Life Coaching. That’s more for our transatlantic cousins, isn’t it?
Think again. With many more of us taking the decision to change careers mid-life, Life Coaching may just be what you’re looking for.
We’ve all heard of it, but do we know what it is, who it’s for, what it does? Westender decided to take a closer look at Life Coaching by speaking to an expert in the area.
Adrian Murtagh is the CEO of Life Coaching company Just Smart Thinking. So, he’s a guy in the know when it comes to the subject. He founded Smart Thinking in 2014. His goal? To introduce life and performance coaching to everyday people.
Adrian’s background is in Psychiatric Nursing… a far cry from Life Coaching. But Adrian merits his nursing career with being the start of his coaching journey. What followed was a career dedicated to helping individual empower themselves – through his time in nursing, counselling and even teaching.
Adrian says, ‘Looking back, all these experiences from hospital wards, counselling individuals to classrooms in community colleges have shaped the way I approach my life, business and coaching services.’
‘Over the years, I’ve honed skills like active listening, empathy, understanding human behaviour, and building resilience. These have become the foundation of how I work with clients. Whether it’s personal growth, stress management, or goal achievement, I use these tools to support people in a practical, compassionate, and solution-focused way.’
Life Coaching – Tell Us More…
For many of us, we’ve heard the term, but what really is Life Coaching and is it for us? We’re Scottish after all!
Adrian explains. ‘I don’t do “woo-woo” stuff, something many people assume when they hear the phrase “life coaching.” With my clinical background, I genuinely believe there’s a space for a professional, practical coaching approach. In my experience, not everyone needs counselling; sometimes, people just need a safe space to work things out with someone they can trust, someone who is honest with them and believes in them.’
‘My approach is all about bringing out the best in people. I help clients clarify what they want to achieve and, most importantly, overcome the obstacles standing in their way, whether in their personal life, at work, or in relationships. Together, we focus on building confidence, resilience, and practical strategies so they can make better decisions and reach their full potential.’
But it’s Just for High Flyers, isn’t it?
What kind of people use a Life Coach? Is it only businesspeople, or does Adrian find people at personal crossroads coming through his door?
‘Because of my background, I am used to working with a wide range of individuals,’ Adrian says. ‘My clients come from all walks of life, students, directors of small and medium-sized businesses, sole traders… The truth is, no matter who we are, we all have moments when we need to pause, take stock, and work things out for ourselves.’
And following time spent with Adrian’s guidance, helping his clients find their own path with clear practical strategies, the changes come from within.
‘The main change is that people become more focused and start to believe in themselves. Many clients notice meaningful improvements in both their personal and professional lives. They become more self-aware, develop stronger relationships with themselves and others, and gain a better understanding of their well-being, stress, and mental health. Others progress in their careers, securing new roles… becoming true leaders of their lives.’
Is Life Coaching for Me?
Personal and professional growth. It sounds like a win-win situation. But what might you want to ask yourself if you are considering Life Coaching?
Adrian says ‘If you’re considering Life Coaching, it helps to start by asking yourself a few important questions. Are you ready to make a change? Are you open to new ways of thinking and committed to taking action? What are you trying to change, and what would success look like?’
And if the answers are yes, yes, yes, what’s the best way of choosing a life coach who suits you?
‘… the most important thing is finding the right person and approach for you’, says Adrian. ‘Coaching is all about the relationship between the coach and the client it works best when both people like, trust, and connect with each other. At Just Smart Thinking, I provide coaching both in person and online, making it flexible and accessible.’ Adrian adds ‘Having spent many years as a nurse in the mental health sector, I genuinely care about people and their well-being. I understand how important it is to look after our mental health and to support each other through life’s challenges… That’s exactly what I aim to provide at Just Smart Thinking.’
Want to learn more?
Contact Adrian at Just Smart Thinking
w:justsmartthinking.co.uk
