Oliver Matovu’s journey into coaching began amidst a profound personal challenge. As a business strategy consultant advising leaders and investors, Oliver’s career was thriving. But in January 2023, he faced a manic psychotic episode that disrupted his life, prompting him to re-evaluate his priorities and direction. What emerged from this upheaval was not just a path to recovery, but a new narrative—one centred on transformation, self-awareness, and helping others navigate their own challenges.
“I realised I could take what was a negative experience and transform it to help other people,” Oliver shares. “Coaching became the spark that rekindled my fire.”
In this interview, Oliver reflects on his journey from crisis to coaching, his philosophy of flow versus force, and the lessons he’s learned about supporting others through transformative change.
Turning Crisis into a Catalyst
Oliver describes his entry into coaching as both unexpected and deeply meaningful.
“After my episode, I struggled to find a new narrative for who I was and what I could contribute,” he explains. “Coaching came to me at a low point, but it opened up a way to use my experiences for good. It was about transforming pain into purpose.”
Enrolling in the Animas Diploma in Transformative Coaching during his recovery, Oliver found that the course not only exceeded his expectations but also complemented his healing process. “You’re coached a lot during the training, as well as coaching others. That gave me space to reflect, grow, and reconnect with myself,” he says.
The course also introduced Oliver to a supportive community of fellow trainees: “It wasn’t just about learning skills—it was about forming connections with people who genuinely cared. That sense of continuity and camaraderie made a huge impact.”
From Force to Flow: A Shift in Mindset
A pivotal moment in Oliver’s training came during a session exploring his shift from a force mindset to a flow mindset. “Before I was ill, I was very much in a work-hard, play-hard mentality,” he explains. “I thrived on ambition and pushing through challenges. But after my episode, that approach no longer worked. I had to learn to slow down, listen to my intuition, and move with life rather than against it.”
Oliver now uses this philosophy to help clients find balance in their own lives. “It’s about recognising when you’re forcing things and allowing yourself to step back. When you let go, you create space for opportunities to come to you. It’s a powerful shift.”
Coaching Through Crisis
Oliver’s experiences have deeply informed his approach to coaching, particularly when working with clients navigating significant challenges. “A lot of my clients are going through big transitions—whether that’s illness, burnout, or a quarter-life crisis,” he shares. “I can’t walk their exact path, but I can guide them through the process of shedding old narratives and embracing a new way of living.”
He describes this process as one of discovery and transformation: “It’s about helping people see challenges as opportunities to grow. Coaching creates a space for them to slow down, reflect, and start to move forward with intention.”
Oliver emphasises the importance of a prototyping approach to change: “You don’t have to make a big leap all at once. Sometimes, it’s about prototyping small steps—testing out ideas or new paths before committing fully.”
The Quarter-Life Crisis: A Moment of Transformation
One of Oliver’s key focus areas is helping young professionals navigate what he describes as a quarter-life crisis. “It’s that moment in your 20s or 30s where you stop and think, ‘How did I end up here? Is this really what I want?’” he explains. “It’s a mix of directionlessness and a crisis of meaning, but it’s also the start of transformation.”
For Oliver, these moments provide a unique opportunity for personal growth: “When you feel stuck, it’s often a sign that something needs to change. Coaching can help you tap into your intuition, explore new paths, and create a life that aligns with who you truly are.”
Building Harmony: Lessons for Life and Work
Oliver has carried his coaching skills into his work as a business strategy consultant, finding that they complement his role in surprising ways. “Coaching has transformed how I interact with clients and colleagues,” he says. “It’s made me a better listener, a more thoughtful manager, and someone who empowers others to think for themselves.”
He also incorporates the concept of harmony—a theme central to his personal philosophy—into his coaching and consulting. “Harmony is about being in tune with yourself and your environment. It’s helped me and my clients make more intentional choices, avoiding burnout and finding balance.”
Advice for Aspiring Coaches
For those considering coaching, Oliver offers encouragement grounded in his own experience: “If you’re interested in coaching later in life, why not start building the skillset now? You don’t have to make it your main focus immediately—just sow the seeds and let it grow over time.”
Reflecting on initial doubts about his age, Oliver says: “I wondered if I was too young to be a coach, but I realised it’s not about having decades of experience. Coaching is about creating a space for clients to think and find their own answers—it’s a skill you can build at any stage.”
His advice is to begin with small steps: “Try coaching different people, experiment, and see what resonates. Each step gives you clarity and confidence about where this journey could lead.”
Final Thoughts
Oliver Matovu’s journey from crisis to coaching is a powerful reminder of the resilience and transformation that can emerge from life’s challenges. Through his work as a coach and consultant, he is helping others navigate their own transitions, guiding them toward self-discovery and meaningful change.
“Coaching has given me a way to turn my experiences into something positive,” he reflects. “It’s about creating space for people to thrive—whether they’re facing a quarter-life crisis, recovering from illness, or simply looking for a new direction.”
If you’d like to learn more about Oliver’s work or reach out to him, he invites you to connect with him on WhatsApp (+447885836060).
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