Matthew Addison-Black
Identity, Leadership, Resilience, and Performance Under Pressure
When performance matters, identity matters more.
Across military and corporate environments, the same pattern emerges:
capable leaders lose clarity under pressure on who they are, what they stand for, and how they should act when it matters most.
The result is hesitation, poor decisions, and inconsistent performance at exactly the wrong moment.
My work focuses on identity under pressure: helping organisations develop leaders who can think clearly, act deliberately, and perform when the stakes are high.
Where This Work Comes From
This work wasn’t developed in theory, and it wasn’t learned quickly.
I began my career at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, commissioning into the Royal Gurkha Rifles. Early on, I was diagnosed with cancer and offered a medical discharge, which I declined. That period forced a level of clarity about identity, responsibility, and decision-making that has shaped everything since.
My military career went on to include operational deployments, jungle warfare training, and service in counter-terrorism environments, where leadership and performance are tested under genuine pressure.
Alongside this, I have worked in academia, specialising in leadership and moral psychology, and currently hold a senior teaching role at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
This work sits at the intersection of those experiences; practical, academic, and applied. It is designed for people operating in environments where decisions matter, and where clarity is not optional.
Think Clearly Under Pressure
Understand what is driving your decisions when the stakes are high.
Separate internal standards from external noise, and develop the clarity required to act with intent.
Turn Capability into Consistent Performance
Close the gap between what you are capable of and how you actually perform.
Align effort, judgment, and behaviour so results become reliable rather than situational.
Lead with Clarity and Responsibility
Operate with a clear sense of role, responsibility, and standard.
Make decisions others can rely on, even in uncertain and high-pressure environments.
Remain Stable When It Matters Most
Develop the composure and resilience to function under sustained pressure.
Build the capacity to act deliberately rather than react instinctively.
Identity Under Pressure
Identity is the foundation of leadership, resilience, and performance under pressure.
Through my work, I help individuals and teams clarify what drives them at their core, develop personal mastery, and align actions with values that truly matter. This creates a compass for decision-making, behaviour, and choices that is both authentic and consistent.
Without a clear identity, people risk fusing with external expectations; whether organisational, societal, or inherited, leading to a life and career that feels unsatisfying and misaligned.
When identity is clear, individuals operate with confidence, congruence, and purpose, making decisions that reflect who they are, what they stand for, and the standards they choose to uphold.
My work focuses on developing clarity, judgment, and stability under pressure.
It is direct and grounded in both experience and research, drawing on leadership, philosophy, and moral psychology. The emphasis is not on quick fixes, but on building the capacity to think clearly and act deliberately when it matters.
Radical candour is central. We address problems directly, without avoidance or performance.
Discretion is absolute.
This is demanding work. It requires honesty, accountability, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. But it produces leaders who are consistent, self-aware, and capable of operating effectively in high-stakes environments.
Approach
Testimonials
Sam Mudie: CEO & Founder
Savea
From our first session, Matthew cut through the noise and simplified my own processes. He quickly showed me how to prioritise tasks in a way I hadn't done before, and sometimes simply how to prioritise myself so that I can continue to operate at the level I need to.
Naomi Jenner: CEO & Founder
Naomi Jenner Wellness
I was particularly impressed by Matthew’s ability to foster a safe and supportive coaching environment. His empathetic listening and insightful questions helped me uncover hidden potential within my business and myself.
Matthew's expertise in leadership and business strategy was essential in propelling my business to new heights. I am incredibly grateful for the positive impact Matthew has had on both my professional and personal life.
Tim Swinson: Athlete
Scotland RFU
Transitioning from a career in professional sport into financial services had become a challenge that impacted my close relationships, my social life and myself.
Matt was quick to get into action, setting clear expectations, and adapting his sessions to work for me rather than applying a static framework.
Working with Matt was enjoyable and has made the transition to my new career smoother.
Christopher Lambe: General Manager Eastern Pacific Shipping
I found the sessions so productive and helpful that Matt and I continue our engagement as I navigate a new path.
The sessions have proved invaluable in support of my professional development and will continue to do so
Tristan Chiappini: Fintech Leader
PPRO
Working with Matt has been a real game changer and I can testify to real noticeable changes in my behaviours and mindset within 4 months.
This will be an ongoing process to commit to the frame work that we created together but thanks to the trust we built through the sessions and his personal style of coaching, both personal and professional, I understand what is necessary to ensure I always keep my three priorities front and centre.
Angharad Onions: Master Butcher
Little Farms
His style is thought provoking. It helped me recognise my strengths and weaknesses, and how to handle them better, giving me the confidence to tackle areas I find more challenging at work.
Matthew is extremely knowledgeable, passionate and understanding.
He will go above and beyond to support you.
Highly recommended!
Wei Ping Sim: Master Certified Coach
International Coaching Federation
Matthew is a coach that demonstrates high integrity and commitment towards his clients.
His stand for his client’s growth and his standards of excellence inspires his clients to greater heights.
I would highly recommend Matthew to people who are looking for big breakthroughs in life.
Max Clark: Solopreneur
The Scrambling Nomad
His unique blend of wisdom, drawn from years as an officer with the Gurkhas, and his academic prowess in philosophy and psychology, guided me through uncharted waters with exceptional skill.
His mentorship was transformative, empowering me to not only achieve my goals but also embrace a holistic perspective on life.
Sebastian Droesler: Psychologist
Counselling Hong Kong
As a psychologist I value his academic background. His way of creating intimacy by being upfront and honest convinces me at work and as a friend. Matthew helped me to identify my strengths and empowered me to reach high performance.
I recommend his fearless coaching to anyone who seeks personal growth for nothing less than excellence and success.
Robin Vos: Vice President
TrackUnit
Matt's guidance and mentorship have been nothing short of transformative.
One of Matt's greatest strengths is his exceptional talent for creating a supportive and nurturing environment where open dialogue and introspection thrive. His empathetic approach and keen listening skills have allowed me to explore my thoughts, fears, and challenges without reservation.
His insightful feedback, thought-provoking questions, and strategic guidance have not only enhanced my decision-making capabilities but have also empowered me to navigate complex situations with confidence and clarity.
Aaron Hill: Podcaster & Coach
Forging Resilience Coachcast
Having someone on my side who is there for me, but also to challenge me from a place of compassion, is an experience that I can't not recommend highly enough. The level of insights that come from these interactions are invaluable as they are created from a place of curiosity from someone who has had the courage to look at their own shadows, as well as someone who has the practical knowledge to understand the theory to what is going on for me in the "client chair."
If you are considering a coach, I would highly recommend Matthew, consider this your due diligence.
Nick Coates: Performance Coach
Embolden Coaching
Matthew is a dedicated, experienced, and inspirational leader.
His vast experience has furnished him with an incredibly diverse skill set that gives him an executive presence that cannot be trained. He has an exceptional eye for detail and professional pride, ensuring his "coachees" will make incredible progress under his guidance.
I highly recommend Matt and Veritas' services.