Graduate transforms his coaching passion into successful business

A change of career and return to education for postgraduate study led Nick Parker to forge ahead with his own business focused on leadership and coaching.

Mature student Nick Parker graduated from the MA in Leadership and Coaching, shifting career path after working in senior roles within education.

Nick, 45, from Sheffield, said: “I chose this degree as I’ve always been interested in how people develop and grow both individually and as part of a team. After many years in educational leadership, I wanted to take time to properly explore coaching as a way of supporting others, not just through advice or direction, but through reflection, challenge and meaningful professional conversations.

“The MA in Leadership and Coaching felt like the right fit as it connected closely with my own experience, while also providing the academic grounding to understand leadership and coaching in a much deeper way. It helped me reflect on my own leadership journey, develop my coaching practice, and explore how coaching can have a greater impact in education and beyond.”

Nick added: “Teesside University also felt accessible and supportive, which was important while balancing study alongside work and other commitments. Overall, it gave me the opportunity to grow, reflect and develop my confidence as both a leader and a coach.

“When you are working in leadership, life can move very quickly, and you do not always get the time to step back and really examine why you lead in a certain way, how people develop, or what effective coaching looks like in practice. The degree gave me that opportunity.”

Nick said he also enjoyed connecting the theory from his studies with his own professional experience, adding: “The degree was not just about gaining a qualification. It genuinely helped me grow, both professionally and personally.

“My career aims are to continue developing my work in leadership development, coaching and professional learning, particularly through my business, Crucible People Development, delivering coaching and training workshops to help people and organisations to reflect, develop and thrive.”

He added: “The course strengthened my understanding of coaching, gave me the opportunity to reflect deeply on my own leadership experience, and helped me develop a more research-informed approach to my work. It also gave me greater confidence and credibility as I continue to build the business and expand the support I can offer.

“Returning to study can feel like a big step, especially when you are balancing work, family and other commitments, but it is absolutely worth it. The course gave me the chance to pause, reflect and think more deeply about my own leadership, coaching and professional development.”

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