Hi, I’m James
I’m a professionally qualified life coach with a passion for coaching people to get what they really want from their career and do it in a way which boosts their wellbeing for the benefit of themselves and their loved ones.
My Story
I have worked in communication and marketing in industries from banking to technology, manufacturing and construction, for 20 years.
At age 40, I found myself at a low-point, struggling with anxiety and depression and lacking confidence in myself. I didn’t know where I was heading. I felt stuck, demotivated and unenthusiastic about the working-life ahead of me.
It was time for a change. I wanted a fresh mindset, fulfilling work, and a renewed focus on my wellbeing for the next chapter of my career.
Now I’m a qualified Life Coach and Mental Health First Aider. I work with people in similar situations to the one I experienced to help them transform their outlook and find their new direction.
I hope my story resonates with you and I’m looking forward to working with you to make your own lasting change.
My take on coaching
There are as many styles of coaching as there are coaches out there and it’s really important that you work with the coach who is the best fit for you.
Coaching with me begins with awareness. We need to be deeply aware of what we are thinking, what’s important to us, and what we believe about ourselves.
Then we need to know where we are heading so that we can work out, together, how to get you from where you are now to where you want to be.
The coaching journey is different for everyone so there is no template to follow - instead, my approach is flexible and adapts to the outcomes you’re searching for.
And if you don’t know what you want, that’s fine too. I can help with that.
I follow the Association for Coaching Code of Ethics so you can be sure you’re in good hands.
Unlock your future
Questions which clients often ask
Will you tell me what to do in coaching?
In coaching, I am helping you to find your own answers to achieve the things you want in life. It is known as ‘non-directive’ meaning the process will help you find the right course of action for yourself. This is because people who find their own answers and make their own choices are much more likely to achieve what they set out to, in a way that is satisfying, than people who are told what to do.
What happens in a coaching session?
As a coach, I promise to create a safe space for you to think and find your answers. I will facilitate the coaching process (the how). You’ll need to bring your topic for discussion (the what).
Every session will be a confidential conversation between us. Sometimes, we will use other tools and techniques which help you to think a little differently or clarify your thoughts.
Everything we do in our coaching sessions is optional and I won’t ask you to do anything you’re uncomfortable with.
Some clients use a form to help them prepare for each coaching session. I will provide this if you would find it helpful.
Some clients use a reflection form after each session to help them consolidate their learning. Again, I will provide this if you would like to use it.
Are coaching sessions confidential?
Our conversations are completely confidential unless I believe you are at risk of harm to yourself or others, in which case I will seek professional help.
I will take brief notes in our coaching sessions to help me recall what we have discussed as this may be helpful in subsequent sessions. These notes will be destroyed when you choose to end your coaching sessions.
I will keep a record of your name, contact details and log of our time working together as required by my insurer and professional body (The Association for Coaching (ACC) and International Coaching Federation (ICF).
How often will we have a coaching session?
I suggest we meet every 2-3 weeks. This frequency should give you enough time to make some progress on your coaching topic and helps you to keep up momentum.
However, the frequency of our conversations is up to you. For instance you may prefer weekly sessions at the beginning.
We will discuss the frequency on our introductory call.
How long is a coaching session and where is it held?
Each coaching session lasts up to 1 hour. This may vary slightly depending on what you are looking to achieve.
They are usually held online - I generally use Google Meet. If you have a preference for a different platform we can discuss that on our introductory call.
There may be the option for face to face coaching in or around Nottingham and Derby if you would prefer this. Again we can discuss and I will always try to be flexible.
How many coaching sessions do I need?
The number of sessions you need depends on what you are looking to gain from coaching.
My coaching packages are designed to cater to a wide range of needs but if you require something different, I am more than happy to discuss that.
Generally, packages are for 6 or 12 sessions. A package can help you stay focussed on your goal and support you along the way. Many clients find that the certainty of the next coaching session coming up helps them to keep up momentum.
I also offer pay-as-you-go coaching so you can have one off sessions. This is great for people who have very specific outcomes they would like to achieve or those who prefer not to commit to a longer package.