This month marks a significant milestone for Aberdeen-based lightbulb.coach, as the professional coaching and training company celebrates six years of empowering individuals and organisations worldwide.
Founded in 2019 by Sarah Smith, a seasoned learning and development professional and accredited coach, lightbulb.coach set out with a clear vision to make high-quality coaching accessible to all and to integrate these transformative skills into education.
Reflecting on the journey, Sarah shared: “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished in a relatively short period. As a born and bred Aberdonian, it’s important to me that while we serve clients globally, we also support our local community by partnering with local suppliers.
Sarah founded lightbulb.coach following a successful 17-year career at Aberdeen Asset Management. “Starting the business was exciting but daunting and it still is,” she admits. “I love being a coach and trainer, but I didn’t know how to build a business. The journey has been one of constant learning driven by incredible clients and people who have supported me in shaping the success and growth of the business.”
Sarah Smith, founder of lightbulb.coach
Over the years, lightbulb.coach has expanded its offerings, evolving from individual coaching to training school pupils and professionals to become Certified Coaches, as well as offering Coach Mentoring services and delivering leadership training. The recent integration of Virtual Reality technology into their programmes has added an innovative edge enhancing self-awareness and resilience in leaders and graduates.
One of the company’s standout achievements this past year has been its partnership with Mackie Academy, where senior pupils are now being trained to become Certified Coaches through the ICF-accredited Level 1 Certificate in Professional Coaching. “Bringing coaching into the education sector was always a key part of the plan and seeing it come to life at Mackie Academy has been a real highlight,” Sarah said.
Looking ahead, lightbulb.coach aims to develop further specialised coaching courses to meet the evolving needs of businesses and individuals. Expanding its schools programme to reach more pupils and educators remains a top priority.
“In turbulent times, coaching provides a vital space for clarity and confidence,” Sarah added. “Whether it’s helping a young person navigate their future or supporting a professional to reach their potential, the positive impact of coaching is what drives us every day.”
As lightbulb.coach enters its seventh year, Sarah and her team remain committed to changing lives through the power of coaching - empowering a workforce of the future that is resilient, self-aware, and ready to thrive.