Do you ever feel like something’s missing in your ability to make a real impact as a healthcare professional?
In this episode of HCA Talks Health, we’re joined by Sophia Murray John — a registered nurse with over 30 years of experience and a certified Health Coach. Sophia shares her inspiring journey from the NHS to coaching, and how integrating a coaching mindset has transformed her approach to patient care.
🎧 Tune in to discover:
Why healthcare professionals are turning to Health Coaching
How a coaching mindset can inspire lasting lifestyle change
Sophia’s transition from the NHS to becoming a certified Health Coach
How lifestyle medicine and holistic approaches support patients
Practical ways to create deeper patient connections and impact
Whether you’re a nurse, doctor, coach, or healthcare practitioner, this conversation will inspire you to see how combining medicine with coaching can change lives — including your own.
🔗 Discover more HCA Talks Health episodes: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com/health-wellness-podcast
⏱️ Timestamps
0:00 – Introduction & Sophia’s 30+ years in nursing
1:00 – Early career: trauma, intensive care & practice nursing
2:30 – Working with long-term health conditions in the NHS
4:00 – Vision for change: personalised care beyond health targets
6:00 – The “missing link” and discovering health coaching
7:30 – Why knowledge alone isn’t enough for lifestyle change
8:00 – Starting health coaching in chronic disease reviews
9:00 – Small steps, confidence building & client-led goals
10:00 – Transitioning from nurse to health coach full-time
12:00 – Current role: health coaching in a rural GP practice
13:30 – Running workshops on lifestyle and behaviour change
15:00 – Mindset shifts & emotional eating patterns
16:30 – Introducing lifestyle medicine & its six pillars
18:00 – Health coaching as a practical tool within lifestyle medicine
19:00 – Balancing client-led exploration with NHS knowledge
20:00 – Triathlon coaching: resilience, growth & life lessons
22:00 – Personal reflections from competing in endurance sports
23:00 – Key advice: stop chasing perfection in health
24:00 – Health is unique to each stage of life
25:00 – Words of wisdom for prospective health coaches
26:00 – Trusting the coaching process & client creativity
27:00 – How to connect with Sophia (website & LinkedIn)
27:30 – Closing reflections & thanks
🌟 More from The Health Coaches Academy
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If you have a passion for health and wellbeing and would like to discover a new, rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching, we invite you to visit our website: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com
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