FAQ s
What are your qualifications?
I bring over 25 years of experience in elite sport and high-performance corporate HR, supported by formal qualifications and hands-on expertise.
I hold a Masters degree in Human Resource Management and Employment Relations, a Bachelor of Arts, and multiple ICCF-recognised coaching certifications, including accreditations as a life coach and health and wellness coach. I’m also a proud Mental Health First Aid practitioner.
With years of senior HR experience, I’ve sat ‘behind closed doors’ at the leadership table where critical career decisions are made. This insider perspective equips me to provide invaluable guidance on navigating workplace systems and achieving what matters most to you in work and life.
As an Olympic medallist, I bring a deep understanding of high-performance mindsets, blending elite-level focus with real-world application.
While formal qualifications aren’t mandatory for coaching in Australia, exceptional coaches (like me!) combine rigorous training, lived experience, professional expertise, and a true passion for empowering others to succeed.
Learn more about my background and experience here.
Who do you coach?
I work with both men and women, supporting leaders, busy professionals, and individuals at risk of burnout, struggling with confidence, or feeling overwhelmed by the constant juggle of life’s demands.
I also work with elite athletes transitioning to life beyond professional sport. I help athletes rediscover their purpose, redefine their identities, and pivot to fulfilling and successful post-sport careers. Learn more about Life After Sport coaching here.
At the heart of my work is the intersection of self-leadership, career success, and whole-life wellbeing—helping you show up fully and authentically in all you do. I guide those feeling out of balance and conflicted by the competing demands of career, leadership, home life, and personal health, aligning these aspects for sustainable success.
Whether you’re navigating a career pivot, pursuing personal growth, or transitioning out of the corporate world, I help you create meaningful transformations.
My clients span the globe—from type-A overachievers and midlife executives reigniting their purpose to parents envisioning their next chapter and elite athletes preparing for life beyond competition. Together, we’ll carve out your next chapter with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
What kind of coaching do you offer?
I specialise in career, life, and wellness coaching, empowering high-achieving professionals and leaders to redefine their careers, health, and leadership styles while navigating significant life transitions.
I work with leaders, busy professionals, and individuals at risk of burnout, providing support for those grappling with confidence challenges or feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of work and life.
In addition, I offer specialised coaching for elite athletes transitioning to life beyond professional sport. I help athletes rediscover their purpose, redefine their identities, and pivot to fulfilling and successful post-sport careers.
Learn more about Life After Sport coaching here.
Do you offer leadership coaching for senior executives?
Absolutely! With extensive experience in corporate HR, I firmly believe that thriving teams and workplaces are built by leaders who lead with authenticity and purpose.
My leadership coaching focuses on helping senior executives optimise their ‘leadership lifestyle’ through a holistic approach to wellbeing, cultivating authentic leadership styles, and prioritising mindsets and behaviors that inspire others to excel.
Ready to elevate your leadership?
Contact Rach to discuss Leadership Coaching.
Do you offer keynote speaking or workplace workshops?
Yes, I can! I deliver engaging keynote speeches and facilitate workplace workshops tailored to inspire and empower leaders and their teams. Whether it’s fostering authentic leadership, improving workplace wellbeing, or navigating change with resilience, my sessions are designed to create meaningful impact. Let’s connect to discuss how I can support your organisation.
What is Career, Life, and Wellness Coaching?
Career, life, and wellness coaching is about guiding you from where you are now to where you truly want to be. It combines coaching psychology, personal development, and career and leadership expertise to help you think and act differently, creating a future aligned with your values and aspirations.
When we work together, it’s a mix of motivation, strategy, and accountability. I’m here to support and challenge you, helping you make meaningful changes across all areas of your life.
Think of me as both your biggest cheerleader and your strategic partner, offering fresh perspectives to uncover the roadblocks that may be holding you back—often the ones you can’t see yourself.
Coaching helps you clarify what’s most important, whether it’s redefining your leadership style, navigating a career change, or achieving a healthier work-life balance.
Together, we’ll set clear goals and create a practical plan to move you towards the change you’re ready to embrace. Along the way, I’ll remind you of your strengths, keep you focused, and provide the honest feedback you need to confidently move forward.
What’s your coaching style?
My coaching style is structured and focused, combining thought-provoking questions with direct, no-nonsense guidance.
I love having a laugh, so expect some level of comedy as well, and plenty of fun.
I bring empathy, rich lived experience, and straight-talking accountability to every session.
I’m here to guide you, illuminate the path to meaningful change, and gently push you beyond your comfort zone. Together, we’ll build habits that support sustainable, long-term success—not just quick fixes.
My approach is all about creating lasting transformation through strategic, supported action tailored to your goals.
Do you work with both men and women?
Absolutely. I work with both men and women, supporting them through significant professional, personal, and wellbeing transitions.
Whether it’s refining your leadership style, stepping into a new career direction, overcoming burnout, navigating parenthood alongside work, leaving a long-term role, or transitioning out of elite sport—the key is your readiness for change. Together, we’ll create a path forward that aligns with your goals and values.
How long does the coaching process take?
My coaching process typically lasts around 3 months, depending on your goals and the changes you want to achieve.
This time frame allows us to dive deep, build sustainable strategies, and ensure lasting transformation as you navigate your next chapter with confidence and clarity.
How is your coaching structured?
My coaching programs are structured, organised, and tailored to your unique needs, blending goal setting, actionable steps with deep reflection.
Using a strengths-based approach, grounded in the latest neuroscience and positive psychology research, we begin by identifying your strengths, values, and desired direction.
Together, we’ll set clear goals, then develop actions and strategies to shift your mindset, break unhelpful habits, and move forward with confidence.
Whether you’re seeking a career transformation, or a wellness reset, our sessions are practical, and results driven.
Between sessions, I provide ongoing support, as well as positive psychology exercises and coaching resources to scaffold your ongoing growth and sustainable change.
Can we work together remotely?
Absolutely! I offer online coaching, so no matter where you are—whether in Australia or internationally—we can connect virtually.
If you prefer face-to-face coaching, I’m based in Perth, Western Australia, and also frequently work from Indonesia and Margaret River. I’m happy to discuss travel arrangements if needed—just get in touch here.
How do I get over not being an athlete anymore?
It’s not about “getting over it” – it’s about taking everything sport has given you and using it to reshape your life. This transition is about redefining who you are, honing in on what really matters to you now, and setting new goals that feel as meaningful as the game once did.
Why do people struggle so much when transitioning to life after sport?
The transition out of sport isn’t just a career change; it’s a shift away from a way of life. Losing the routines, the camaraderie, and the adrenaline can feel like stepping into a void. But with the right support, it’s also an opportunity to rebuild with fresh purpose and direction.
Why do retired athletes get depressed?
Leaving sport can feel like losing a big piece of yourself. The daily purpose and drive, the community, and the focus all change overnight. It’s natural to feel adrift or down, and it’s normal to grieve what can feel like an enormous loss. It’s a process, but finding new ways to connect, setting fresh goals, and exploring interests can help re-energise and anchor you.
What is the athletic career transition model?
The ‘athletic career transition model’ (Alfermann and Stambulova, 2007) details the challenges and opportunities athletes face when leaving their sports careers, as well as potential intervention points to support a smoother transition. The model breaks down the stages athletes typically go through when they retire – preparing, transitioning, and adapting. It helps explain the mental and emotional shifts involved, so athletes can see where they’re at and what’s next in the journey beyond the field.
What are the key challenges faced by athletes who need to transition to life beyond their athletic career?
From redefining who you are, to finding purpose and building a new support circle, the hurdles are real. You’re not just leaving a sport; you’re stepping into an unknown. But these challenges also come with the chance to take your skills and resilience to new heights.
Can an athlete come out of retirement?
Absolutely. I even did this myself, coming out of retirement post Olympics to once again represent Australia at World Championship level, before deciding it really was time to retire this time (!). Plenty of athletes have made successful comebacks when they feel physically and mentally up for it. It’s all about weighing up the emotional and physical tolls, and whether getting back into the game fits with your long-term life vision.
Why do athletes struggle with retirement?
When your identity, routine, and mates are all tied up in sport, stepping away can feel like a shock to the system. You’re left without the structure and drive that have defined you. But with a bit of planning and support, this time can be a chance to rediscover what else lights you up.
What is athlete transition?
Athlete transition is the process of moving from the competitive arena into a new phase of life. It’s an emotional, social, and practical journey that helps you find new purpose, direction, and a sense of community beyond sport.
At what age do most athletes retire?
Most athletes wrap up their careers in their 30s, but it varies a lot depending on the sport and individual. Physical demands, injury, and life goals play a big role. Planning early for life beyond sport can make the transition smoother and give you something to look forward to when the time comes.
What are the transferable skills I bring from my athletic career to life after sport?
You might not realise it, but the years you’ve put into training, competing, and working with a team have equipped you with a powerful set of skills that are golden in life after sport. Here’s a quick rundown of the top transferable skills you’ve likely got up your sleeve:
- Dedication and Discipline – If there’s one thing sport demands, it’s showing up and pushing through, no matter what. This kind of commitment is invaluable in any career or project you take on.
- Resilience – Handling setbacks, bouncing back from injuries, and finding ways to keep going when things get tough—these all mean you’ve got a level of grit most people only dream of.
- Teamwork and Leadership – You know how to work with a team and lead when needed, skills that are incredibly useful whether you’re joining a new workplace or running your own show.
- Goal Setting and Strategic Thinking – You’re already skilled at planning, tracking, and achieving goals. These abilities translate directly into project management, personal development, and beyond.
- Adaptability – Sport throws all kinds of challenges at you, and you’ve learned to adapt and adjust on the fly—perfect for navigating career shifts or new opportunities.
- Stress Management – High-pressure situations are no stranger to you. This ability to stay calm and focused when the stakes are high is a major asset in any fast-paced field.
These skills don’t just disappear when you retire; they’re part of what makes you you. With the right guidance, they can open doors and help shape a fulfilling path forward.
