Skip to main content

The stories that make me

My Story

I wasn’t always a coach, in fact I never conceived I would be a coach, the word simply wasn’t in my lexicon. I love, however,  where I have landed. Receiving the designation Master Certified Coach on the 25th of June 2020 has meant the world to me. It is a testament to the importance I place on continuous learning and competence. It also means I am artful in my approach with clients, able to partner with their thinking, be pro-efficient in my skill as a coach as well be exquisitely present to what is meaningful to them. The truth is I really did not know what I wanted to be when I first started. I had a vague inkling I wanted to be successful but that was the sum of my plan. I think travel was important too but it certainly wasn’t a blueprint. What transpired; I had three distinctive roles that of Investment Banker, Headhunter and now Coach.  I am living proof that you can recreate yourself.

I was born in Cork, Ireland but grew up in Dublin the eldest girl of three. My Dad was a huge inspiration to me. An economist, scholar and global nomad he instilled in me the courage to do my own thing.

I began my working career as a Foreign Exchange Trader, screaming for the best deals working for Morgan Stanley in London. I moved from London to NYC, falling in and out of love along the way. In NYC I morphed into being a headhunter, still in financial services.  The idea for coaching began to take shape around that time.  I began to notice similar refrains, musings and concerns with the people I was supporting finding a new job.

“Actually for as long as I can remember, I’ve been insatiably curious about human potential.”

I wanted to know, what exactly is it that makes people genuinely happy, successful and creatively fulfilled? Why do some people struggle while others find a way to thrive, often despite the most challenging circumstances?

It was illuminating to me just how many people were disaffected by their roles and lot in life. I was curious to see if I could be instrumental in supporting people find a more purposeful route. In 2007 I studied Ontological Coaching with Newfield Inc. in Colorado and in terms of work the rest is history.

I am still a nomad. I have lived and worked in many cities around the globe. I love travelling and experiencing the new. In 2015 I stepped off the treadmill for a bit to learn how to teach Yoga, convinced I would mix Coaching/Yoga/Coffee into a stunning urban retreat to solve all our personal needs. I still might combine this combination that I call my passions.

Tara Nolan LTD is a business dedicated to Executive Coaching &Team Coaching for C-Suite Executives and Senior Leadership Teams. In addition I offer Mentoring and Supervision to Coaches and Team Coaches. I also am a Podcast host, curating the best practitioners and Leaders to talk about the game on teams. The Game of Teams Podcast. When travel allows I offer Leadership Retreats in the most beautiful of places. Oh, to be fully frank I also love a good New Zealand Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

Tara Nolan, MCC

here is where I have landed

From the non-stop frenzy of life on a trading floor in London, to the refined if not swanky offices I had as a headhunter, to the azure waters of the Cayman Islands working as jumped up interior designer, to University again for the third time, to founding my own Leadership and Team Coaching business where I lecture, give talks and faciliate new learning, I’m undeniable proof that traditional rules were made to be broken.

Get my latest articles and podcasts direct to your inbox

© 2020 Tara Nolan. Design ITSorensen | Photography paulkellyphotographer.com