Who We Are

Lyranova Leadership was founded with a singular mission: To ignite human potential and enable courageous, values-led leadership across all sectors. We believe powerful leadership begins with self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and meaningful connection.

Our Values

Integrity – Authentic leadership, always.
Curiosity – Lifelong learning and inquiry.
Courage – Bold conversations, brave decisions.
Collaboration – Building better together.

Founders Note

– Dr. Emily Haddock

Dr. Emily Haddock is a nationally respected leader in education, known for transforming educational institutions and driving strategic change through a deep commitment to inclusion, leadership excellence, and sustainable outcomes.

With over 15 years of senior leadership experience across special education, mainstream, and charitable education sectors, her coaching blends high-level leadership acumen with practical, real-world understanding drawn from her experience as the UK’s youngest Headteacher and former Executive Head at award-winning schools.

Career Highlights

Director of Education, Kisharon Langdon, leading national special education and inclusion strategy.

Executive Vice Principal at Wellspring Academy Trust, improving multiple schools across the Trust.

Former Executive Headteacher and Safeguarding Lead at ROC Northwest, overseeing both care and education for young people with complex needs.

Educational Consultant advising local authorities and schools internationally on SEND, behaviour, safeguarding, and curriculum.

Published author in SEN Magazine and contributor to national discourse on autism, leadership and educational resilience.

Qualifications

Doctorate of Education (EdD), Manchester Metropolitan University – 2019
MA in Inclusive Education and Special Educational Needs
NPQEL – National Professional Qualification in Executive Leadership – 2023
BSc Psychology, University of Hull

– Dean Keates

Dean Keates is a highly accomplished leader in elite sport, known for cultivating resilience, high performance, and team excellence through decades of experience as both a professional footballer and manager.

With a distinguished career captaining and managing clubs at professional levels, Dean brings a rare depth of leadership insight—shaped in the high-pressure, results-driven world of professional sport—and now channels it into coaching leaders across education and business.

Dean’s coaching is deeply grounded in real-world leadership—developed over 20+ years on and off the pitch—offering clients a unique perspective on leading under pressure, navigating change, building elite teams, and unlocking potential.

His journey from local lad to club captain to respected manager fuels his authentic, down-to-earth approach to leadership development.

Career Highlights

Captain of every club he has played for, leading promotion-winning teams and mentoring players at every stage of development.

Manager of both clubs, overseeing full team operations, tactical leadership, and long-term player development.
Expert in high-performance culture, team dynamics, and motivating individuals to surpass perceived limits.

Transitioned into executive coaching, drawing parallels between sport and business leadership to develop confident, values-driven leaders.

Coaching Expertise

High-performance mindset and resilience
Team culture and transformational leadership
Leading under scrutiny and pressure
Communication, trust and accountability
Mentoring emerging leaders in high-stakes roles