Sometimes we reach a point where our career no longer brings us fulfillment. This was the case for Ngaa, a dedicated mother of three who found herself at a crossroads after a decade-long career as a medical doctor and ophthalmologist, caring for patients with different eye conditions.
Despite her success in the medical field, the demanding lifestyle of a surgeon began taking its toll and left her yearning for something that aligned with her passions and family life. It was this realisation that set her on a journey of self-discovery and ultimately led her to pursue a new career as a Health & Wellness Coach.
Ngaa's transition wasn't without its challenges, but it was fuelled by a newfound sense of purpose and a desire to make a difference in people's lives. Her decision to resign from her medical practice and pursue a Master's in Public Health marked the beginning of a transformative chapter. She decided to approach health from a different perspective by focusing on prevention and lifestyle behavioural change rather than treatment.
While pursuing her Master’s, Ngaa came across Health Coaching and started her journey with Health Coaches Academy in 2022.
Having successfully graduated in December 2023, Ngaa now runs her own successful health coaching practice under the name 'Wellness with Ngaa' and employs her expertise to support women experiencing stress who want to lose weight and feel their best selves, regardless of their busy lives.
Reflecting on her journey, Ngaa shares three key ways in which her life has changed since embracing her role as a Professional UKIHCA Certified Health & Wellness Coach.
3 Ways that Health Coaching has changed Ngaa's life:
Confidence to start anew:
The journey to becoming a Health Coach wasn't just about acquiring knowledge; it was a journey of self-transformation. Ngaa emphasises the importance of self-development in her training, highlighting how it empowered her to step into this new chapter of her life with confidence and purpose.
The impact of this course has been profound. I really appreciated the initial focus on self-transformation, delving into the wheel of life, values, and a holistic approach to health. It made me realise the depth of health, linking it to various aspects of life. The blood sugar balancing principles, coupled with the holistic coaching approach, has also significantly contributed to my personal growth and understanding of coaching principles.
Transformed eating habits:
Ngaa's personal journey towards better health has been marked by intentional choices and a commitment to self-improvement. By incorporating strength training, which she describes as ‘a game-changer’ and adopting a mindful approach to nutrition, she has noticed a huge difference in her overall wellbeing.
My formula of will, consistency, and support was pivotal as I adjusted my diet. I have learned what works for me, especially regarding carbs and sugar.
A newfound fulfillment in life and career:
For Ngaa, the true joy of being a Health Coach lies in the opportunity to empower others on their journey towards better health. By helping clients understand the interconnectedness of their habits and their overall wellbeing, she has witnessed firsthand the real power of health coaching and finds fulfillment in guiding others towards positive change. She believes that Health coaching can have a significant positive impact on overall wellbeing and chronic diseases.
For those considering a career in Health Coaching, Ngaa offers the following words of encouragement and insight:
I would say, if you love health, enjoy helping people, and find satisfaction in their growth, health coaching is for you. It’s a fulfilling path for those with a heart to serve.
From surgeon to Health Coach, Ngaa’s path is a reminder that it's never too late to pursue a career that brings fulfillment and meaning to our lives. If you would like to learn more about Ngaa you can follow her on social media on Instagram (@wellnesswith_ngaa) and Linkedin (Ngaa Mataswa-Gumbeze, M.D).
If you are interested in finding out what a career in Health Coaching could look like for you, we invite you to book a free Discovery call with one of our specialist course consultants.
