It’s time to slow down and think about you
coaching - thinking partner - leadership
Hi, I’m Noel. I’m a skilful, experienced coach and thinking partner
So many of us have lives that look pretty good on paper, but feel a little “off” or not-right. Working with people like that is my speciality.
I help my clients develop lives and work that they love.
Along the way, they cultivate more authenticity, build more meaningful relationships, heal from burnout, have more fun, finally accomplish that important project, change careers, lead teams in a way they’re proud of, and much more.
The most successful people in the world have coaches — from CEOs to Olympic athletes. After all, successful people get that way by being open to discovering blind spots, re-examining old beliefs, and trying new things.
Why not you?
Believing in you
I believe in myself, therefore I believe in you.
I consciously choose to be a coach and thinking partner that is: Empathetic. Patient. Aware. Curious. Honest. Calming.
I put you at ease. Together we peel back the layers. I challenge and encourage you.
We go on a journey together at a pace that suits you; me guiding but never leading, after all it’s your journey.
Values
We deliver exceptional results in everything we do based on the solid vales of:
Integrity - being honest and truthful
Loyalty - being supportive
Selflessness - putting others first
Courage - doing what is right
Respect for others - treat everyone fairly with dignity and without discrimination
Discipline - maintaining standards
Real Results
In a jargon filled industry, I deliver clear, impactful results that speak for themselves and make a meaningful difference for you and your business.
Studies by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) reveal an average Return on Investment of 7 times the initial investment made in executive coaching.
To get a flavour of what you can achieve lets discuss what you believe is holding you back and where you want to get to.
My Approach
I encourage you to look at things differently, I cannot validate the assumptions because I don't have the shared experience of your life. I can challenge your thinking, focussing on your personal power not just your professional title.
I will help you grow. I've enjoyed a varied career from banking to the military to corporate change in the public and private sectors. I understand leadership across many arenas of life, not just military. Leading teams in their hundreds to small specialised teams that operate in highly complex and demanding environments.
Life is not always as glossy as we imagine , social media and social assumptions suggest all is ok. The 'I'm ok' or 'I'm fine' are simply masks to the reality beneath. I carried a mask for little over twenty years, I've carried those burdens and loneliness. I won't sympathise but I will empathise with you helping you to get you to where you want to get to.
My Specialties
Through Life Coaching, Leadership and Team Coaching my clients do higher quality work with less time and effort, change careers, finally write that that memoir, make more money, cultivate deeper friendships, and improve their business.
As a thinking partner I offer a discreet and confidential service that helps leaders and founders navigate complex strategic decisions, and refine their vision.
I also offer a coaching service for veterans going through major life changes, I help them set themselves up for civilian success.
About me
After university, while waiting to join the Army, I enjoyed a short stint as a futures trader working for two international banks. A 23 year military career travelling the world, learning new ideas, appreciating different cultures, meeting amazing people, sometimes in the most dire of situations and often being scared witless came to an end when I was medically discharged.
The loss of identity and purpose hit hard. I was told I wouldn't be able to work at the same demanding levels, there was no space for someone like me. The impact was wider than just me, it impacted on my family and wider circle of friends. Over the preceding decade I became isolated, avoiding interaction whenever possible, masking on a daily basis, distracted, hiding emotions, experiencing imposter syndrome, loss of confidence and direction. I lost sight of who I was, my purpose and enjoyment of life.
After intensive therapy and a realisation that I could get my life back on track coupled with an inner strength that I was not going to be a victim I came out the other side with a new belief in me and my ability to be a better person.
I looked for roles where I could continue to make a difference. Public and private sector roles as a change delivery manager gave me a great opportunity to see the civilian workplace and its opportunities aswell as its ruthlessness.
I quickly realised I wanted to continue to serve and support others, after consolidating my own personal values I was drawn to the world of coaching - It turns out I had been coaching others throughout my career, I just hadn't realised it. This move gave me the opportunity to enjoy my true passion; listening deeply and facilitating change to make a positive difference to the world.
The motto at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst is 'Serve to Lead'; putting the needs and well-being of others before yourself. This thinking remains with me where it is central to my coaching ethos and style of humility, selflessness and compassion.
It’s an unusual path, but it makes me perfect at what I do: combining the deep with the practical, the intellectually rigorous with the emotional.
Life coaching changed my life, and it might change yours.
About you
Feeling lost?
Struggling with identity?
Where has your confidence gone?
Not sure what step to take next?
Are you burnt out?
Where does your time go?
Lonely and isolated?
Leadership and burden of responsibility?
Reluctant leader?
Overwhelmed by life?
How can you change the cycle?
Burden of secrecy?
Imposter syndrome?
What does success mean?
Struggling to adjust to life or career changes?
Want someone to talk to that listens without judgement or opinion?
Want to make changes but don't see how?
Want help making a plan?
being pulled in multiple directions?
Achieve your full potential with Noel Swales Coaching
Life Coaching
Leadership and Group Coaching
Leadership and Group Coaching
Hiring a life coach is one of the most impactful, transformational investments you will ever make in yourself. You can’t put a price tag on feeling more confident in your own skin and living a joyful, purpose-filled life.
What you'll gain from working with me:
1. Know what you want clarity about your next steps or a sense of what is needed to have your life feel more satisfying or more meaningful.
2. Actually get what you want knowing what you want is one thing. Getting there is another.
3. Be more effective and confident at work handle difficult situations with greater composure, work more successfully alongside others, and lead with a confidence that feels earned rather than performed.y
4. Feel happier, less exhausted or anxious you will get clearer on what genuinely brings you satisfaction.
5. Stop getting in your own wayattend to the things you have been meaning to address for a while, in a way you can feel good about.
Leadership and Group Coaching
Leadership and Group Coaching
Leadership and Group Coaching
Do you want to become a more effective leader? Burnt out, lacking confidence; trapped in a cycle of imposter syndrome and worry others don't believe in you?
My leadership coaching services help you develop your leadership skills and build a high-performing happy team by shining a torch on the blindspots and help the leader understand that leading a team in a collective and collaborative way and bringing teams together offers greater resilience and performance.
Our workshops and trainings focus on the participation and engagement of the attendees be that for Employee Development, Team Building or Management/Leadership Training. There is structure and concepts are brought to the event, but we mine the audience for their thoughts and ideas because that’s where the real brilliance and transformation takes place.
Thinking Partner
Leadership and Group Coaching
Thinking Partner
Much like a collaborative sounding board I help you process ideas, navigate challenges, and sharpen your decision-making. I listen deeply to help you uncover your own blind spots, test assumptions, and clarify your goals. Transforming the way you approach complex problems.
Sometimes we need someone to vent our frustrations with, someone that listens but doesn't judge. Able to challenge as well as question thinking, actions, policies and processes. A safe space where you're supported. An external acknowledgement that what you're doing is right, or not. An opportunity to check-in.
Indoors, online or outdoors?
Ultimately, the right space is the one that feels safest, most open and allows you to be the 'most you'. We can mix and match according to your situation and preference.
Indoors
Coaching face to face offers the richest interpersonal connection. Body language, micro-expressions, and physical presence all deepen rapport and trust. If you struggle with technology or prefer human warmth then you may feel most at ease here. Travelling to a location marks the session as important.
Online
Online sessions offer the most flexible and accessible option; no commute, no juggling with childcare and no time off from work. Join from a familiar and comfortable space that can help reduce anxiety.
Outdoors
The great outdoors. Coaching isn't a therapy or performance review, coaching outdoors helps you to articulate feelings, something that can be difficult when static. Being outside and walking in particular can help bring ideas and insights more naturally.