Sarah Millman, Film Maker and Designer, @sarahgmillman
I didn’t realize how much I needed a cheerleader to help me think bigger and dream bigger.
Through coaching, I brought some of my dreams to life: I wanted to finally take the leap to make my first short film and I DID IT! I also talked about creating a possible capsule clothing line and it’s HAPPENING. Also, I bought a new car! Through these gains, I’ve developed a sense of pride and excitement for the future.
I learned that I can rely on myself to get things done and that I am capable of making the changes I want to see in my life - and I’ve developed tools to work with my fears and ‘get out of my own way.’
“Coaching is the first time that I’ve named aloud what I want in my life, and set about putting a plan in place to achieve it.”
Coaching is the first time that I've named aloud what I want in my life, and set about putting a plan in place to achieve it. Paying close attention, creating intentions, and being held accountable: these things created a profound shift in me. It has been extremely rewarding, and so much has happened in a short amount of time - most of it beyond my expectations. What I've gained so far: increased respect for my intuition, greater trust in the process, and a genuine sense of awe at how things are coming together. I'm profoundly grateful that Nicola has come into my life.
Shizu Yamaguchi, Toronto, ON
I was originally uncertain about spending money on coaching services because I had never invested in such services before - but I’m so glad I did! During our coaching sessions, I really appreciated how enthused Nicola got about my dreams and goals. At the time, I was surrounded by well-meaning but dream-killing acquaintances and colleagues. Coaching helped to validate that my own passions were worth pursuing and provided a foundation for further growth over the years.
Gloria, Educator & Coach
When I started working with Nicola, I was entering a new life chapter, feeling unmotivated and aimless. I knew in my head and heart what I needed to be doing but I wasn't merging the two nor making progress on my own. Through the process, I was able to work through my ideas, map out plans to move forward, make clearer decisions for both short and long-term goals, and explore what I wanted and needed from my personal relationships. Nicola uses deep wisdom and curiosity to help you turn your dreams and longings into inspired action. I'm now starting to write my first book and I've planted the seeds for building my coaching practice. I would recommend Nicola wholeheartedly for those who are on a quest and transition of any kind.
Mikaela Davies, Actor, Director, Creator
Before making the investment in coaching, I had hesitations around cost and whether or not I would see meaningful change in my life. However, this work helped me gain confidence in navigating personal issues I was dealing with: I felt empowered to trust my gut and confront problems I had previously swept under the rug.
I would highly recommend Nicola’s coaching services. Having spent some time in therapy I found her coaching services to provide a perfect balance. The focus was always on problem solving. We would create a concrete plan I would then put into action.
Ellice L., Technical Project Manager, New York City, U.S.
Like many, I came into coaching feeling stuck - foggily aware that my professional life didn't feel purposeful, while at the same time without the knowledge of how to repair that. After talking to a few different coaches I had the incredible luck of being introduced to Nicola.
With intuition as deep as her compassion, Nicola helped me explore so much more than I would have been able to think through on my own - and no matter how far my thoughts ranged, Nicola made sure we never lost sight of the mission.
I came into coaching hoping for some easy next steps to improve my work life and I left with gifts I didn't know anyone could give me, which, in addition to greater clarity about my relationship with work, included a deeper, more loving, and more holistic understanding of myself. My opinion is that anyone with the opportunity to work with Nicola is one of the lucky ones.
“Nicola helped me see some of my prior ‘blind spots’ and craft new stories and possibilities for myself.”
When I first started coaching, conditions at both home and work were extremely stressful. Through this process, I found the courage to leave a professional role that was not a good fit, and to establish a position that better suits me. My home life and parenting have also turned around 360 degrees: my kids and I are so much happier and healthier.
Coaching helped me learn to be far more positive about the future, and my inner self-critic has taken a back seat. I developed small and nourishing daily routines and found greater capacity to maintain calm, love and compassion through what proved to be a really difficult year - for myself as well as loved ones.
Nicola helped me see some of my prior 'blind spots' and craft new stories and possibilities for myself - and offered encouragement to get me out into the world to build new relationships and tap into fresh resources. Thank you SO much!
- Christel Seeberger, Founder & CEO, Sensory Friendly Solutions
I sought coaching to reduce burnout and improve my sleep and health habits. This process helped me gain insight into the deeper root issues that drive my overworking and overgiving patterns, to make brave career choices, and to gently experiment with prioritizing my own needs and offering myself more compassion along the way. If you're ready to change and grow, hire Nicola.
Jen Burkholder, Communications Consultant, Toronto
When I first started coaching, I was incredibly unhappy in my day-to-day life and desperately needed a change. I wanted to feel motivated, challenged, and valued in my work. I also needed to balance work with self-care. Since then, I have learned a lot and made many positive changes, including leaving my job, launching my own business, and working on other fun projects. Nicola helped me realize that I did have the courage to cultivate change. Saying that Nicola is a pleasure to work with is an understatement!
Amy Cross, Program Manager, The Schad Foundation, Toronto
I know a number of life coaches. It is a profession currently seeing growth. Anyone can claim to be a life coach after taking a brief course. But not all are suited to guide, lead, and encourage others. Nicola is the only life coach I refer anyone to. Nic will be in your corner not only during your sessions, but will forever be your coach. She is a gifted, trained, and qualified professional. If you are reading these testimonials and are not sure... just book a session. Trust me.
Josina Vink, Associate Professor, Oslo, Norway
Nicola coached me through the final stretch of my PhD. She helped me finish on time and with new skills. Working with Nicola taught me so much about myself and helped me get over walls that I have beating up against for over a decade.
I have become so much better at creating clear, purposeful boundaries to help me cultivate focus and creativity.
Life can be so chaotic: having a coach like Nicola can help cultivate the intentionality needed to navigate major transitions amidst complexity. Nicola’s wise reflections will propel you in the direction of the places you wanted to go, but never quite seem to get there on your own.
“I learned how to tap into greater self-acceptance and resources that are moving me forward in healthier and more joyful ways.”
I sought out coaching because I felt out of balance with my energy and physical body. Through my sessions, I came to better understand how pandemic stress, isolation and shame were impacting my life and eating habits. I learned how to tap into greater self-acceptance and resources that are moving me forward in healthier and more joyful ways.
Coaching supported me to eat for energy and ease, rather than getting hooked in compulsive and controlling patterns. The space Nicola held for me was trauma-informed and pleasure-informed: coaching was a great experience that met and surpassed my hopes and expectations.
Katina Watson, Registered Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor, and Consultant
I first began working with Nicola when I was feeling very stuck at work, both in terms of being fully effective in my role and in being fully myself. I found from the beginning that I was in good hands and fully heard and understood. Nicola’s blend of being clear and thorough and her ability to challenge my thoughts with humour and compassion helped me to find clarity and direction quickly.
Working with Nicola has led to radical shifts in my thinking and the kind of work I am now doing. It has been a critical investment in myself and my ability to be aware of and connect with who I am and what I most value in work and life.
Cassie Wever, Education Manager, Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario
In a lot of psychology books they talk about the importance of "feeling felt" by another - and, working with you, I definitely felt seen and supported as my whole self and understood on a deeper level. So many of the resources you've shared with me have been on point and helped me to diligently work away at exploring some of my limiting thoughts and beliefs and getting in touch, unapologetically, with what I really want. Thank you so deeply for your care, attention and wisdom during our coaching journey together.
“Coaching has left me with a wealth of supports to come back to...”
When I started meeting with Nicola, I felt lost and frustrated with myself. Working with her has helped me to see my life and the world through different eyes, and opened up my heart and mind to new and wider ways of feeling and thinking. Coaching has left me with a wealth of supports to come back and re-visit.
Cheryl G, Toronto
The first time I met Nicola, within seconds I felt at ease. She not only hears you, she reads all your cues to better understand and relate. Nothing feels better than sitting down with someone whose strengths are empathy, resourcefulness and genuine enthusiasm. After a session I feel so attuned to my instincts and potential - it's a powerful and lasting response. I feel incredibly privileged to be designing the life that I want with a coach fully invested in my journey. I can't imagine working with anybody else.
Kym Maclaren, Associate Professor, Toronto
Through coaching, I managed to find the time to set straight some financial matters (which had been languishing for about five years) and complete some home projects that provide more order and beauty to our lives. I have increased my ability to be calmly, joyfully, compassionately present to my loved ones. I feel more centred in 'real living' rather than feeling like the ghost of who I ought to be. With Nicola's support, I gained a totally new and radically empowering sense of resolve about my life projects.
Jamie Saunders, Entrepreneur, Sydney, Australia
I'm in my late twenties and other people my age may not consider the use of a life coach, therapy or other personal growth work. But the way I see it, for the money I'm putting into coaching, sure, I could have gone on a trip or brought more stuff - but instead I've decided to invest in myself. I want to learn about myself, why I do the things I do, and how to really step into my own potential and live my life to the fullest. It’s been powerful to clarify and get in touch with my purpose alongside someone who has the skills and knowledge to assist me on this exciting journey.
“Nicola’s empathy and intuition make her an encouraging and insightful collaborator.”
In the years since I worked with Nicola, I have often reflected on how valuable an experience it was. The sense of grounding she provided and the structure her process produced helped me to be open and creative in my career hacking. It was so important to have someone hold me accountable and celebrate with me as I moved through the work. Nicola's empathy and intuition make her an encouraging and insightful collaborator.
Annie Simpson, Professional at Western University, London, ON
Nicola is deeply gifted and I recommend her with my whole heart! She is an extraordinary coach. Part of what makes her extraordinary is her ability to listen on so many levels at once. This quality of presence and insight leads to clarity and action steps that are truly in alignment with the person being coached - no part is left behind.
Nicola celebrated my wins, held the possibilities, and honoured my struggles. If you’re looking for a coach who will cheer you on as you transition or manifest your deep desires look no further. Nic is the one!
Victoria Mlynko, Blossom Psychotherapy
Nicola, your gifts and abilities are unique. Take it from me: I have now worked with, trained, mentored, and been mentored by many coaches for many hours. The combination of your deep empathic listening, compassionate belief in the good of people, and incisive critical thinking skills is RARE and GAME CHANGING.
“I definitely got what I came for.”
I started out feeling lost, overwhelmed and incapable of making a change. Now things have improved and I'm on my way towards achieving my life goals. I feel positive and my husband also notices the changes. I definitely got what I came for: to gain greater peace of mind, to handle my career path and the demands of graduate studies, and to find a way to tell my story and connect well with people. I also gained confidence, disrupted negative thought patterns, and established some new enjoyable daily routines.
Diogo Campos, Account Executive, Inside-Sales, FedEx, Montreal
Coaching gave me support, guidance, understanding, and useful resources. I've taken a few very important steps toward career change, financial balance and wellness, and health.
Nicola helped me understand that the emergencies, losses, and difficulties that life brings will affect our plans and progress, but that I can always learn with these curve balls. Her flexibility, honesty and professionalism made our experience together very valuable.
Charm Torres, Professional Astrologer, Toronto
My decision to pursue life coaching was one of the most worthwhile and wise decisions I have made to care for myself. Nicola is a gift and I highly recommend her to anyone who is ready to move forward and live an authentic life full of creativity, compassion, possibilities, and love.
“I highly recommend Nicola’s adept life coaching.”
Nicola was able to help me untangle the cobwebs and confusion I was experiencing to get in touch with my priorities and goals in life to help me make better choices. I was able to move into work that was more fulfilling, motivating and aligned with my values. I never felt that Nicola was pushing me in a direction, but rather guiding and helping me to find my own answers about what the notion of success meant to me.
Natalee Burns, Project Coordinator, Real Estate Development, Babcock Ranch, Florida
When I started, I felt stuck in finding a career. I was fearful about the future and had trouble prioritizing my daily and long-term goals. Now I'm no longer so overwhelmed and my self-doubt has eased up. I have greater peace of mind and a more optimistic view, and I have exercises to help me complete my goals more efficiently and with less procrastination. I make decisions more easily and more effectively. After each session, I felt more energetic, positive, and motivated about my current work and a future career.
Sylvia S, Freelance Writer / Yoga Teacher, London ON
Dear Nicola - your guidance and suggestions are bang on. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your energy and support. I have really drawn strength from channeling you and your tools this past summer. It was as if you were on my shoulder, urging me to stand up and keep moving, however small the steps might be. Thank you.
Mason Small, Co-Evolved Canine
As someone who had never had a conventional career, I was afraid that a coach might not understand and respect my choices. Yet I knew I needed to make more pragmatic and structured plans about my future work.
Nicola beautifully supported my idiosyncrasies, and helped clarify the practical changes I could make. Coaching has enabled me to bring a big-picture, long term perspective to my work.
Nicola brings humour, creativity and compassion to her work, so every session feels both purposeful and pleasurable. I recommend Nicola's services unreservedly; she helped me become happier in my work and make substantial changes to my business.
“If I had a bank account full of money....”
I so appreciate our time together, and if I had a bank account full of money, I would hire you for the rest of my life.
Cassandra Rizzotto, Co-founder, Earth + City, Toronto
Nicola is an absolute treasure. Her capacity to integrate deep listening and reflection with the co-creation of emerging insights and wisdom is a rare ability. In our sessions together, I experience profound inner shifts and gain practical tools, leaving me stronger and more capable to navigate life's transitions and challenges. Nicola exudes a quality of innate coaching that is fluid and instinctual. Receiving this orientation in our coaching sessions continues to transform and inspire the flourishing of my life.
Sasha Padron, Founder of Centre for Growing Families, Trenton Hills
When I hired Nicola, I was full of vision (surrounded by a million sketches and notes) and completely lacking in structure and a pathway to bring my ideas into form. She was able to meet me exactly where I was and be the bridge I needed to help me develop the training program I was working on. She will help you articulate your vision, tap into your unique way of creating and then guide you on a clear pathway towards your aim.
Our sessions felt deep, rich, fun, and always succeeded in helping me feel heard, seen, excited, motivated, clear about my needs and next steps, and fully anchored in getting what I wanted to get done, done! Nicola was masterful at helping me clearly see what was going well, what my strengths were, and how to harness and weave those into my creative process. This is a gift that I know I would not have discovered on my own and which completely transformed and accelerated the unfolding of my project.
“I am very grateful for doing this work.”
When I started coaching, I was just preparing to leave work that was no longer a good fit for me. Through this process, I have clarified my ideal work environment and conditions and begun to set effective goals that are moving me forward on my career path. I have also learned a lot about my strengths, interests, and I am ready to pursue a career path where I feel I am swimming with the current, instead of constantly trying to swim upstream, often feeling unsatisfied. If I had to think of one mantra that reflects how I hoped coaching would help me, it would be 'positive momentum.' I am very grateful for doing this work, because it definitely got me into that energy, mindset, and productive flow.
Anna Milner, Public Affairs and Communications Professional, Toronto
When I sought out coaching, I was frustrated, tired, stuck and experiencing low energy and motivation. Now I have more energy, I keep a healthier routine that incorporates exercise, I experience less frustration, and I am more motivated and forward thinking. I shifted from a negative and pressured outlook to one that is more positive and energized.
“I navigated some interpersonal whitewater rapids with enhanced self-trust and integrity; I practiced setting clear boundaries; and worked to transform my self-care practices.”
When I first started coaching, I was dealing with stress in my professional life and coming out of a depression. At the end of the coaching process, I found myself in much better stead: I worked diligently to eke out time for myself and to cultivate rest and pleasure.
Over the six months of working with Nicola, I created a number of changes: I secured a new workspace; I navigated some interpersonal whitewater rapids with enhanced self-trust and integrity; I practiced setting clear boundaries; and worked to transform my self-care practices. Inwardly, I noticed less reactivity and strain and the ability to weather storms with a little more grace as I moved out of chronic overwork into a more humane professional arrangement for myself.
Nicola has the heart of a poet, the organizational skills of a boss-mom, and the perceptual acuity of a ninja. She has a gift for deep listening and brings a rooted optimism and faith to her coaching, which is palpable and buoying. Her intelligent, gently challenging feedback and enthusiastic appreciation of the effort and bravery of this process was so meaningful. I'm grateful for our journey together, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend her to anyone seeking a transformative coaching experience.