Nicola. Career & Life Coach

Nicola is a twenty-six-year-old Career and Life Coach from London who has recently transferred from a career in Media to her new role in the Coaching & Wellbeing Industry.

How did you get into your field? What inspired you?

‘I've always loved meeting new people, helping others, giving back and seeing tangible results. I've forever had an interest in wellbeing, wellness, staying healthy and fit, as well as connecting with people - so this was what led me to discovering careers that tied this all in and hence training to become a Life Coach - although it did take me a few years to discover this!’

What did you study at university and did this help you get into your field?

‘Spanish and Business - I'd say I learnt a lot from this degree, and it definitely kept my options really broad once I graduated. My first job out of university was at a luxury travel agency, which allowed me to travel to incredibly exotic locations, but also build relationships with clients and customers every day. I didn't know what I wanted to do, so I looked at what I enjoyed generally in life - travel! Whilst this job isn't directly linked to coaching, my experience and confidence working with people definitely stemmed from my experience there and began to make me realise what my true passions were.’

Do you recommend any particular studies, courses or degrees for your field?

‘Well-being, psychology, leadership, communication, life coaching qualifications - these are all valuable but not essential. In addition, more "practical" courses such as yoga or meditation would certainly link too or at-least tie in nicely.’

What does an average day look like in your role?

‘Now especially, it's connecting with clients online through video calls for their 1:1 coaching sessions - these can be done in person, but I find that people are happier to connect online as it's more convenient and comfortable! I'll prep for client calls, look back at previous sessions we've done and really tune in to their journey and what we will be focusing on. Each day is different which is SUCH a perk and part of the reason why I knew this sort of career was one I wanted to pursue! I'll also spend some time connecting to people on social media, listening to educational podcasts, and there's always reading to be done surrounding the topic of well-being, mindset and personal growth which I find super interesting!’

What is the best part of your role?

‘Being able to work from home (or cafes and co-working spaces when possible!), having my own routine, having the flexibility to exercise when it suits me and overall it's the ability to help others and see positive change take place. It's genuinely so exciting to see people's mindsets shift and to be a part of their journey when they realise they're taking control of their future - it's a feeling of excitement, pride and gratitude when you see a client light up and have those "a-ha" moments!’

What is the worst part of your role?

‘I suppose the lack of a team is worth highlighting - you don't have "work drinks" or an HR department to turn to for help or for morale boosting for example! That being said, there are SO many free-lancers and entrepreneurs all working remotely or from co-working spaces so you can certainly re-create that for yourself!’

How important is work/life balance to you and how much spare time do you have?

‘I think of it as work/life blend - it's having a job that you can blend in with your life, meaning you can enjoy it and want it to be part of your everyday. I work predominately with young women and their careers, and it's just so common that people end up feeling stuck in a career or on a corporate ladder where there is often this lack of "work-life balance". I can choose when to take time off (client schedule depending), but that's what's so great - if I need to work late one evening, then I can start later the next day!’

Do you have any hobbies?

‘Travel - if that counts!? I'm forever planning my next holiday, road trip or adventure! I also love eating out and ticking off my restaurant hit list. I’m a huge fan of live music - so going to events like Sofar Sounds, Jazz Clubs and music festivals are a big YES from me!’

Do you have any advice for people looking to start a career in the same field?

‘Reach out and ask questions to those in the field already - people are happy to help! Research first before getting stuck in to it, it's important to understand what it entails, what your job would look like and whether you would enjoy the responsibilities that come with it.’

Have you ever experienced any uncertainties about your career? What did you do to overcome them?

‘Yes! I realised I wanted to be a Career and Life Coach whilst having a full time job (an Account Manager for a media agency), so it was a case of working on this on the side. I put the time in in the evenings, studied on the weekends and saw my "9-5" as an opportunity to still be learning and earning. I didn't have any negative experiences as such, but it was the realisation that I wasn't passionate about it and I didn't want to let my life sort of pass by on auto-pilot mode. This is why I'm so pleased I can now work with other women to help them find their true passion and discover a career that is aligned with their values and that will genuinely bring fulfilment & energy!’

Who is your biggest female inspiration and why?

‘Jody Shield - a success and business coach. She's so positive, so energetic and so passionate about what she does! She's built her own business (having been in advertising initially), works with incredibly successful people around the world and really represents what I aspire to one day! She has a podcast, has been a TedX speaker and does meditations at Soho House - I just think she's seriously cool!’