Katherine Barton MA (Cantab) LCH Dip MAC

Katherine is an intercultural trainer and personal/professional coach.
She is also Director of Barton Insights.

Katherine has worked in a range of environments over the past twelve years, from investment banks to jazz clubs, and within corporate and creative sectors. Her varied experiences mean that she enjoys and relates to a diversity of people, and she is
able to bring an open, fresh perspective to each new project or client.

British, with Venezuelan connections, she has cultivated an international outlook, with an M.A. in Modern & Medieval Languages (French & Spanish) from the University of Cambridge and time spent living in France and working in several countries. Her role as a Business Change Analyst with GF-X (a McKinsey founded B2B internet start-up company) saw her visit numerous global locations; she delivered over 100 training sessions in places such as San Francisco, Geneva, Dubai and Hong Kong for companies such as British Airways, Emirates and American Airlines. She is able to now utilise this experience in her work as an intercultural trainer and she has helped over 400 families or individuals moving to the UK or overseas. Her clients have included nationals from most continents and she has worked with employees from companies such as BP, JPMorgan, Unilever, Avon, British American Tobacco and American Express.

She is also a qualified coach and has been developing these skills throughout much of her career - for example, assisting American expatriates arriving in Paris with Goldman Sachs and providing consultancy on a one-to-one basis for artists pitching to business. To refine her coaching technique, Katherine chose to study for a Coaching Diploma with the Achievement Specialists in 2005, a course accredited by the ECI (Europe's Accreditation Body for Coaches and Coach Training Providers). The initials 'MAC'
denote that she was accepted as a Member of the Association for Coaching. For the
last four years, she has worked with individuals from a number of sectors, including IT, finance and the law, as well as with non-working expatriate spouses in London.

Intercultural training

"Thank you very much for a perfect training, it has initiated many discussions among us and our friends - everybody seemed to become very interested in the contents and were asking a lot of questions...I must admit that the training has been organised and carried out with high professionalism, deep and profound knowledge of the subject."
Victor, Russian - oil industry

"Katherine structured things in a way that was relevant for us. It was helpful to speak to my partner about how to make the most out of her time on assignment. Would even recommend for those travelling to countries of a similar culture."
Andrew, Australian - oil industry

"Katherine is personable, approachable, well spoken and an all round fantastic trainer. Very accommodating and enthusiastic."
Jean, American - accompanying spouse of banker

"Great context for living in London. I was previously assigned here and the interpersonal dynamics were a challenge"
Victor, Trinidadian - manufacturing industry

"It went over my expectations. I found it very useful and I am sure that I will have the opportunity to apply what I have learnt."
Thierry, French - oil industry

"I hadn't given enough thought/attention to issues of separation. Spousal happiness is a key component to the success of this posting."
Simon, British, relocating to the Middle East - oil industry

"Even the locals need this training if their employees are mostly
international assignees"
Odette, Ugandan - manufacturing industry

"Would strongly recommend. The day was extremely well-prepared and it was a focused, tailor-made approach. She captured 100% our needs. We have even developed clear actions/improvement points for our remaining time in the UK."
Philippe, French - pharmaceuticals

"I learnt a lot - understanding the British environment, how to interact, culture, history, geography. I will now approach them with much more confidence."
Patrice, Cameroonian - entrepreneur

"Very informative, lovely style and very knowledgeable. Time well spent."
Helen, British relocating to South Africa - cosmetics industry

"My trainer helped me to understand the people. And their feelings."
Carlos, 10, Venezuelan

"Katherine helped teach us to care and help our family."
Grace, 10, American

"My trainer helped me to know more about history, kings, queens, important people. Culture of the UK. Now we know what kids do for fun and how to be safe, how British people would treat you (politely). It really helps."
Laura, 13, Colombian

"I thought she was a very fun trainer. I really enjoyed working with my brother and learning a lot from Katherine."
Jordan, 12, South African

"My trainer seemed to know exactly what she was dealing with, prepared to answer any question and open and friendly towards us. She showed to be a patient person who
knew what it was like, understanding us perfectly. Thank you Ð I have been helped prepare for what will come."
Paulina, 14, Colombian

"The way to explain culture shock is very helpful for children. To find the positive points of this experience. They donÕt feel alone they understand
that it's normal to feel sad and tired."
Mother of twin girls aged 9, French

"She was awesome! I loved it! She helped me think of things I wouldn't
of thought of before."
Chole, 12, American