Our main objective here at the National Coach Academy is to enable aspiring coaches to reach their full professional potential. One of the most effective ways to educate students about the world of coaching is by offering them a window into the world of real, practicing coaches and showing them all the different ways coaches make a difference in the lives of their clients.
We hope today’s interview adds another insightful glimpse into the dynamic world of coaching.
Today we are interviewing Wade Brill. Wade is a Lifestyle and Mindfulness Coach and Pilates Instructor based in Seattle, Washington.
NCA: Can you describe your coaching practice and the kinds of clients you typically work with?
Wade: In my coaching practice, I work with both individuals and corporations, helping people who struggle with stress and overwhelm be more present, productive and energized.
For my individual or online group clients, I work with people who tend to consume themselves with work to the point of burnout. They are looking for other ways to prioritize their self-care and find more balance in life.
With corporate clients, I love working with both teams and individuals, supporting them build their resiliency muscles in order for them to better manage stress and be more productive. I divide my work between speaking engagements, workshops and one-on-one coaching experiences.
NCA: What initially got you interested in this career path and what kind of degree or certifications did you need to complete, if any?
Wade: At the age of 21, I was diagnosed with cancer at the same time I lost my mother to her own battle of cancer. This life experience taught me how precious time is and how I want to live more intentionally. Once I was in remission, I got clear on my values and vision for life and made self-care and wellness a daily staple, because health is wealth.
I found out about coaching and knew I wanted to be a coach so that I could support other people living, loving their life and making wellness a priority. I went to the International Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC) school in Seattle and then completed my Professional Certified Coach (PCC) through the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
I also knew I wanted to specialize in mindfulness, so I applied to and graduated from UCLA’s Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior as a Mindfulness Facilitator (TMF). In order to have integrity in the field, it’s important to complete the certifications and trainings.
Even though I have been coaching for a long time, I get to remember that I can’t do the work for my client. Their own growth and wisdom truly comes from being on their own journey.
NCA: What is the most rewarding part of your career?
Wade: I love working with people so they can find more ease and joy in life. It is rewarding to watch or hear them be empowered to tackle new challenges, take risks, stretch their comfort zones and live into their full potential and purpose. There is a specific sound in their empowered voice that makes my heart smile.
NCA: What is the most challenging aspect of the work that you do?
Wade: Even though I have been coaching for a long time, I get to remember that I can’t do the work for my client. Their own growth and wisdom truly comes from being on their own journey.
NCA: Can you think of one client or mentor who challenged your beliefs or made you rethink the way you approach your clients or your work?
Wade: I am grateful to have a few different mentors who helped me grow my coaching career in different ways:
Karen Collins helped me get comfortable designing and facilitating online and in-person group coaching programs and workshops. She supports and inspires my creativity.
Krista Petty Raimer is an amazing coach and facilitator whose work with embodied coaching and inspires the way I coach and work with both corporations and individuals. I love learning from her!
Jenny Blake has helped me learn more about running the business side of coaching, which is something I did not realize that I had to pay attention to when I first started coaching. Her back-end systems and ways to problem solve are great!
NCA: Finally, what advice would you give someone looking to get started in the career path that you chose?
Wade: Make sure you are talking the talk and walking the walk. Meaning, be authentic and do your own introspective work.
