Why I Became a Coach

Before becoming a professionally accredited coach, I spent over 25 years building a rewarding career in IT Service Delivery, leading high-performing teams and navigating complex, people-driven challenges. I loved the work, thrived in the pace, and valued the opportunity to grow alongside some incredible colleagues.

And I still do.

I continue to work full-time in Service Delivery, bringing calm, clarity, and structure to demanding environments. But alongside that, coaching has become an important part of my professional identity - something that complements my day-to-day work and reflects who I am at my core.

The Turning Point

In 2021, a series of life events prompted me to pause and reflect more deeply - not just on my career, but on my life as a whole. I asked myself some big questions:

What do I want long term?

What truly energises me?

How can I use my experience in a way that feels meaningful - beyond job titles or business metrics?

Through that reflection, one answer kept emerging: coaching.

I’d already seen the power of coaching in action. In previous roles, I’d worked closely with executive coaches, helping to integrate coaching and training into organisations, and personally benefited from coaching during times of major life change. I saw the profound impact it could have - not just on performance, but on mindset, confidence, clarity, and direction.

The more I explored it, the more it aligned with my values and strengths.

A Natural Evolution

Helping people develop, grow, and move forward has always been a part of my work - whether mentoring team members, managing change, or supporting individuals through complex transitions. Coaching felt like a natural extension of what I’d been doing informally for years.

So, I formalised that interest. I undertook professional training and accreditation in Transformative Coaching, deepened my learning through ongoing development, and began working with clients in a more structured way.

Coaching now forms a fulfilling part of my life - alongside my full-time leadership role. I offer sessions in the evenings and weekends, providing focused, supportive space for clients to reflect, grow, and move forward with purpose.

Why It Matters

Coaching offers something we rarely give ourselves: uninterrupted space to think, reflect, and be fully heard. It helps people get unstuck, reconnect with what matters, and take confident steps forward.

It’s not always easy - growth rarely is - but it’s incredibly rewarding. For me, there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing a client gain clarity, shift their perspective, or find the confidence to move toward something that once felt out of reach.

In Summary

Why do I coach?

Because it aligns with my values.

Because it builds on my strengths.

Because I know - personally and professionally - the power it has to transform lives.

And because, simply, I love it.

If you’re curious about how coaching could support you, I’d love to have a conversation. Let’s explore what’s possible.

Nick Howell

Life, Personal Development & Leadership Coach (Evenings & weekends — based in Norfolk and online)

Nick is a Life, Personal Development & Leadership Coach based in Norfolk, England. Through his work with individuals and businesses, he helps unlock potential. Helping his clients achieve success and happiness in their personal lives and careers - www.nickhowellcoaching.com