Simon Tomkins Coaching

7 Signs of a Great Coach

There’s a big difference between a good coach and a great one.

Over the past 5 years, I’ve spent thousands of hours coaching, learning, practising, and improving. I’ve observed countless sessions, built a team of outstanding coaches, and we constantly push ourselves to grow.

So, what really makes a great coach? Here’s what I’ve found matters most - whether you’re looking to hire one, or become one:

1. Lived experience – They’ve faced challenges, done the inner work, and walked the path. You can’t guide someone to a place you’ve never been.

2. Timing the challenge vs. empathy – Knowing when to push and when to support is everything.

3. Strong intuition – The ability to read between the lines and understand people deeply.

4. Structured thinking – Bringing clarity and frameworks at just the right moment.

5. Adaptability – Every coachee is different. Great coaches flex to fit.

6. Empowerment over advice – Balancing sharing tools and techniques with letting the client find their way.

7. Going deep, when it matters – Knowing when to explore the deeper drivers and when to get practical.

So much of what it takes to be great at coaching is about timing, intuition, and connection.

If you’re on the coaching journey – either side of it – what would you add to this list?

If your success feels like a destination.

You’ll miss every win along the way.

But if it’s an attitude?

You’ve already won, and you will celebrate it every day.

When you feel successful, you are successful.

You also feel satisfied and fulfilled, instead of empty, because you’re still chasing.

I’ve made this switch, and you can too.

I'm proud to share that we’ve just won another award!! 🎉

Mental Health Initiative of the Year at the 2025 Business Awards UK – Bristol.

Why does Simon Tomkins Coaching keep getting recognised?

Because:

I built this company on my passion and purpose: I believe in empowering driven people to find their balance so they can thrive. I'm driven by making an impact.

I assembled a team of exceptional coaches who enable lasting transformation, not surface change.

We aren't corporate or out of the box. We live and breathe what we do and provide bespoke, personal, authentic coaching – no fluff.

We don't believe mental health is something you wait to fix. It's something you nurture. It’s the bedrock of leadership, clarity, success, fulfilment and growth.

We’re proud of this one – and grateful to every client who’s trusted us to walk this path with them.

And to the incredible STC team: this is yours, too.

Easter is a beautiful reminder that renewal doesn’t require reinvention.

It starts with a pause.
With being present.
With the courage to prioritise your wellbeing.

Many high-achieving professionals I coach don’t need more hours.

They need more clarity.
More energy.
More space to breathe.

If that resonates, you’re not alone.

Each week, I share practical tools and reflections to help leaders build success without burning out.

Weekly, actionable insights to help you reduce stress and boost clarity.
Delivered straight to your inbox -sign up here: https://www.simontomkins-coaching.com/subscribe

For clarity, energy and success that lasts.

Cash Rich, Time Poor? You’re not alone.

I work with people who’ve worked hard to create financial freedom –
But have zero time freedom.

They don’t have time or energy for:
→ Self-care
→ Romance
→ Hobbies, fun, adventure
→ Deep rest and meaningful reflection
→ Being truly present with their kids

What do you need more of?
How much would you pay for 5 extra hours a week?

I’ve helped dozens of driven, successful people reclaim time and energy for what really matters.

I don’t work with hundreds or thousands – my coaching is bespoke, high-touch and high-impact.

“It was as though a light switch had been flicked – and everything about what I am and do seemed to make sense again.”

“Now I’m feeling so confident and focused on the right things, which has had a huge effect on my family life, as I’m able to spend more quality time with them and truly be present for those special moments.”
– Alex, CEO

If this sounds like you, DM me and I’ll show you how I help clients reclaim 5+ hours a week – without sacrificing their success.

How are you measuring your success?

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re an ambitious, driven person who cares deeply about succeeding in life and making the most of it.

You are exactly the kind of person I’m committed to helping – because you deserve to love your life!

So, let me ask you – are you measuring success in a way that truly serves you?

"Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life."

It’s so easy to get caught up in career wins – promotions, big clients, record-breaking quarters. They’re clear, measurable, and celebrated.

But what about the other wins? The ones that bring real joy and fulfilment?

Here’s something to consider:
Success isn’t just about climbing the career ladder – it’s about creating a well-rounded, meaningful life.

It’s about your health, your passions, and showing up for the people who matter.

The challenge? We’re wired to track professional achievements but often overlook personal ones.

The solution? Start counting them.

At the end of each week, take a moment to recognise your non-work wins:
→ Exercised regularly? Achievement.
→ Spent time doing something you love? Achievement.
→ Had a distraction-free conversation with a loved one? Achievement.

Because if you don’t count these as achievements, your mind won’t value them. And you deserve to value them.

So, what’s one life achievement you’re proud of this week? Drop it in the comments! 👇

Do you always feel stressed? Here’s the truth.

To beat it, you need to understand it – acute vs chronic stress.

Stress is part of life – especially if you’re ambitious.

But not all stress is the same.

Acute stress is situational.
If you’re a business leader, it comes with the territory:
→ Tight deadlines
→ Tough calls
→ Shifting targets
It’s normal. And it passes.

Chronic stress is different.
→ It’s what grinds you down.
→ It hampers performance and well-being.
→ And left unchecked, it leads to the big B – burnout.

It creeps in when:
→ You never switch off
→ You’re always proving
→ “Done” never feels done enough
→ You’re worrying about failure, finances, or losing it all

This kind of stress isn’t just about workload.
It’s driven by the pressure we put on ourselves:
→ To do it all perfectly
→ To keep everyone happy
→ To constantly level up
And ironically – as we keep pushing, re-investing, and advancing,
we create the instability that fuels more stress.

Here’s the truth:
✅ You don’t need to be perfect.
✅ You don’t need to please everyone.
✅ You don’t need to earn your rest.

I’ve fought these battles – and I still have to stay aware when they creep back in.
Even as a coach, I use the same tools I teach to reset and realign.

If you’re intrinsically driven, stress will always show up.
But chronic stress?
That needs to be reduced to the absolute minimum if you want to thrive.

This week’s nudge:
→ See acute stress for what it is – work through it and move on.
→ Understand chronic stress and ask:
𝑊ℎ𝑎𝑡’𝑠 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑓-𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝐼 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒?

Your job title isn’t your identity.

And your worth isn’t tied to a number in your bank account.

→ But too many leaders still measure success this way.

→ It’s time to redefine what real success looks like.

You are more than your LinkedIn headline.

You are more than your revenue milestones.

Start living like it.