About Me
Hello! I am Chantel Hayward - Founder and Director of Fox & Fable and a coach for creative founders and leaders who want to stop firefighting and start thriving.
I know what it is like to carry the weight of the industry: the deadlines, the people challenges, the constant change. I have spent 18+ years as a senior HR leader and Coach, working within creative environments, seeing first hand how the pace and pressure can stretch even the best leaders thin.
I created Fox & Fable because I believe leadership should not mean losing yourself in the chaos. Coaching is the pause in the noise: the space to reset, regain clarity and lead with confidence and resilience.
Why I do this?
After years of working in creative businesses, I know just how thrilling and exciting, but also exhausting it can be for industry folks. The high standards, the fast pace, the unspoken pressure to always be on, always perform, always push.
It is easy to lose sight of yourself in all that.
I have seen too many brilliant leaders become overwhelmed and exhausted - not because they lacked talent or passion, but because they did not have the support to step back and lead sustainably.
Through my coaching and workshops, I help founders and leaders and their teams:
Move from firefighting and reactivity → to clarity and calm.
Build confidence to handle people challenges head on.
Navigate constant change without losing their footing.
Lead in a way that keeps both themselves and their teams thriving.
My Approach
I am a certified ILM Level 7 Executive Coach and Mentor, Mental Health First Aider and someone who truly understands the agency environment from the inside out.
My style is practical, supportive and always tailored to you. There is no one size fits all - just honest conversation, meaningful insight and shifts that lead to big change.
Outside of Coaching
When I am not coaching, you will find me out in nature, planning our next family getaway, or quietly demolishing a pack of Lotus biscuits. I believe in the power of a pause, a good cup of tea (heavy on the oat milk please) and honest one to one conversations that make people feel seen and supported.
Let’s Talk
If you are a founder or leader ready to stop surviving and start thriving, I would love to help.
Get in touch to book your free 30 minute reset call by emailing me at chantel@foxandfable.co.uk or messaging on LinkedIn
