Client Testimonials
Jeff Jacobs
Prior Adobe Executive - Coach, Facilitator, Trainer, Speaker
It’s been a while since we last spoke, and so much has changed since then. I’m now working for a B Corp, and it’s truly the healthiest work environment I’ve ever experienced. Although the role is remote, the connection within the team is very real - there’s a deep sense of belonging and mutual care that I’d been searching for in a workplace for a long time.
In just six months, I’ve been considered for a management role. It’s incredibly affirming - they recognize my work, appreciate my skills, and, most meaningfully, they genuinely believe in me.
Recently, I found myself going back and reading the first message I sent you. I was in a very different place then, feeling broken and desperately needing someone to reassure me that I wasn’t imagining things. You did more than that. You offered support, helped me see the truth of my situation, and encouraged me to protect my well-being, even when it felt radical to do so in that environment. Your words helped shift something in me. I began to reclaim my confidence, stand up for myself, work even harder towards my goals and ultimately, I left that job when a new opportunity came. Since then, I’ve continued to grow and have landed somewhere that feels not just safe, but deeply aligned with who I am. I honestly can’t thank you enough for taking the time to speak to someone you didn’t know. Your kindness gave me hope and a true 'quiet rebellion' spirit at a time I really needed it. I’m so grateful, thank you, truly.
Shabaka Mae T.
Member Success (EMEA/AMER)
Jesse Friedman
Marketing Freelancer
Loren Groves
Product Management
Working with Nicholas has been one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had in recent years. He has this rare mix of empathy and insight that makes you feel understood while also encouraging you to look deeper.
When I first started coaching with him, I was in a place of uncertainty, both professionally and personally. Nicholas helped me reframe a lot of things I was carrying, especially around anxiety and self-worth. He’s the one who helped me shift from saying “I’m anxious” to “I feel anxiety,” which might sound small, but it completely changed how I relate to my own emotions.
We’ve talked about everything from ageism in tech and job transitions to imposter syndrome and burnout. What I appreciate most is that he never tries to “fix” things. He helps you find your own footing. Our conversations blend the practical with the philosophical. We might talk about career strategy one minute and what it means to live with intention the next.
Nicholas has helped me reconnect with my sense of agency and purpose. I come out of every session a bit clearer, a bit lighter, and more aligned with who I actually want to be. He’s more than a coach. He’s a mirror, and I’m grateful for the reflection.
Diego
Everyone needs a coach and so does a coach! My journey with Nicholas Whitaker started as a conversation out of curiosity and sharing experiences working in big tech. As I look back, I’m lucky to have had that conversation. Over the last year, Nicholas has been an invaluable sounding board helping me navigate challenges with great wisdom and empathy.
During our coaching sessions, he took me on a journey of self awareness, deep understanding of myself, challenging me all with a profound compassion that has been deeply humbling and filled with learning. This is a great example of why a coach can be instrumental in making those shifts happen both professional and personal and why one should invest in a coach.
I am incredibly grateful for Nicholas's coaching and highly recommend him to anyone seeking personal and professional growth.
His dedication to his clients and his ability to create a safe and supportive space are truly exceptional and one you must experience.
Thank you Nicholas for sharing your wisdom and making this world a better place through your services!
Yatish Siddaramaiah
Senior Leader at big tech
Nicholas was my coach through one of the most difficult transitions I’ve made in my career to date. He functioned as both a coach and as a business advisor, putting me in contact with the right people to answer the questions I had. His combination of business savvy with mindfulness made it a safe space to process complex emotions, brainstorm ideas, launch plans, and get feedback.
Nicole Dekay
Principal Consultant
Nick is a thoughtful communicator, a wonderful listener, and an active participant in supporting the need of his clients and colleagues. As a Founder and Entrepreneur, he understands the balancing act of being the leader in charge, and as a former Corporate Leader, he understands what it means (and takes) to find reflection, meaning and balance amidst the red tape and chaos of global business. Nick is a companion and guide for each person he coaches as they travel down new roads, and he consciously guides them around what might be limiting them and shows them a smoother, gentler way focused on self-awareness and essential human goodness. If you are looking for the support of a coach, I strongly recommend Nick's work.
Courtney Feider
Corporate Whisperer
Curious About Coaching?
When I first started working with Nicholas, I had a vision but lacked clear direction. From our very first session, he provided not only concrete resources and guidance but also helped me identify how I was becoming my own roadblock. In each of our sessions, there’s a balanced blend of information sharing and self-reflection. He navigates my competing needs with grace and humor and consistently makes me feel safe, seen, heard and validated. With Nicholas's guidance, I’m thrilled to be pursuing a long-held dream of starting my own business. I fully intend to keep Nicholas by my side as I embark on this exciting new journey and look forward to a long and fruitful working relationship. There’s still so much for us to accomplish together, and I wouldn’t be at this pivotal moment without his support. Thank you, Nicholas. You’ve made a profound impact! I can't wait to see what's next!
Lisa Catalano
Mid-Life Transitions Coach
I've just started diving into it, and I can already sense its brilliance! This guide is clearly the product of extensive research and deep personal reflection.
These prompts will help facilitate deep introspection to assist you in developing your own, custom step-by-step roadmap for intentional living and it's unlike anything else I've encountered before.
Nicholas has a rare combination of wisdom, smarts and genuine sincerity and authenticity which seems to be a combination that is exceedingly rare these days.
Gregory Lennon
Executive Officer
My journey with Nicholas as my life coach has been undeniably transformative, as he skillfully directed me towards addressing life challenges at its roots by providing a holistic perspective.
Through meditation and self-compassion practice, Nicholas guided me towards a place of heightened awareness and mindfulness, which led to a significant shift in my mindset during a demanding job search. His support in helping me confront the origins of my self-doubt has been instrumental, especially as it has brought me to understand its impact on my self-confidence. This journey has been incredibly empowering, as it has healed and reconstructed my shattered confidence from a devastating layoff in an unforgiving job market.
In terms of tactics, Nicholas offered invaluable guidance, all the while encouraging me to authentically represent myself in my network and during my job interviews. His advice not only proved essential in navigating the challenging terrain, but it has also motivated me to align my career intentions with my core life values.
Nicholas has armed me with a diverse array of life skills that extend beyond the professional realm, and this will enable me to approach future endeavors with confidence and resilience. I am grateful for Nicholas's unwavering dedication, and I wholeheartedly endorse him.
Nicholas is more than a career coach; his approach combines that of a life coach, a considerate friend, and an affirming voice reminding you that "you are worthy and enough."
Grace H
Programme Manager
My journey with Nick was nothing short of transformative, and I don’t feel it’s an exaggeration to say this experience was truly life-changing.
I began this journey in the midst of burnout, with feelings of apathy, persistent stress, and struggling to see the “light at the end of the tunnel”. I related to my everyday life through an anxious lens; every small task in my life felt like it had alarm bells attached to it. I also had plans for some major life and career changes coming up that I wanted to be prepared for.
We worked on establishing a routine that would help organize and manage my tasks, eliminating the stress and alarm bells in the process.
Nick helped me to build in structure to my routine and mindfulness practice to ensure sustainability was maintained even after the coaching journey had ended.
In the past I struggled with holding myself accountable, but with these guardrails I’ve been able to keep my practices going strong.
The value of Nick’s coaching cannot be overstated. His work is beyond career coaching or even life coaching; it’s a life-altering journey. I now feel confident in my practices and in my upcoming life changes, I am so grateful for Nick and his coaching!
Erik Franey
Nick is to coaching as LeBron is to basketball.
Nick is an unmatched professional guide. He listens carefully and helps you think through and process challenges - from burnout to career pivot points - through the lens of his 10+ years of experience at Google and his dedication to human well being.
My experience with Nick's coaching was profound and helped me navigate and finally charter through a career unknown.
I would recommend Nick's work to anyone seeking a professional guide. He truly pulls up a seat beside you and is dedicated to seeing you through whatever professional moment (be it a long or short one) you are seeking to address. With his mindful approach - he allows you to first observe the current moment, and then he surface the language for how to discuss and finally address the challenge.
You will not regret this investment. I can assure you.
Brittany
After going through some major life quakes (pandemic, divorce, tech layoff) I was feeling stuck, unmotivated, unfocused, and lacking self-confidence. Working with Nick in 1-1 sessions as well as a group session has helped me become more comfortable with uncertainty and find the motivation to move forward. He has helped me get better at noticing my negative behavior (e.g. stress eating, negative self-talk) and how to understand the root causes, process my thoughts, and implement strategies to move forward. He has helped me reframe a lot of my negative self-talk, which has been especially helpful when I have job interviews. He has pointed out that some of my routines which I thought were too indulgent, were actually good for self-care. As a result, I have established better habits, improved my self-image, have more energy and focus, and am much happier, even in uncertain times.
Jacque C.
Front End Developer
I started working with Nick during a period of great turmoil in my life where I felt the intense strain of the expectations of numerous roles: parent, partner, caregiver, work contributor, etc. I was weighed down by harshly critical inner dialogue that paralyzed me in many aspects of life.
I started working with Nick because I felt the need to expose myself to new perspectives that could guide me towards a more positive, productive space.
Nick’s gentle yet persistent approach played a crucial role in helping me to learn to give myself grace while zeroing in the personal values which should drive my decisions.
Nick takes meticulous notes during sessions which I still reference occasionally to keep myself accountable while also serving as a reminder of my progress.
I also deeply appreciate the additional resources that Nick shared (meditations, articles, videos, etc.) which underscored topics we discussed and further reinforced important concepts.
Before working with Nick, I had looked at coaching as an unnecessary luxury enjoyed by privileged few.
While working with Nick, I began to see coaching as a vital investment in oneself that thoroughly complements behavioral and psychological therapy.
Damien
Google
Alec K
Pain Management Coach
My awareness skyrocketed within a single session of working with Nicholas. I noticed how I had been unconsciously playing not to lose what I already had, instead of playing to win. Our time together really sparked me to invest in myself and my business - to not play small. I highly recommend Nicholas if you're looking for a coach. He has incredible life experience, holds space beautifully, and has a calming presence that will help you transform your life.
Nicholas' support has been indispensable to myself and many others. Though we didn't have the opportunity to work together or meet one another during our time at Google, I am so grateful we connected in the very early days following my layoff.
It's because of fellow ex-Googlers like Nicholas that I felt less alone and defeated, and was able to navigate through the living nightmare to eventually find myself in a better place.
Andrea T
Google
I worked with Nicholas on a start-up building an amazing product addressing mental health and burnout, where we were both contractors. Nicholas was a rock star in organizing the content creation team and product. He had knowledge of both product and process helping us to build efficiently and effectively. In addition to building the product, what really stands out is Nicholas' contribution to building the culture in our org. He integrated emotional intelligence, clarified roles and responsibilities, created a framework for feedback and established norms that allowed us to work together with trust and psych safety. Nicholas created an environment where each of us were engaged, felt supported, not afraid to ask for help or admit a challenge, and eager to bring the best of ourselves. Nicholas knows how to build products AND teams/people. I'm incredibly inspired by him.
Lori S.
Consultant
I met Nicholas during the toughest period of my life, both personally and professionally. The timing could not have been better. Nicholas patiently worked with me to develop a daily routine and structure that gave my mornings and evenings shape.
He offered coping strategies for difficult scenarios. He recommended books, articles, videos and exercises that helped me recover my positive perspective and outlook on life.
Most important, I think, Nicholas encouraged me to develop a meditation practice that remains central and grounding to my life. He not only led me in meditation during our sessions -- and recommended apps and teachers for my own time -- but he recorded custom guided meditations based on what I was going through and what techniques I felt I responded to best.
The individualized attention Nicholas offers is incredible. He is kind, funny, intelligent and empathetic.
And while he is a skilled teacher, I always felt our relationship was one of equals, a journey where we both grew together.
I could not recommend working with Nicholas more highly.
He helped me change my life.
Nick N
Award Winning Journalist
Magie Farley
Sr. Director of Innovation
Nick is both a seeker and a guide, one who doesn't stop asking the hard questions and gently shepherds people to find their own answers. At Google, he took the time to really listen to his colleagues and clients and worked earnestly and creatively to serve their needs. above and beyond expectations. But most importantly, he created a space for people to pause and be human at a place where people often did not allow themselves that. He is always searching for more, and makes the journey with humor, authenticity and grace.
Nicholas contributed immensely to the mindfulness and well-being community at Google. His thoughtful weekly emails to the gPause group demonstrated strong communication and leadership skills. His demeanour and openness while leading meditation sessions not only made attendees feel comfortable but also open to sharing. I would highly recommend Nicholas as a well-being coach! :)
Jasleen Kaur
Account Manager at Google
Nick is really, really good at what he sets his mind to, especially when it is at the intersection of his technical acumen and natural teaching and coaching abilities.
But more importantly to me, he's one of the most intentional people I've met, bringing so much mindfulness and continual self-improvement to both his professional and personal self, that if you spend any more than five minutes around him with an open mind and heart, you too will be happier and feel better about humanity.
I sure hope to get the opportunity to work with him again someday.
Jesse Friedman
Product, brand manager
At Google I participated in two of Nicholas's wellness classes. The first four years ago and the latest just two months ago, a "Six Week Exploration of Mindfulness". Both times I was struggling at work and Nicholas's leadership and coaching were exactly what I needed. Nicholas's mindfulness classes were the best I attended at Google. I'm not the only one that thinks so - his class holds a 4.9 out of 5 star rating from 42 other reviews. In the six week course, Nicholas led 75 of us in discovering healthier, more sustainable ways to approach work. His approach of self-compassion and awareness were applicable from the first class - I still take a deep breath before I open a door to a meeting room. Thanks so much Nicholas for being a fabulous leader and human.
Seth Wingert
Data Engineer at Google
Curious About Coaching?
Since the inception of the Maynard 200 Journalism Fellowship, of which Nicholas was one of our lead partners, his expertise, unique life experience and frameworks on emotional intelligence leadership and mindfulness have been key curriculum components in the program. As one of our M200 faculty, he has contributed to our missions propelling the leadership voice of the fellows...emboldening them to shift the cultures in their own newsrooms and media spaces, grounded in equity and belonging. Our fundamental values align directly with Nick’s DNA and advocacy— cultivating empathy in workspaces and relationships. Nick’s plenary sessions on building resilience for newsroom and media leaders, mental wellbeing and mindfulness are transformative. As just one example, his overall frameworks in his presentations and coaching, weaving in VUCA leadership — resonate strongly with my mission in directing a program that serves as an incubator for the next generation of diverse media change agents. He articulates a leadership philosophy that is adaptive to a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous world that defined our collective human experience during and in the aftermath of the pandemic. Nick’s plenaries for our diverse cohorts from across the country and beyond, have had enduring impact, for our fellows and the journalism field. His work is founded for compassion for oneself and each other, especially in the midst of turbulence. Nick is a collaborative partner, an inspiring leader and great friend — one who genuinely listens, leverages strengths, practices kindness, and cares deeply about the authentic growth of professionals across various sectors. It is always a great pleasure to collaborate with Nick, to have been part of his own professional journey. I am grateful for the opportunities to enrich and share each other’s work, centered on building Community.
Odette A
Founding Partner, Global MediaX
Jess Pare
Wellbeing Coach for Entrepreneurs, Leadership Development Facilitator for Teams, Strategic Product Development for Coaches & Consultants
Adam
Host of The Mindful FIRE Podcast/Google
After discovering Nicholas Whitaker’s insightful posts on LinkedIn, I connected with him during a challenging period in my life following a layoff. His genuine, professional, and empathetic coaching style fostered deep, thought-provoking conversations that emphasized self-awareness and the development of skills to cultivate joy and purpose. I highly recommend Nicholas to anyone seeking an exceptional coach with extensive experience and a wealth of resources.
Jessica Mehens
Nathan Pisik
Head of Executive Programs
After being let go this past January, I decided to hire a coach to help me improve my mindset and responses to stressors. When I started working with Nicholas, I explained to him that I was the issue and that I needed to improve myself in order to become successful. Nicholas helped me understand that there was nothing wrong with me, but that I wasn't in an environment that allowed me to thrive. Nicholas helped me to understand that my anxious and negative thoughts existed to protect me and he gave me tools to silence these thoughts for the first time in years. Nicholas' coaching sessions have allowed me to find peace both at work and home. If you are looking to thrive, instead of survive at work and home, Nicholas is the coach for you.
Natalie H.
Chief of Staff
Scott Harvey
Consultant, Ex-Med Tech, Ex-Military
Sabrina Riley
Founder at Trans(formational) Consulting
Jason Zorn
Support Management Consultant
Nick is transformative. He listens and cares. He is a rare breed of professional that believe that our world needs to be more inclusive and, indeed, that there is great value in our diversity of not only skill but of emotional intelligence. This is an uphill fight into today's climate, but a fight worth being fought, nonetheless. Kudos to Nick for fighting this good fight!
Share Your Experience
If our work together has made a meaningful difference, I’d love to hear it. Your words help future Rebels understand what the powe of this work is really like. You can record a short video or write a simple note. If you prefer video Keep it simple.
A quiet room. Your phone or webcam at eye level. One to two minutes is plenty.
If you prefer text, You don’t need a long story. A few sentences about your experience is enough.
Speak from your own perspective. Name what was true for you. Say it in your own language.
A few prompts that help:
What was going on in your life or work when we started?
What shifted for you during our time together?
What’s different now in how you lead, decide, or take care of yourself?
What you’re able to do or see now that you couldn’t before?
What surprised you through the process?
Thanks for sharing your experience, and for supporting others along the path!