---
title: "Fabulous at 70: Dr Neslyn Watson-Druée"
description: "Meryl Streep, Jessica Lange, Elizabeth Ann Warren are names who are hijacking the headlines worldwide. America is leading with women who are as fabulous at 70 and decided to make a unequivocal mark after their 70th birthday: Maxine Waters, 80, the first woman to head the Financial Services Committee, Donna Shalala, 78, Glenn Close was 71 when she won a Golden Globe for best actress in January. And at home we have Dr Neslyn Watson-Druee"
author: Dr Marina Nani (Editor-in-Chief)
date: 2019-07-04T10:32:03.000Z
updated: 2026-03-31T11:24:00.154Z
canonical: https://www.sovereignmagazine.com/article/fabulous-at-70-dr-neslyn-watson-druee
image: https://cdn.nanimediahouse.com/cropped-neslyn-cover.jpg
categories: Social Impact
content_type: Profile
region: United Kingdom
publication: Sovereign Magazine
---

## *Planting the seeds of Greatness in the Garden of Love and Kindness*

With lower birth rates and higher
life expectancy, the population of the UK is transforming, and we learn to
celebrate longevity!

The pensionable age is increasing and
the pressure on the system to provide essential social services like education,
healthcare and housing, raises a very difficult question:  Is longevity
sustainable?

Sovereign Magazine takes note of
women and their achievements at any age and is putting together a Special
edition this summer for Women Fabulous at 70 to celebrate the Divine Feminine,
big numbers and the joy of being fabulous throughout an entire life.

## How is Longevity served in the UK?

Life expectancy over the last few decades has been steadily
increasing. Females born in 2015 can expect to live 82.8 years from birth, 4
years more than females born in 1991. Males have seen a greater increase in
life expectancy of 5.7 years, from 73.4 years for males born in 1991 to 79.1
years for males born in 2015. Life expectancy in the UK is also projected to
continue increasing; with life expectancy at birth for females projected to be
85.1 years by 2026 and 86.6 years by 2036. Males are also projected to live
longer, increasing to 82.1 years by 2026 and 83.7 years by 2036. (Source
National Statistics)

## Who is turning 70 in 2019?

[Meryl Streep](https://www.ranker.com/review/meryl-streep/1566808?ref=node_name&pos=1&a=0&ltype=n&l=2750562&g=1), [Jessica Lange](https://www.ranker.com/review/jessica-lange/1285771?ref=node_name&pos=6&a=0&ltype=n&l=2750562&g=1) and *Elizabeth Ann Warren are names who are hijacking the headlines worldwide!* America is leading with women who are as fabulous at 70 and decided to make a unequivocal mark after their 70th birthday: Nancy Pelosi, proved to be the president’s most remarkable opponent, alongside Maxine Waters, 80, the first woman to head the Financial Services Committee, Donna Shalala, 78, Glenn Close was 71 when she won a Golden Globe for best actress in January.

And at home we have[ Dr Neslyn Watson-Druee](https://www.beaconorganisationaldevelopment.com/)

*High
Profile leadership development authority *[Dr Neslyn
Watson-Druée](https://www.linkedin.com/in/neslynwatsondruee/)*, left Jamaica when she was 19 and
five decades later, we celebrate her 70**th** Birthday in London. London
has been home to her dreams and to her trials but she never gave up on her higher
purpose. Neslyn decided *to stay true to herself when very few, if any, really
understood the impact of the divine feminine in [business success](https://www.sovereignmagazine.com/article/the-courage-crisis-in-modern-leadership-dame-neslyn-watson-druee-on-why-leaders-are-afraid-to-lead).

For decades, Neslyn taught Executives to unlearn what they
know and learn who they truly are.

Gracefully
trading her years of experience for inner wisdom, Neslyn is noticing that while
discrimination and prejudice, sexual orientation and pay gap are still part of
our societal fabric, come in different forms and shapes, but in smaller dozes.
Winning endless accolades from international organisations and media outlets
which felt the need to confirm the recognition she deserves, Sovereign went a
step further and find out what impact she made in other people leadership
journey, what happened after their personal encounter with Neslyn- The Guardian
angel.

Business psychologist and Prof. Executive Coach serving CEOs, Directors and Aspiring Directors to be their best in their leadership, are all grateful beyond words for achieving high performance, excelling in their field against all challenges and transforming their business and life with integrity, passion, vision and emotional intelligence. 
 I have to start by acknowledging that if Neslyn wasn’t coaching the Sovereign team, myself and my son included, perhaps Sovereign will not be where it is.

Neslyn helped us activate our team creative potential, get clarity on
the footprints that Sovereign leaves, our ethos as a good news media. My
favourite sessions are about being courageous, authentic, confident and being aware
of the possibility of helping others, at every turn and teach them to become
the opportunity they seek.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, recognition comes
not once but on
three occasions, and that did not end Neslyn’s desire to deliver excellence.
Being awarded an MBE for nursing leadership was just the beginning of her firm
commitment to progress
followed by The Queen’s Medal and CBE for Health Service Innovation and
Leadership.  Neslyn contribution
to the change in attitude towards black nurses doesn’t bring her life purpose
to a holt and represent only one fraction of her determination to nurture
contemporary tolerance and deliver the transformative power of love and
kindness.

*Imagine
a time when, after falling in love with your job, fulfilling your role with
excellence, a newly appointed manager comes along and tells you: *“I find you threatening, because you are black, you
are a woman and you are intelligent. I’m going to block you.” As a result, Neslyn
left her job, a job she cherished, to developed a new path for the NHS
Executive and teach them the ropes of leadership and excellence and, most
importantly, Neslyn created a platform for unapologetic Leadership. That Leadership
Demonstration programme helped the NHS tackle the discrimination experienced by
so many black nurses and, as a result, she was awarded an MBE for nursing
leadership.

When
I first heard Neslyn’s story she was gracing our stage at Batfa at The Authors
Awards. Something struck a chord with me, and reminded me of a time when I was
told something on these lines, but instead of black, the word was ‘widow’. I
believed it to be true. Unlike myself, Neslyn, did not allow overwhelm to cloud
her mission and decided that it is time to help women, just like you and me, to stand
up for themselves, and never let anyone be told who they are but teach who they
could become and embrace Excellence.

## Learning to un-learn

Now one
of the most sought-after
High Profile executive coach, author and speaker, Neslyn lives her life on
purpose and deliver her works internationally, with passion. Her approach to
her work is deeply spiritual and in more ways than one, is about unlearning
what you know so you learn who you are, as a Divine being. “Divine beings, spiritual beings
with human experience. Neslyn
says: When you can become aware of the Divinity in another person,
irrespective of gender, race and all the things that we use to categorise or
segment people, you know that we are connected. Then that is life.”

While
running her own business for almost 3 decades, Neslyn worked as a non-executive
director for NHS for over 21 years including 10 years as Chairman of NHS
Kingston. During her appointment at Kingston  Primary Care Trust, she had to make tough
decisions. She dissolved the existing board which left the Trust with a £21,000,000
deficit and created a £5,000,000 surplus within two years.

This
month we celebrate Neslyn’s 70th Birthday and while she posted “ I  am very happy in my garden and 70 years young” I wonder who are the
seeds she is planting in her garden of Love and Kindness

[https://www.youtube.com/embed/7-2BmERPZik?feature=oembed](https://www.youtube.com/embed/7-2BmERPZik?feature=oembed)

Here is just a short collection of the quotes we collected from her esteemed clients.

“I
have known Dr Neslyn for the past 3 years, and during this time she has coached
and guided me through key aspects of my personal and professional development
and helped me on the road to becoming the type of leader that I have always
aspired to be. She
is a true inspiration and I cannot imagine a life where she is not there to
support me “

***Cheryl Avery, Ministry of Justice***

“Neslyn’s
deep knowledge, experience and huge heart has transformed my leadership and
career journey. With her challenge and support my development fast forwarded
and my courage to be honest with myself and others has escalated.   That’s not to say it’s easy or comfortable,
but that’s key to the process. I can honestly say I have never met anyone like
Neslyn, her unique and holistic style is a revelation to me.”

***Dr Helen Carrier, Department for International Trade, UK***

“I
feel blessed to have met Neslyn who is a true inspiration helping me to make
sense of my confused career trajectory. In her own unique way she has helped to
simplify my thoughts and given me the confidence to take the steps that I need
to move forward.  I will always remember
her advise to “focus on the legacy you wish to leave behind”.

***Sarah Dazie, HR Business Partner, Cabinet Office, UK***

“I
didn’t know what to expect when I first met Dr. Neslyn. But I was bowled over
by her bold, energetic, bright and driven approach. Her enthusiasm was
infectious and just encouraged me to be an even better version of myself from
our first encounter.  Dr. Neslyn has
challenged me to think differently about my leadership, encouraged me to set my
aspirations higher and not to accept the status quo; for which I am extremely
thankful.  She is is excellent executive
coach who is a pleasure to work with – I leave each coaching session imbued
with confidence and strengthened resolve”.

***Gary Badley, Ministry of Justice, UK ***

“I
have known and worked with Neslyn in various capacities for 15 years. Neslyn is
a very special person. She has an amazing ability to understand people coupled
with an ability to help them achieve their potential while taking them on a
journey which may not be easy – but she stays with you. Neslyn has integrity
that many are envious of and operates to the highest ethical and moral
standards.”

***Baroness Debbie Stedman-Scott***

“I
have been lucky enough to meet this wonderful human being some 3 years ago.
Since then she has been my rock. Never I I experience such powerful words of
encouragement. Giving of herself with sincerity and integrity. The demands of
my industry left me needing that special interest. I call her the think tank.
Full of answers and solutions. Wisdom beyond expectations. Dr. Neslyn
Watson-Druee is all you will need to show you how to move forward achieve and
deliver at any level. The Phoenix newspaper owes a great deal to this teacher
and the excellence in service she has given to the development of the
business”.

***Marcia McLaughlin, F.Birm.Soc Editor in Chief, The Phoenix newspaper***

“Dr
Neslyn, is a phenomenal coach, she operates with both insight and foresight and
is able to get to the crocks of the issues very quick. She both challenges and
encourages me to make the right the decisions regarding my career and future
without telling me what to do. What I find unique about Dr Neslyn is she
utilises a holistic approach to coaching tapping into both the spiritual,
natural, emotional and rational aspects of my experiences to prod me in the
best way for me and my situation. Dr Neslyn is a truly generous and gracious
humble coach and always has a fresh different approach at looking at things
from a strategic as well as immediate perspective. I deem it privilege and an
honour to name her as my executive coach.”

***Dr Joan Myers OBE, Associate Director for Health Services ***

“Neslyn
is a consummate professional and has been of great service to me at critical
career moments.  I have sought her
counsel and her wisdom to build, reenergize and discover new paths and purpose
in the work that I do. Her considerable experience evokes thoughtful
storytelling ideas, coupled with non-judgmental questioning.  This method gently guides and allows self-
discovery of personal truths.  Neslyn is
not afraid to combine very traditional and more experiential forms of coaching;
delving into aspects of personal power, spirituality, energy and more routine
cognitive learning approaches. Neslyn has leveraged her personal network of
contacts (which is considerable) to stretch my thinking, make ideas tangible
and further personal and commercial success. 
She demonstrates selflessness and an understanding that I have seen in
her work with me and which is gladly reciprocated in the people that she has
introduced me to.  Each of them is
pleased to help because of the association to Neslyn and because they wish to
repay a past kindness to her. Her political awareness, formed through the rich
career experience is finally to be commended. 
She is adept in thinking through the levels of relationship in a
situation and offering objective counsel. I have no hesitation in recommending
her to you.”

***Chris Yates Founder, Director of People and Organisational Development at Caterpillar Inc***

“I have had the absolute pleasure to work with Neslyn in 2017. She is an exceptional executive coach and our work together has been enlightening, inspirational and has had a profoundly positive impact for me. Neslyn has many, many skills but her signature strength is to truly understand what makes people tick and to develop self-awareness to enable them to achieve their greatest ambitions.”

***Jessica McDarren, Trade Finance Director, Consumer Products Division UK- Ireland, L Oréal***

“I
found I was able to be quite honest with Neslyn, and immediately acknowledged
that I was feeling resistant to coaching. It was clear she was not phased by
this and I felt deeply accepted where I am. I have been looking for this level
of acceptance for a long time, as it is one of my biggest challenges! Neslyn
through her compassion, integrity and vision is able to see both the current
challenges and the much bigger picture for my life, even when I am lost in an
emotional or spiritual fog. It is very important to me to bring together spiritual
depth and practical wisdom in the world and this is exactly where Neslyn
shines. Neslyn addressed my mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing in a very
effective and exciting way and I look forward to see how the journey unfolds. I
have much more clarity now about the bigger picture and it is a matter of
filling in the details and the steps on the path. Neslyn helped me to be clear
that there is enormous potential and own my own power again.”

***Sandra Gilfilan, Team Leader, Social Services***

“As Maya Angelou once said, ‘Nothing can dim the light that shines from within’. Neslyn, you are the light and your light shines from deep within. For
many years you have been a pioneer in the development of several training
programmes, and some were focused on the minority groups, the first to be
delivered.  You always gave more that the
training required, you gave your- self. There are several very senior managers
and leaders who have been able to fulfil their potential. Neslyn, the light
still shines”.

***Maggie Stubbs, Glamford Associates***

“Neslyn
has been a very special  lady in my
life.  I have known  her 
for many years as a Tutor, Mentor and a soul sister. She has enabled my
personal and professional development.  A
great influencer across various arenas in business but particularly in the
public sector. She is a great listener and adviser. Who has listened to me
without judgement and enabled me to overcome many challenges. She has the
special ability to ignite the spark within.”

***Jo Thanki, Director, MJ Consultancy***

“February
15th 2015 was one of the most significant experiences in my life. I spent the day
with Dr. Neslyn Watson-Druée. It was a one on one coaching session with her to
help me with identifying my strong areas as well as to facilitate in
identifying what am I supposed to further achieve in my life. The
very rigorous process of meditation was helpful in going down into some of the
deeper issues and bring it to surface. One of the issues that I had been
carrying with myself for the last 7 years was surfaced and very professionally
handled and guided through the healing process. Connecting the discussion with
the future plans Neslyn encouraged me to put down my ideas in a pictorial form
to put down my broader vision /bigger picture. Through this process I was led
to put down some key strategic interventions and identify some of the major
hindering factors. During the discussion she also kept sharing the resources on
Leadership. I will never forget the day and it will play a pivotal role in my
personal life and leadership journey. Special gratitude to Dr. Neslyn for her
time, humility, integrity & love which has given me a sense of direction
for my life. It was a powerful experience. This will also enable me to
positively influence people around me.”

***Minhas Tejani, Principal, Jaffery Academy Mombasa***

“There
are a few people I can look back at over the years who I can honestly say have
always been there for me. Neslyn is top of that list. Neslyn brings a whole new
meaning to the word integrity, and it is this particular personal quality that
I value in her so much. She is especially skilful at getting people to think
and look closely at their inner self, not easy to do but she does this in such
a way that it makes you want to take more ownership of self. She is arguably
one of the most trusted individuals I know and truly stands up for what she believes
in. It goes without saying she a true professional in all she does and a clear
strategic thinker whose wise words one would be foolish to ignore. I came
across this quote from Eleanor Roosevelt… The FUTURE belongs to those who
believe in the beauty of their DREAMS… It reminds me of Neslyn”.

***Ursula Ward***

“Neslyn
is an inspiration for her ability to detect and develop the potential of
everyone who is lucky enough to work with her as a colleague or to know her as
a friend. As a mentor she is forthright but tactful, honest but kind. There are
many health professionals now in leadership positions who owe her a debt of
gratitude for the way in which she has brought out the very best in them. She
is the most loyal of friends, generous to a fault, excellent company – and a
great cook too.”

***Linda Thomas, Former Editor in Chief, RCN Publications***

“Everybody needs some like Neslyn in their life. She is serene, strong, courageous and successful – everything that I have seen put to good use through her actions. Always thoughtful and generous of spirit, Neslyn has achieved extraordinary things in her life yet she remains humble and grounded. I adore her, admire her and respect her – I’ve learnt so much from her and I’m blessed to have her in my life.”

***Arti Halai***

“Neslyn is a very special person who has, over many years, inspired me to become the person that I want to be.  To be ambitious from the heart, to live my true purpose and be a role model.  I will always be grateful for the leadership coaching that Neslyn has shown me and the friendship we have developed.  I wish Neslyn a wonderful 70th birthday. “

***Caroline Carroll***

When
The Almighty created His special people, He told His angels:  Come, bow down to these special people who I
will make them go through some special trials and tribulations. When His Angels
asked Him how could He as the Most Compassionate and the Most Merciful allow
for such strenuous times to befall on His special people? He said: “I will
carry them through that.”  So His angels
asked, what if they needed more. He responded I will create mothers.  They ,the Almighty said, will be the support
to my special people. Not satisfied with that answer,  His Angels said: “O the Most Majestic: what if
mothers have been overtaken by a new life in Your Kingdom, what will happens to
your special people?  Will they be
abandoned on a boat with no sail? Will their boat capsize with no succour?  Will they drown in the sea of hopelessness
with no support? What of Your Compassion, O You whose Name is a remedy for all
maladies?  What of your mercy, O You
whose Mercy extends to every creation be they believers or yet to believe in
You? The Almighty smiled: Then, I will send Neslyn into their lives.  At that the Angels, bowing down to His
creations said: “Truly they are worthy of this. You must  love these special people.”

***Yasin Rahim, Hospital Inspector, South Central Care Quality Commission, Hospitals  Inspection Directorate***

I meet Dr Neslyn Watson-Druee in 2002 through my involvement in the Black and Minority Ethnic Forum in the NHS Trust where I was employed as a Registered Nurse.We have cross paths on many occasions both professionally and personally. Neslyn helped me to define my skills and experience through the various personality tests. Her intuitive insight to my personality has helped me to open my doors to my skills and experience.

Neslyn allowed me to take the next step on the new journey I have embarked upon through changing my career. I did the One Command programme with her and I have free myself to my mantra of “I AM HAPPY!!! I AM FREE!!!”I can depend on her for sound advice and she shares my joy of success while praying and sending positive vibrations to me. I can say that it is much needed and appreciated.  My love and prayers will be with her always for the deep, visionary and compassionate essence that she delivers to me. May God continue to bless and keep her healthy as she delivers HIS LOVE.

***Anndeloris Chacon***