Richard brings a unique blend of professional rigor and deep personal development expertise to his work as a Certified Shadow Work® Group Facilitator and Integral Development Coach. Currently serving as a Director in Global Risk Management in the financial services industry, he combines his analytical skills with a profound commitment to transformative personal growth work.
Richard’s journey began in the Northeast of England, where his humble beginnings instilled in him a deep appreciation for hard work and authentic connection. His path from these roots through the social and professional ladder – from barrister to Director in global finance – has given him first-hand understanding of the challenges and transformations that come with navigating different social and professional worlds. With Spanish heritage woven into his identity, Richard brings a multicultural perspective to his work, understanding intimately how cultural influences shape our development and the importance of integrating these diverse aspects of ourselves. This lived experience of bridging different worlds – geographic, social, and cultural – enriches his ability to meet clients wherever they are on their journey, holding space for the full complexity of their experiences and aspirations.
His journey into Shadow Work began through his involvement with the ManKind Project UK&I in 2017, where he discovered what he considers to be one of the most powerful personal change processes available – often described as the “champagne of personal development.” This transformative experience led him to pursue certification as both a Shadow Work® Group Facilitator and Integral Development Coach and, allowing him to guide others through their own journeys of introspection and transformation.
Richard’s professional foundation in law – having trained as a barrister and been called to the Bar in 2002 – began with pursuing conduct cases against Solicitors. Since transitioning to financial services in 2007, he has worked across top-tier investment banking firms. This diverse background brings a unique perspective to his facilitation work, combining analytical precision with deep emotional intelligence.
As a passionate advocate for men’s personal development, Richard is the founder of the South London Men’s Group holding weekly men’s group sessions and regularly facilitates both men-only and co-gender Shadow Work retreats. He maintains a private coaching practice offering one-to-one sessions and focused group coaching programs.
His facilitation style is characterised by its straightforward, compassionate and authentic approach. He creates safe spaces for examining difficult topics, helping clients explore their current orientation with themselves and others while identifying developmental paths toward greater competence and fulfilment. Richard brings deep emotional availability and compassion to his facilitation work. Having dedicated nearly a decade to his own personal development – which he views as a perpetual practice – he holds space for groups from a place of genuine presence and embodied wisdom. This powerful combination allows him to facilitate with both heart and mind, using his analytical skills to support deeper understanding while remaining fully open and emotionally attuned to those he serves.
A strong believer in “doing his own work,” Richard exemplifies the principle that effective facilitation comes from ongoing personal development. He advocates for vertical development as a means to bring about profound shifts in patterns of responding, behaviour, and thought. This commitment extends to his community involvement, where he serves as a School Governor alongside his professional and facilitation work.
In his personal life, Richard is a devoted husband and father to a daughter and son, bringing the insights from his family life into his understanding of relationships and personal growth. His work is grounded in the belief that adult development is not just possible but essential for creating meaningful change in our lives, communities and the world.
Testimonials can be found HERE
Website: www.richardcuevas.com