Ross Nichols is one of the coaches that we found this month and we did a little interview with him. He impressed us with his focus and honesty.
He served the British Army for over 2 decades. After dedicating 26 years there, he embarked on a transformative path from military service to intuitive coaching. What began as a chance encounter with coaching while volunteering as a business mentor soon evolved into a calling. Witnessing a client’s remarkable transformation during their third session sparked a deep desire in Ross to delve into coaching professionally.
He started a journey of self discovery and transformation. Armed with certifications as an NLP Practitioner and an ICF accredited coaching diploma, he now creates bespoke programs that challenge his clients to explore the profound questions: Who are you? Where are you going? How will you get there?
His journey is deeply personal. A challenging period in his late 40s, encapsulated in his evocative poems, shaped his philosophy and approach to coaching. Integrating poetry as a tool for reflection and transformation, he encourages clients to confront their shadow sides, unlocking breakthroughs that help them become their most authentic selves. With glowing testimonials attesting to life changing results, his intuitive methods and creative techniques stand as a beacon for those seeking clarity, purpose, and fulfillment. Here is what he said…
Meet Life Coach Ross Nichols:
Name: Ross Nichols
Pillar: The Mind
Who is this coach for: Anyone who wants to gain awareness of who they are, where they are going, and how the get there.
How they can help: By using various tools and techniques like assessments, personality profiles, and other intuitive exercises.
First of all, how are you and your family doing after these Pandemic times?
All well thank you.
How did the coronavirus pandemic affect your clients? Did it affect you at all?
Hardly at all.
I was already working from home and my kids had already flown the nest.
What are the biggest lessons that you learned in this pandemic?
The importance of human connection.
The Origin:
Tell us about you, your career, how you started with your coaching career?
After 26 years in the British Army, I volunteered as a business mentor.
I had a client who wanted coaching, which I was willing to have a go at despite not being trained as a coach at that time.
At the third session, the client turned up like a different person and I thought, ‘Wow, if that’s what coaching can do, I want to be a coach!’.
I went on to train as an NLP Practitioner and then did an ICF accredited coaching diploma.
What was your biggest obstacle that you had to overcome in your life that made you who you are today?
A slowly unfolding crisis in my late 40s when I was still serving in the Army.
These 2 poems are the book ends to the most challenging chapter of my life, 3.5 years in the black hole.
A Familiar Stranger
Two dull lifeless eyes looking back at me,
A familiar stranger in my bathroom mirror.
No answer to my question, ‘Who are you?’
My sense of self is shattered.
I am numb with ….what?
Never have I felt so lost and alone.
Yet here I am wherever this is,
Adrift with no anchor and no sails
In this unknown place.
This is where my journey begins.
© Ross Nichols 2018
On Being
What does it mean to be, not do?
How can you finally be more you?
How do you find a life that you love?
How do you find a way to choose?
Questions, questions, is where it starts,
Questions to open your heart,
Open your heart and let light in,
This is how your journey begins.
Is it so simple, simply to be?
Yes, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy.
Take your time to know yourself,
Listen and feel for your inner voice.
The road may be long and tough,
Yet this is a journey to love,
Love for yourself, love for others,
This is what really matters.
What’s the secret, how do you start,
To find a way to open your heart?
Sit still and simply be you,
See what comes up and embrace it in full.
This is your way, your truth, your light,
It comes from within, no need to fight.
Yes, courage is needed to face your fears,
And facing them brings a power to heal.
So, let go of others’ voices,
Simply be you,
It’s your life,
Who are you?
© Ross Nichols 2018
The Coaching Style:
How do you innovate with coaching your clients?
All my coaching programmes start with the word ‘intuitive’.
I create a bespoke programme for each client, which is designed to answer 3 questions:
1. Who are you?
2. Where are you going?
3. How will you get there?
I use poetry in my coaching.
I’m the Editor of the “Anthology, Poetry for Coaching – Transformation through Verse” due publication in Nov 2024.
What’s unique about your coaching approach?
I’m drawn to coaching with the shadow side, which is where I believe the learning and healing is to be found.
I take an intuitive approach and I use poetry in my coaching.
What benefits do your clients get after working with you?
Breakthroughs to be more of who they are.
Here are a few excerpts from the 64 recommendations on my Linkedin profile:
“… helped me understand more about myself and my values and priorities, enabling better decision making and prioritising in both work and home life.”
“He has helped me transform my views towards life in general and career in particular.”
“…we took time to identify the coaching topics and needs and then went on talking both about day by day incidents and about the underlying big questions in life with links to personality, ideals, values and capabilities. The result is an awarenes of what defines oneself and where one wants to go.”
“Ross helped me figure out the roadmap to combine my strengths and values to create a roadmap for the next steps of my career.”
“As a result of my time with him, I had a greater understanding of myself and my purpose and felt much more confident and engaged.”
“My experience with Ross has been truly life changing. Exploring my personal and career motivations has unearthed not only a better understanding of myself and my goals but also given me the focus to make real changes in my life – ultimately working towards a more satisfied and happy life!”
“Ross helped me to gain clarity and put processes in place to deal with the challenges I was facing. There was a particular focus on my mindset which was revealing and empowering. I have made significant progress since working with Ross and I would highly recommend his services.”
Do you use any specific tools to be efficient with your clients?
Personality profiles, emotional intelligence assessments, strengths assessments, health and wellness assessments, plus numerous intuitive exercises.
The Impact:
If you had a super megaphone that, when you speak into, the whole world will hear your message, what would you say?
Success ensues when we can be more of who we are, so be more of who you are!
What is the greatest lesson you have learned in your life?
See my poem above, On Being
Your final thoughts?
I’ve enjoyed answering these questions.
Where Can You Find Ross Nichols?
If you liked this interview and you would love to find out who are you and how to reach your goals, go to www.transitiontransformers.co.uk and see how Coach Ross can help you do that.
If you’d like to get a glimpse of his coaching, follow his Facebook Profile.
And if you’d like to connect with him more personally, you can do that through LinkedIn or by sending him a direct message on his Email [email protected]. It was an honor having this interview with him.