A bit about me...
My name is Nicola Childs and I’m the founder of Rise 25 Limited. Based in South Yorkshire, I provide 1:1 coaching to women in leadership roles as they navigate through times of change, helping them rediscover just how brilliant they are. At the end of the coaching they leave equipped to achieve their goals and feel much more confident about themselves.
My background
Prior to launching the business, I enjoyed a successful career in HR and People Development across a number of sectors – including medical, professional services, engineering and retail – leading significant change and driving the people agenda. I am no stranger to the challenges business leaders face. Over the past 25 years I have supported senior leaders to lead with authenticity and compassion whilst at the same time leading my own teams. One observation is that things rarely stay still, meaning that leaders are constantly dealing with change, whether within their business or in their personal lives. Sometimes the changes are small, sometimes they are transformational and other times it’s the mental load of spinning lots of plates over a prolonged period of time that just takes its toll.
Over the years I have coached and mentored new and existing leaders and helped them to find their own path to being a great leader. Early in my own career I was lucky to have a couple of great mentors, who showed me the way and opened doors I thought were locked shut. Following the birth of my son, I returned back from maternity leave promoted into a new role. I sought the support of an executive coach which really helped me get clarity and regain confidence.
I realised I enjoy being a leader and a coach much more than being led so I took the leap out of corporate life to set up Rise 25.
Launch of Rise 25
Why now? Well, why not? I knew I wanted to set up my own company one day. I thought that would come later on for me as I was following a vertical career path. Once I got there I realised that it took me further away from the work I enjoy and am good at as well as the people I love. So I pivoted… it wasn’t quick or easy. In fact it was the hardest career decision I have made. Once I’d worked through the fear and uncertainty, Rise 25 was born.
When asked why I work with women leaders, it’s because I get it. As a working mum of two, I understand the challenges of balancing career priorities with a busy home life. The struggle is real, it shows up when you least expect it (or at the most inconvenient of times) – the mum guilt never fully goes away. Coaching can give you the time, space, and clarity to accept yourself to lead your team and your family.
Finding the right coach for you
If you are open to coaching and want to bring about some change then coaching could help you. A leader may arrive at coaching for different reasons. Some examples of the typical clients I work with include:
- New mums returning from maternity leave
- Leaders stepping up into a more senior role
- Managers who have lost their mojo
- Managers struggling with their confidence suffering from perimenopause/menopause symptoms
- Leaders looking to develop their strategic impact and find their voice
- Establishing trust and respect with a new boss
- Seeking support during restructure, redundancy or retirement
- Leaders looking for a healthier work-life balance
Often my clients share details about their lives, relationships and future ambitions before they are ready to share with anyone else.
My coaching approach
I only work with clients that I can offer support and challenge to successfully help them towards their goals. That way we can quickly build trust so they feel safe to face whatever is holding them back.
It’s not all tea and biscuits
Sometimes people think coaching is ‘soft and fluffy’ and are then surprised by how tough and confronting it can be. It is often in these moments of challenge that the real change happens.
More than a coach
In addition to 1:1 coaching I also mentor new leaders and HR professionals to become more strategic and have greater impact with their stakeholders. I also offer leadership development workshops and support on strategic people-first projects.