Entrepreneur, award-winning career and confidence coach, author, strategic adviser, public speaker and founder of Voices for Life, an acclaimed children’s music and wellbeing charity.
Tessa is an award-winning career and confidence coach, author, and public speaker renowned for empowering individuals to fulfil their potential. With over 20 years of experience across various sectors, she is also a trusted strategic adviser who implements the ‘how’ and the founder of Voices for Life, an award-winning children’s music and wellbeing charity. Tessa’s work continues to inspire, creating opportunities for individuals to make the impossible possible.
Initially studying music at degree level, Tessa’s curiosity and determination led her to build a career that combined her passions and skills, creating a path that stood out from the norm. In 2010, she founded her own career coaching business after beginning her professional journey as a solicitor at a leading international law firm before moving to a major gift fundraiser for a top national charity. She developed the highly successful Career Advancement Coaching ‘Tea Model’ Programme, which has helped hundreds of adults and young people nationwide boost their self-esteem and confidence. Tessa is known for her structured, pragmatic approach to career and strategic development, guiding clients toward fulfilling careers and successful businesses.
In addition to her coaching expertise, Tessa has extensive experience in charity setup and scaling, sustainability, outreach, impact assessment, fundraising, and partnerships, having successfully grown her own charity. She is a seasoned public speaker presenting as a keynote speaker and compere with tailored offerings to smaller groups.
Tessa’s drive to create opportunities for all, regardless of who they are or where they live, has been shaped by pivotal moments in her life and career. Her voluntary work in the UK and abroad—building a well for a Kenyan school, rebuilding homes after the 2004 tsunami in India, and supporting orphans in South Africa—deepened her understanding of how background and location impact opportunity. This inspired her diverse educational and career path and focus on authenticity, wellbeing, and meaningful connections as keys to overcoming challenges and fostering growth.
In 2020, Tessa founded Voices for Life, a children’s music and wellbeing charity, in response to rising mental health issues among youth and diminishing music education during the Covid pandemic. Voices for Life empowers all children to create music, promoting their wellbeing and building sustainable communities through Tessa’s carefully designed music and wellbeing programmes.
Tessa has recently been voted as one of Bath & Somerset’s Most Inspiring Women for 2025. She received the High Sheriff of Somerset award in recognition of great and valuable services to the community in 2023 and was a finalist in the Creative Bath Awards 2024. Tessa also serves as a school governor. Tessa believes that life is shaped by powerful moments that define who we are and what we can achieve.
Connect with Tessa now by emailing: coaching@tessaarmstrong.co.uk
The big news is that as of yesterday I have accepted a job offer! I am so delighted and excited and wanted to thank you again for your guidance and support throughout my career change. It has been invaluable and it’s all coming together. I felt really confident going into the interview knowing what I wanted and what I was good at. I regularly think back to our sessions and look at the materials we collated together.
Heather, 10.05.21
Round table discussion – Why IAPC&M? (featuring Tessa):
BOOKS
Tessa is author of ‘The Tea Model: Slowing down in a fast-paced world to find the career you love’, a book inspired by her long-running and award-winning Career Advancement Coaching Programme.
Tessa’s award-winning career blog provides guidance for all challenges experienced during careers.
PUBLICATIONS
She is featured in well-known publications including the Bath Magazine, Bath Life Magazine, Law Gazette and the Life Coach Directory and Happiful Magazine and has taken part in podcasts and round table discussions with the International Authority for Professional Coaching and Mentoring.
CLIENTS
Tessa’s clients have included lawyers, teachers (primary and secondary), accountants, web developers, charity fundraisers, managing directors, business owners as well as those from the publishing industry, production companies, property development, marketing, PR, administration, management, the housing industry, the banking and finance sectors, the education sector and schools.
AWARDS
The High Sheriff of Somerset award in recognition of great and valuable services to the community, 2023.
Tessa Armstrong 