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Do you feel like your personal goals often take a backseat to your professional demands? You’re not alone.In this blog, I’ll share my story and the strategies that help busy professionals thrive.

 

Writing this post is both exhilarating and deeply personal. It marks the beginning of a journey to connect, share, and inspire through words. As a coach, my work revolves around helping others grow and thrive, but today, I am stepping into a space of vulnerability to share why I do what I do, how it aligns with my goals, and what I hope to achieve by writing these posts.

Embracing a new medium

For years, I’ve relied on conversations, workshops, and one-on-one coaching sessions to connect with people. Writing a blog feels different. It’s a space to explore ideas, reach beyond the walls of an office or a Zoom call, and create something lasting. This first post is my way of laying the foundation for meaningful exchanges, not just with those I’ve already worked with but with anyone seeking clarity, growth, and balance.


There’s something powerful about writing—it requires reflection and intention. As I sit here crafting these words, I’m reminded that vulnerability isn’t a weakness but a bridge. A bridge to understanding, connection, and empowerment. This blog is an invitation to join me on a journey of exploration and growth.

Why I became a coach


My journey into coaching wasn’t linear, and I suspect many of you reading this will understand how life’s twists and turns often lead us to unexpected places. My background as a medical professional combines professional expertise with lived experience. I’ve seen firsthand the challenges of balancing personal aspirations with professional demands. For years, I navigated environments where burnout loomed large, and the pressure to excel often came at the cost of wellbeing.

I chose coaching for a variety of reasons, not the least because I believe in the power of prevention. As a psychiatrist, I have witnessed immense suffering caused by mental health problems and I now aim to ensure people don’t reach that point. My focus has shifted from addressing ill-health to fostering wellbeing and encouraging people to stay well. Coaching, for me, is not about handing down solutions but about creating a partnership. It’s about empowering people to uncover their potential, not by fixing them but by helping them see what’s already within. It’s about creating a safe space for reflection, generating new thinking, offering tools for mental strength, and fostering sustainable growth.

I remember working with a client, a very dedicated doctor who felt overwhelmed by her responsibilities and was completely burnt out. Through coaching, she identified small, actionable steps to regain control, setting boundaries that improved both her professional and personal life. Stories like hers remind me why I do this work.

The individuals I work with are often high achievers: doctors and other healthcare professionals, business leaders, and entrepreneurs. They come to me not because they are weak or not resilient, but because they’ve reached a point where they’re asking, “How can I sustain this? How do I make sure to not burn out? How can I thrive without compromising what matters most? What do I really want?” These questions drive my approach. I focus on evidence-based practices, blending practical strategies with my comprehensive training to help my clients create meaningful change.

The values that drive me
These guiding principles are at the core of my coaching philosophy:

Reflection Leads to Empowerment: Taking the time to reflect on your situation, questions, doubts, and fears generates awareness that gives you the power to change things for the better. It helps you discover what you truly need.

Quality Through Expertise:  I believe in equipping people with evidence-based tools they can trust. Coaching shouldn’t rely on vague ideas; it’s about actionable steps that work.

Sustainability and Balance: Growth shouldn’t come at the expense of your health or happiness. My work empowers individuals to align their goals with their values.

Authenticity and Trust:  Every coaching session is a safe, non-judgmental space. People often come to me feeling isolated, and my role is to provide a foundation of trust and support, so they have the freedom to explore their inner world.

Effective Leadership:  Whether coaching doctors, healthcare workers, emerging leaders, or business managers, I emphasise leadership rooted in emotional intelligence. This approach enhances quality, uplifts others, and inspires positive change.

These values aren’t just professional—they’re personal. They stem from my own experiences, struggles, and triumphs. They fuel my passion and keep me committed to this work.

What I hope to achieve

Writing this blog is part of a broader vision. My goal isn’t just to share insights but to create a space for dialogue and discovery. Here’s what I hope to accomplish:

Inspire Reflection: I want readers to pause and think about their own journeys. What challenges are you facing? What goals excite you? What’s holding you back?

Offer Value:  Each post will be grounded in practical advice. Whether it’s about managing stress, setting boundaries, or cultivating leadership skills, my aim is to provide practical tools you can use.

Foster Connection: Coaching often feels like a one-on-one experience, but I want this blog to extend that connection to a community. By sharing my thoughts and experiences, I hope to spark conversations that resonate.

Bridge Professional and Personal Growth:  Too often, these two spheres are treated as separate. My work and writing aim to show how they’re intertwined, how personal fulfillment enhances professional success and vice versa.

Encourage Sustainable Change:  Unfortunately, quick fixes rarely work. This blog will focus on small, consistent steps that can lead to lasting transformation.

 

Looking Ahead
This first post is just the beginning. In the weeks and months ahead, I’ll be exploring topics that matter to busy professionals like you. From managing burnout to enhancing leadership skills, from balancing ambition with self-care to building resilience in the face of change, each post will reflect my commitment to helping you thrive.

I’m also looking forward to hearing from you. Your insights, questions, and feedback will shape the direction of this journey.

Closing Thoughts
Writing this post feels like standing on the edge of something exciting. It’s a moment of clarity and purpose, a chance to share not just what I do but why I do it. Coaching, for me, is about empowering others to see their potential, and helping them navigate challenges with confidence and compassion.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Whether you’re here for a dose of inspiration, a practical takeaway, or a moment of reflection, I’m grateful for the opportunity to connect. Let’s grow, learn, and thrive together.


If you’re ready to prioritize your goals and wellbeing, explore my coaching services [click here for coaching services].

Email me with your biggest challenge—I’d love to address it in future posts. Link email mel

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What do others say about working with us?

Mary, Senior Management

“She is trustworthy, always encouraging, and a patient and insightful guide through life experiences. She can pinpoint the crucial point of a situation and does not fail to leave me with helpful insights, ideas, or questions to ponder. “

Anna, CEO

“Ira helped me so much when I was burnt out. I constantly felt overwhelmed and like I wasn't doing enough. This also undermined my self-worth. She managed to ask just the right questions that helped me to look at my situation from a different perspective. The coaching helped to open up new pathways to proceed. Thank you so much, I feel so much better now and I love my work and family again!“

Dr Jane E., Doctor

“Thank you for helping me when I was burn-out. I felt so alone and found it hard to ask for help, thought I had to solve it all myself. I wish I had reached out earlier! It really helped to have you as my ally and I felt you understood what I was going through. Your coaching helped me to identify unhelpful patterns and how to eliminate them. I now have helpful strategies in place and I recognise when I'm going down again. You're a life-saver!“

Dr S. K. GP

Good speaker. It has been a long time since I looked at myself for wellbeing. This Wellbeing workshop made me realise my own health is at stake. It is an eye opener” 

Dr I. K, GP

“Ira brought and added meaning to my 40 years of general practice, giving me confidence in what I’m doing on a daily basis with my patients.” 

B. B, Lawyer

“I particularly liked the way you used lots of examples and hands on. The slide show was very good and the way you explained about the brain was fantastic. I was very interested in that part." 

B. A, Doctor

I honestly loved this, it was a great session that gave me so much insight and information into self-care that I have been overlooking.

M. H., CEO

“Thank you once again for an excellent short course. As I said on the last night I really felt like I found EXACTLY what I had been looking for. Great quality short sessions and completed within six weeks.

This course has given me knowledge and skills and it has already made a real impact to my day-to-day wellbeing. 

Very pleased I took the next step by doing a course. I'm a convert!"

Intern, Wellbeing at Work

“This program equips us with tools to navigate the unique stressors of life as a junior doctor. Whilst a lot of hospitals/medical education units allude to the importance of wellbeing, this program helps walk the walk and teaches us the ability to manage! 

Best intern teaching this year!”

Dr C. E., Doctor

“This was an excellent program which was straight to the point. I can take a lot away from this and hope to share some of these strategies and resources with my colleagues.”

Participant

“Ira gave a great and lively presentation”

Participant 2

“great session, good speaker”

Participant 4

“Thank you, I took away so much from your presentation. Very useful information and presented in a lively way so I could take it all in.”

Participant 3

“Great speaker, never a dull moment and very informative”


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