Definitely not just another life coach, Carole Ann Rice is one of the UK’s best-known and brightest. Journalist, columnist and founder of a coaching academy, she helps people find success in their daily lives. Every day of the week.
#1. So, what’s your favourite word?
Exquisite
#2. What gets you up in the morning?
The thought of a lovely breakfast.
#3. You’re our kind of girl. What do you truly, honestly think of social media?
I really think it’s the Wild West; it’s a bit ungovernable at the moment. You really need pioneers out there to sort it. It’s a bit of the dark arts for me to be honest. Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook… it’s all so complicated and developing at such a pace, you’d have to be full-time to be a master at it all. I’m being dragged along by the horse really. The way I see it, I’m not the cowboy, I’ve got the foot caught in the stirrup.
#4. You’ll just have to come and horse around with us *sorry, not sorry*. Kindles or books?
Books. I have a whole library downstairs. Nothing more comforting than being surrounded by books. Actually, I feel uneasy in a house without books.
#5. We’re hearing you. What do you think is the biggest challenge to your industry right now?
That it’s unregulated and there are many, undertrained coaches out there. Some of the coaching academies fail to teach coaches how to be commercial. These people are spending thousands on courses, workshops and leave without a single clue about how to get a client. Heartbreaking really. My academy helps coaches set up a business and helps them stand out from the crowd.
#6. What did you want to be when you were growing up?
It’s embarrassing, really. I wanted to be a princess or a Pan Am air stewardess, all very glam. I knew I wanted to be very rich.
#7. You and us both. What led you to your current career?
I was a journalist, interviewing the likes of Terence Stamp, Paloma Picasso, Melvyn Bragg. I was self-taught and ended up working on the Birmingham Post, The Sun, Daily Mirror, Daily Express, The Independent. I hired a life coach for myself 14 years ago and after being coached, found out I loved it and took the leap.
#8. Can you use your favourite word in a sentence?
I love exquisite jewellery, lingerie, I just love beautiful products. I gasp at the sight at gorgeous things.
#9. Now can you make it rhyme?
Exquisite is a prerequisite for a fabulous existence.
#10. We don’t disagree. What advice would you give to your younger self?
Don’t worry so much that it’s all going to go horribly wrong. Don’t go to the dark place – it will always be all right. PS Bloody sort your anger out too.
#11. What’s the best thing anyone’s ever done for you?
Believe in me. Given me a break. I respond very well to people who have bothered to know me and invest in me. Anyone who has given you a lift, be grateful, be respectful. Some people, of course, can do that naturally.
#12. Bless. Tell us, what’s been your ‘career-defining’ moment?
Building my coaching academy. It’s the single most satisfying, biggest, hardest career stretch I’ve ever undertaken. I’m so proud.
#13. We’re proud of you too, Carole Ann. If you won a big award of some kind, who would you thank?
Again all those people who believed in me. Not all of them are family but every single person who has inspired me. It could be writers, novelists, unconventional people who approach life in a different way.
#14. Can you give us a timesaver of the day?
I think in order to be effective, have three things on your list that are your absolute priorities. The rest of the day is playtime then. Also, don’t be a perfectionist. Don’t try to over-perfect.
#15. Where do you see your industry in 24 months?
Regulated and more respected.
#16. Where were you 24 months ago?
Climbing the ladder, building my business. I didn’t have my two-seater Mercedes-Benz, and I didn’t think I could get one. I could and I did.
#17. What’s an interesting fact about your company?
It’s unconventional but powerful.
#18. If you could have a 24 minute Skype chat with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
I would love to have spoken to Frank Sinatra.
#19. We like a bit of Ol’ Blue Eyes ourselves. What’s one word you’d want people to describe you with?
Glamorous
#20. Would you mind taking a (glamorous) selfie for us?
Here you go.
#21. What’s your favourite Twitter handle or social media campaign?
@BrainPickings. They offer thought-provoking pieces from writers and authors. It’s relatable and intelligent.
#22. A bit like yourself then (Editor’s note: enough fangirling already). What’s one quote that defines your work ethic?
I dedicate myself to creative loafing. Achieving that balance between hard work and relaxing. I give myself a lot of time off but I love working. And not working.
#23. What’s been the best part of your day?
This morning’s bagel with Philly & Marmite. And a run.
#24. Go girl. Finally, anything to plug?
Sign up to my free newsletter, Wit and Wisdom and I’d recommend anyone to think about becoming a life coach. It’s one of the most rewarding and exciting professions. You get paid to be you.
And what could possibly be better than that? Carole Ann can be contacted on 020 8566 2862, email
bookings@realcoachingco.com.
