coaching clients, and to all the amazing women who have attended a Devon Women’s Leadership Network event. They have all enriched my life. I look forward to an exciting 2027 ahead with new coaching clients and new locations in South and North Devon for my leadership events.”
Robyn Vincent, an executive headteacher and member of the network, said it had helped ease the isolation she felt as a rural and female leader. She said: “It provides support, a safe space and a much-needed vehicle for remembering to take care of ourselves as well as those we lead. I am very grateful for Claire’s perception in identifying this need and her action to fill it.”
Founded in 2015, the Best Businesswomen Awards recognise female business owners and women leading charities across the UK. Winners are chosen by an expert judging panel from hundreds of entries, and entrants must back up their achievements with supporting evidence.
Debbie Gilbert, founder and organiser of the awards, said: “Behind every winning business is a woman on a mission who has taken risks, solved problems and worked hard to make her vision a reality.”
She added: “Our judges look for evidence of achievement. Receiving an award is a significant endorsement of the business each winner has built.”