Hidden Gems: Meet Nicole McDaniel of Nicole M. Coaching, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole McDaniel.

Hi Nicole, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I launched my career in the wellness industry in early 2017 as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), establishing my own clinical practice, where I continue to work with a small caseload currently. After years of practicing as a therapist, I found myself increasingly drawn to utilizing a strengths-based, solution-focused approach in my work. Through researching and exploring these modalities I was introduced to the world of professional coaching. Ultimately, I decided to pursue additional training and become a Board Certified Coach (BCC), which has allowed me to expand my wellness offerings beyond psychotherapy. In 2022, I launched my coaching practice, Nicole M. Coaching, where I now support clients as a performance, leadership, and career development coach.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Great question! I would say that my journey, like most professional journeys, has certainly had its ups and downs. When I first launched my business, there were moments where I wasn’t sure if things were going to work out the way I hoped. There have also been moments where self-doubt and impostor syndrome crept in and I would second-guess if entrepreneurship was really the path for me.

As cliché as it sounds, each moment of self-doubt or desire to throw in the towel has been a point of clarity, showing me where things in my business needed to shift and pivot. The cumulation of those moments and subsequent pivots have led me to where I am today in my business and career.

I believe it all comes down to how you frame the moments where you’re questioning everything. Of course, I could’ve leaned into the belief that entrepreneurship was too hard and chosen to close my doors. Instead, I chose to explore and understand why things felt hard or scary in the moment, and work to solve that problem. Which is truly what I help my clients do: get out of their heads and solve the right problems.

As you know, we’re big fans of Nicole M. Coaching, LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Nicole M. Coaching is a boutique coaching practice specializing in performance, leadership, and career development for professionals. I primarily offer one-on-one coaching services, working with entrepreneurs or professionals in leadership roles. My clients typically find me when they’re facing a leadership challenge or a professional crossroads, such as contemplating a professional transition or total career pivot, navigating the growing pains of managing a new team, or overcoming a professional plateau. My clients generally present as high-achievers, technically skilled, and outwardly successful. However, internally, they are often confronting impostor syndrome, lack of confidence, decision fatigue, stress, and even burnout. As a performance coach, I help my clients quiet the internal noise they’re experiencing and gain the perspective needed to move forward and perform at their best with clarity, confidence, and ease.

Professionally, I’m known for my straightforward coaching style that’s relatable and results-driven, while enhancing and elevating the personal and professional lives of my clients. I believe what sets my brand apart is my background as a former competitive athlete and a licensed psychotherapist. The unique integration of my knowledge of psychology paired with an understanding of the strategy behind high personal performance enables me to coach my clients from a deep and personal understanding of what it’s like to be in pursuit of your highest self, hone your craft, and reach your full potential.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I recall early on in my career when I opened my practice, having such a clear vision of how my career and life would unfold. In a multitude of ways, that vision has come to life, but in others, my career has taken unexpected turns that led to a very different, and ultimately I believe, a more fulfilling and vibrant career than I originally imagined.

My advice for anyone beginning their career is to stay open, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to say yes to opportunities – even the ones that don’t fit neatly into your original plan and might feel a bit scary. Growth often comes from the detours.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nicolemcoaching.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-mcdaniel-psychotherapist-career-coach

Image Credits
Paper Crane Photography