Vicky Evans - Life Mastery Coach, Create a Life You'd Love

Over twelve years ago, someone believed in me. I had only been in Wellington three months, and went to a group fitness class called Centergy for my mental health. I had no job, two young kids - and was starting a new life knowing no one in NZ but my ex hubby!

My gym instructor asked me if I wanted to train as an instructor. Told me I had the right physique and technique. I was surpised and a little freaked out - my previous role before kids was as a marketing manager for a ftse100 software firm in the uk.

So quite a leap.

Part of me whispered YES, you LOVE this class. And I agreed to train, thinking I’d likely FAIL HORRIBLY and give up.

So I trained, passed, and taught terrified I’d screw up for at least the first year. But enjoyed the energy, seeing people grow and develop as I had participating in the class.

Twelve years on. Yesterday was the last time anyone will teach centergy in this Lyall Bay gym building. Quite nostalgic looking back over the years, thinking of all those who helped me.

At 58, I still prioritise my mental and physical healt. I teach four times a week, Lyall Bay and Thorndon.

Looking forward to a fresh start in the new location on Sunday!

The uplift? If someone asks you to do something you think you’ll fail at, give it a go, there’s no shame in deciding it’s not for you. But I’d hate to leave this life full of regrets. Anyone relate?

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Experienced double certified Leadership and life coach. Corporate and conference trainer and workshop facilitator.

Talk to me about feeling the fear and doing it anyway. And building confidence via a tailored action plan and structure of support.

We can all do hard things. But sometimes we don’t DO what we know NEEDS to be done. Can you relate?

Are you trying to change something in your life that feels really hard?

Glenon Doyle wrote a great whole book on this topic. Key takeaway? We can all do hard things.

But sometimes, having someone in your corner helps!

WHY? Simply put: Keeps us accountable, gives us a roadmap of actions, helps us try on different scenarios to see which fits best.

If you’re sick of STALLING and you’d love:
💡 some new strategies
💡an objective appraisal of where you are versus where you’d like to be
💡and an action plan for how to get there.. in manageable supported steps, let’s talk.

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If you choose to work with me you’ll gain insights based my certification as an advanced leadership and life coach. And from how I’ve managed my own challenges and lived experiences.

I’ve navigated being agency side in London then a corporate leader (late 20’s to mid 30’s) having two kids under two at 42, emigrating to NZ age 46, a divorce age 50, founding my business ten years ago - and am still growing every day.

Wellington eerily misty with strong shafts of sunlight over the CBD from oriental parade this evening.

Anyone else get good pics?

Stunning sky before the fog rolled in.

Happy weekend y’all!

When does introversion become SOCIAL ANXIETY, and problematic? An Apple a day won’t solve this one!

I’ll freely admits, I’ve never been an enthusiastic networker. I’ve done a ton of it over the course of my past corporate career (London and Newcastle on Tyne in the UK). And in the past decade running my own coaching practice here in Wellington, New Zealand.

I’m probably a 70% hard out introvert, but have trained myself to be ok, even in big stress situations like presenting at conferences. Or facilitating workshops. When clearly you’re the focus.

There’s so many lessons I’ve learnt over the years, but here’s my top 3 tips for managing yourself more confidently in situations that require it:

1. Make it about your audience (whether it’s a meeting and you’re sharing an outcome or update, or presenting to 150 people in person).

People need the information they came for - and that you came to share. They will benefit from the knowledge and insight it provides. Even if you’re flustered delivering it.

2. Smile. Sounds silly - but try it next time and see how you feel. It’s a natural tap to your happy hormones. Even if it feels fake (because you’re in total inner turmoil), try to make eye contact with a friendly face and smile more.

3. Unclench your body. Hands out of pockets, shoulders down. 5 deep belly breaths, in for four -
Pause - out for eight pause and repeat.

Moving your body, even jumping on the spot (perhap in the bathroom!) or taking a quick walk if you can can be super beneficial. Helps the tension release.

If you or someone you know struggles with social anxiety, networking or confidence generally when presenting at meetings or in life, let’s talk.

Everyone I work with (and me!) have benefited from doing the inner work (managing inner critic, overthinking and unhelpful beliefs) to help enable more confidence.

So you don’t blush like the Apple on the right!! This was totally me age 21 working in a design agency in Clerkenwell at stand up morning meetings!!


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Sometimes there’s a moment in a client session that truly shines ✨ which becomes this weeks’ UPLIFT!

Yesterday I met a lovely young man (ok so 28 is young if you’re 58 as I am!) looking for more purpose and passion. Nothing was terrible on life. He was simply looking for that extra ten percent that if we all had it life would just feel more COMPLETE.

He spoke fondly of his partner and how happy they were, but that he wanted more fulfilment and joy from the time they spend apart. Whilst she did her activities like yoga. He felt something was missing for him.

I defined what he was seeking as the “US-PLUS” - life being pretty cool generally, but wanting something more for ourselves.

A lot of people I work in my leadership and life coaching sessions are looking for something more in just one aspect of life.

Maybe work is fine but they seek someone to be in an “us” with, or vice versa. Maybe it’s investing ten percent of available time better physical or mental health so that your “us” lives longer.

“Us”maybe you and your kids if you’re a solo parent like me. Or you may be working things out by yourself as I have too.

If you’re looking for the EXTRA 10% - the “US-PLUS” in your life, I’d love to talk.

A little uplift before my weekend, waving at all of you on both sides of the planet. 🌎🌍🌏

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Wellington based, experienced, double certified leadership and life coach. Corporate workshop/trainer and SLT Offsite facilitator.

Talk to me about finding clarity, direction and confidence for you or your “us” or your team.

I work person or online to deliver sessions or workshops across NZ and internationally.

I’ve got a problem I can’t solve on my own.

I emigrated to NZ from the uk way back and am now trying to sell an apartment I used to live in, before renting out for around 15 years. Im more than ready to sell. Mortgage rates have been à rollercoaster. Bought at the top of the market in 2002.

Dealing with agents remotely, not having much control, not knowing the market or who are the best people to ask are all floating round my head today.

It’s uncomfortable and frustrating. So if anyone out there has been in a similar spot and can offer any constructive advice on selling a place ti à professional or as a buy to let I’d love to hear it.

Got me thinking about my role as a leadership and life coach, often helping others to solve difficult or frustrating aspects of life they can’t solve alone.

If you or someone you know needs some clarity, direction or confidence to help you shift from where you are to where you want to be, let’s talk.

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Wellington based, experienced (I’m in my fifties) leadership and lifecoach. SLT and workshop trainer/facilitator.

Talk to me about anything you can’t solve yourself. This covers your work, relationships, time and financial pressures. You’ll get a free conversation to assess if we are a good fit, and if we choose to work together, an action plan specifically designed for your outcomes. At a pace you can embrace.




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Moments of whimsey… making the most of the small moments that happen all around us. Helps rebalance us at our core.

A husky ‘cute’ sneezing on a cold morning which made her smile (my daughters spot this week)

An older Greek lady at the supermarket who I smiled at (as I often feel older folks can feel invisible) who later walked my way home. So we got to chat about her life. And mine.

Reconnection with a client form 2023 who is now living her dream life who told me she’s so glad she didn’t settle. Her vision became her life.

The ‘fairy woods’ (pictured) as we call them, visited with my 17yo. So much fun to revisit places we found so much joy before the teen years too the reins.

✨ Little moments of whimsical enjoyment seem especially valuable right now.

✨ They free for anyone to enjoy, uplift our spirits and create moments of joy. And connection.

🍀 Look out for yours tonight and over the weekend. Wishing you all, on both sides of the world, a lovely relaxed weekend and many moments of whimsey.

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Wellinton based, experienced double certified leadership and Lifecoach. Workshop trainer and facilitator.

Talk to me about finding clarity, direction and confidence, for you and your team. And for uplifting tips that keep the balance of life light and joyful.

Is it SELFISH to focus on prioritising OURSELVES? In life and leadership?

In the words of the wise (and beautiful) Audrey Hepburn, “As we grow older, we realize that we have two hands, the first for helping ourselves, the other for helping others up”.

Why prioritise our own wellbeing?

My latest blog (vickyevans.com/blog) will walk you through the ‘how to’ of PRIORITISING our own wellbeing, self-leadership. And in a leadership context, the awkward process of allowing others to sometimes fail, on the way to succeeding!

This topic comes as much from discussions with my teenagers (18&16) as it does my corporate experience in leadership and now leadership coaching sessions and workshops.

As high performing LEADERS we may sometimes hold the reins too tightly. This comes up a lot in leadership sessions - often people aren’t even aware they are doing it so I thought I’d share some insights.

High performing TEAMS embrace challenges, are good problem solvers and meet or exceed targets. If we want a growth mindset in our teams, we need to let people (sometimes) fail on the way to succeeding. This builds new skills and resilience in them (and us).

The risk of overmanaging your team:

🚨capable people can feel micromanaged (or patronized)

🚨you hold a lot of knowledge in your head (!) (a liking for control or perfectionism can lead to this)

🚨you may be at capacity, but the team may be hungry for a challenge or opportunities to build new skills or even bored!

What to aim for instead:

1. BRIEF them on what’s required. Avoid wading in with a fully formed solution.

2. ASK people for their ideas and insights first.

3. Let them know your VALUE their input

4. Support them through the process and of course, get sight of and approval for anything that requires it before it goes live.

5. Ensure the team culture is based on collaborative success - at least some of the time. Giving others the responsibility not only empowers them, but gives you more time for strategy, reflection and personal and professional development in your own role! Win-win!

FriYAY Uplift✨ this week’s theme is Women in business and community. A core theme for me and my leadership and life coaching clients this week.

I’ve participated in a case study for a female led Chartered Accountant firm ilumin Limited , as a woman in business for over a decade.

I attended a women’s business event last night featuring another leadership coach. Just to see if I know my stuff! Fun crowd, and insightful facilitated networking, thank you Tabitha Arthur and of course Melanie Young for the invite and your longstanding friendship!

So I need to ask for your help.

It’s time to let my grey hair shine. It’s struck me this week, that I needed a REFRAME. These are not ROOTS they are REGROWTH. Which can only mean good thing!!

If you’re on the fence (as I have been for a good few dyes now), can we support each other and keep each other accountable and share progress pics? Let’s do it together!

REGROWTH and going grey with confidence!!

I spend all my time supporting, encouraging and helping my clients stay accountable. I’d love your help in return if you’re at this stage and would love some extra support to go grey and be confident about it too! ((Of course I’d welcome your business if you’re a or want to be a recovering perfectionist, and overthinking or socially anxious too!))

Help me shine my grey halo and inspire others to do the same!

This is me maybe five weeks since my last colour… message me privately or post your lovely grey (or wanna be grey)) locks below!

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Wellington based, experienced double certified (and almost grey haired) leadership and life coach. SLT offsite abd workshop facilitator. Global training partner.

Talk to me to find your clarity, direction and confidence and an action plan for you or your team to help you/them feel accomplished.

What does a Glassblower, Account Director for the Microsoft account, Marketing Manager for a FTSE100 software firm, Leadership coach and workshop facilitator all have in common?

They’re all my past lives.

I’ve also had two babies under two at 42, emigrated to NZ from England, and been though a divorce at 50.

Life is rarely a straight line.

Leadership and life coaching is largely about helping people manage relationships better.

This includes:
1. Our relationship with ourselves (as if this isn’t working none of the rest will). How confident we feel inside will have a direct impact on how we are perceived. And the level of success we are able to achieve.

2. Our relationship in workplaces; with our teams, peers and bosses (often very complex and sometimes not much training is provided in house). Difficult boss relationships, hard conversations with underperformers, drama led team dynamics, even disciplinary processes, they all come up regularly.

3. Relationships with our romantic partnerships and dating: Managing tricky or turbulent relationships with your partner, or being single when you’d prefer not to be. Or the nightmare that is resorting to dating apps! It all comes up.

If you’d love some extra support to help you manage your relationships with any or all of the above, let’s talk.

Sometimes having an objective perspective and be lifechanging. Our focus would initially be on finding your clarity, direction and confidence. Or maybe you need this for your workplace or team.

I’m curious about your story and journey. Where did you begin your journey and what do you do now? I hope you’re happy and wish you every success.

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Wellington based, experienced, double certified leadership and life coach, workshop and SLT offsite facilitator. Helping people, businesses and teams find clarity, direction and confidence. Plus encouragement and support, and an action plan and accountability buddy to make it all happen.