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From Worrier to Warrior: Achieving Work-Life Harmony Through Coaching

From Worrier to Warrior: Achieving Work-Life Harmony Through Coaching

Lucy Higgins’s coaching journey is one of self-discovery, resilience, and transformation. An ICF PCC-accredited Executive and Career Coach, Lucy specialises in helping working parents achieve fulfilment and work-life harmony. Drawing on her own experiences as a working parent and her passion for supporting others, Lucy has built a thriving coaching practice and carved out a meaningful role as a trainer at Animas.

“I know what it’s like to feel stuck and overwhelmed,” Lucy shares. “Coaching helped me transform my mindset and embrace who I am—and now I get to help others do the same.”

In this interview, Lucy reflects on her journey from corporate communications to coaching, her unique approach to work-life harmony, and her advice for coaches navigating their own challenges.

The Journey from Worrier to Warrior

Lucy’s transformation began during her first maternity leave, a time when she finally had the space to reflect on her career and personal wellbeing. “I’d been stuck in a cycle of stress and anxiety, constantly doubting myself,” Lucy recalls. “But stepping away from work gave me the clarity to see that I needed to make changes—not just for myself but for my children.”

The turning point came when Lucy realised that her own emotional state was influencing her family. Inspired to create a more grounded and authentic life, she embarked on a journey of self-discovery through therapy, mindfulness, and coaching. “I moved from being a worrier—someone who felt stuck and reactive—to a warrior, capable of facing challenges with intention and confidence,” she explains.

This personal transformation inspired Lucy to train as a coach with Animas, where she found a career that aligned with her values, strengths, and desire to help others. “Coaching helped me uncover who I really was and gave me the courage to take that first step into the unknown. It was life-changing.”

Now, as a coach, Lucy uses her own experiences to empower her clients. “I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed and unsure of your path,” she says. “That’s why I’m passionate about helping my clients find clarity, build confidence, and take their own first steps toward a more fulfilled life.”

Creating Work-Life Harmony

For Lucy, the concept of work-life balance has always felt rigid and unrealistic. Instead, she embraces the idea of work-life harmony, which she uses to help her clients reframe their approach to work and family life. “Life isn’t static—it’s always shifting,” Lucy explains. “Work-life harmony is about recognising those ebbs and flows and learning to adapt with resilience and grace.”

Lucy uses the metaphor of a trampoline to describe the foundation her coaching helps clients build: “Life will throw curveballs, but if you have a strong trampoline—a foundation of resilience and self-awareness—you’ll bounce back when things get tough.”

Her clients, often working parents, find the space in coaching to pause, reflect, and realign their priorities. “It’s not about having it all figured out,” Lucy says. “It’s about creating a life that feels authentic to you, where your work and personal values align.”

The Power of Deep Coaching Conversations

Lucy’s coaching sessions are grounded in meaningful, transformative conversations. She sees coaching as an opportunity to meet clients where they are and help them navigate the systems—both internal and external—that shape their lives. “Coaching isn’t just about achieving goals,” Lucy shares. “It’s about understanding the whole person—their values, their strengths, their challenges—and helping them find clarity and confidence in their path forward.”

Lucy describes coaching as a deeply humanistic process: “My clients might come to me for career coaching, but the reality is we’re working with their whole self. We explore how their career connects to their identity, relationships, and wellbeing. It’s holistic work.”

Building Boundaries and Resilience

As a highly sensitive person, Lucy has worked hard to create boundaries that allow her to coach effectively without taking on the emotional weight of her clients. “It’s so important to know yourself as a coach,” she says. “I’ve invested in supervision, reflective practices, and daily routines that help me switch off and stay grounded.”

Lucy offers practical advice for other coaches who may struggle with boundaries: “Create physical spaces for work and home, even if it’s just a small corner for coaching. Develop rituals that signal the start and end of your day—these small habits make a big difference over time.”

Spending time in nature and prioritising self-care are also key to her wellbeing: “I’m a real tree hugger,” Lucy laughs. “Being outdoors with my dog helps me reset and stay present for my clients.”

Advice for Aspiring Coaches

For those considering coaching, Lucy encourages taking small steps to explore the field. “You don’t need to have everything figured out,” she advises. “Start with practice clients, take courses, and let your skills develop naturally. Coaching is as much about your own growth as it is about supporting others.”

Lucy also highlights the importance of supervision and peer support: “Investing in your own development is crucial—not just for your clients but for your own resilience and effectiveness as a coach.”

Becoming a Trainer at Animas

In 2022, Lucy joined the Animas faculty as a trainer, bringing her warmth and authenticity to a new generation of coaches. “It’s a privilege to hold space for trainees as they learn and grow,” Lucy shares. “I see it as a collaborative process—we’re all learning together, and every session brings something new.”

Her approach to training is rooted in creating a safe, inclusive environment where participants feel free to explore and experiment. “It’s like sitting around a campfire,” she explains. “We share ideas, challenge assumptions, and discover what resonates for each person.”

Final Thoughts

Lucy Higgins’s journey from corporate communications to coaching is a testament to the power of self-reflection and authenticity. Through her work, she helps working parents, professionals, and aspiring coaches find resilience, fulfilment, and harmony in their lives.

“Coaching is about creating space for transformation,” Lucy says. “When we take the time to reflect, grow, and act with intention, incredible things become possible.”

To learn more about Lucy’s work, visit Lucy Higgins Coaching or connect with her on LinkedIn.

Author Details
David is our in-house Professional Storyteller here at Animas. His role is to tell the story of Animas and to capture and share the success stories of our coaches and faculty. A keen conversationalist and qualified transformative coach, David is passionate about authentic human connection.
David
David Garwood

David is our in-house Professional Storyteller here at Animas. His role is to tell the story of Animas and to capture and share the success stories of our coaches and faculty. A keen conversationalist and qualified transformative coach, David is passionate about authentic human connection.

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