BUSINESS PROFILES// Upstairs Coaching – Alex Kingsmill
Tell us about your business – when did you start it and what is it all about?
Upstairs is an evidence-based life and career coaching consultancy – I help women design lives and work they really love.
I started in 2010 after finishing a law degree, realising I would have been the worst lawyer ever and then retraining – with a degree in counseling and a Masters in Coaching Psychology.
The coaching industry is completely unregulated and I think that’s a real problem. I’m focused on transforming the landscape in Melbourne, raising an awareness of evidence-based coaching and delivering a world-class service that is backed by research [and delivered with a serious dose of humour and joy!]
What inspires you to do what you do everyday?
I love my work so much and it still blows my mind that I get to do what I do.
I am continually inspired by my clients – amazing women who are smart and funny and kind, super inspiring and really committed to making incredible, positive change. Hearing about their achievements gives me a huge buzz and keeps me focused on living and working to my own high standards.
I also love having a business that gives me the flexibility to spend heaps of time with my family and disappear with them on beach holidays.
What is next for your business?
I am about to take a bit of a break to welcome my third [and definitely final!] little one. Then I’ll be back with clients, focusing on some inspiring collaborations, developing new evidence-based coaching programs and maybe even [in my spare time…?!] writing a book.
What other inner north businesses inspire you?
I am so inspired by excellent women who are doing business a bit differently:
- Christina Majoinen at Project TGL is helping people live better, not faster
- Emma Maslen at Rescue my Resume has just started in business and is already doing great things
- Kate and Nicole at Birch Psychology are lovely humans and I like their approach
- Anna Branford’s beautiful books are among my kids’ favourites, her tiny creations are so special and the way she sees beauty is inspiring
What’s your top health hack as a business owner for readers?
My top health hack is to find some time to do nothing. It sounds simple but can actually be really challenging.
Constant doing has somehow become synonymous with worth. And so many of the women I meet are over-scheduled to the point that they’re completely exhausted and have lost sight of what really matters to them.
Eating lunch alone [without scrolling Instagram], lying in the bath, walking the dog, pottering around at home, reading a book – simple, quiet, non-doing stuff lets you get back to who and how you’re meant to be.
Alex Kingsmill
Life & Career Coach
Upstairs Coaching
www.upstairs.net.au