Hi, I’m Stewart Forsyth – the “F” in FX Consultants (FX stands for “effect,” not foreign exchange!). My background is in organisational psychology, and these days I focus on coaching and writing—especially around career transitions.
🧠 How I Work
I mainly use a solution-focused approach, which means helping clients tap into their existing (and sometimes under-used) strengths.
Take the case of a laboratory manager I worked with. She had two very different supervisors:
- One was a stickler for process and reporting.
- The other? Let’s just say he was more… spontaneous. Great with clients and staff morale, but not so great with deadlines.
After a few too many “Where’s that report?” moments, and our exploration of options, the manager came up with a clever fix: a whiteboard in the shared workspace. Each morning, they updated it with tasks, deadlines, and who was responsible. No pressure—just public accountability. The result? Fewer surprises, better reliability, and a happier manager.
🧩 Going Deeper with Schema Coaching
Lately, I’ve been integrating schema coaching into my practice. Schema are deep-rooted patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving—often formed early in life and triggered automatically by emotional cues.
This approach is especially useful when logical problem-solving hits a wall.
For example, I worked with a tech manager in her late 30s whose traditional parents believed she should be married, not building a career. She resonated with the “Lack of Support” schema—the belief that, despite her achievements, key people in her life hadn’t supported her emotionally or practically.
Her boss? Micromanaging and out of touch. Not helpful, and unfortunately reinforcing her Lack of Support schema.
We worked on:
- Mindful techniques to release the emotional sting of that schema.
- Imagery exercises to develop a “Perfect Nurturer”—a mental resource she could call on during stressful moments.
🎓 Keeping Sharp
I stay current through ongoing training and supervision. Right now, I’m completing a 12-month certification in schema coaching, which focuses on reflective practice and deepening expertise.
☕ Let’s Talk
If you’re curious about how coaching could support your personal or organisational goals, I’d love to chat—no pressure, just a coffee and a conversation.
You can reach me by phone or text on 021 392 667, or email me at stewart@fxc.co.nz.
Please schedule a meeting to discuss your or your organisation’s coaching priorities.
I talk about my and FXC’s experience here
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