As part of the Brilliant and Bold Conference, which is raising money for Ten Little Toes and Moonstones, we caught up with one of the speakers at the event, Rachel Martin, founder of Rachel Martin Coaching to find out more.
What is your back story before becoming a coach?
I fell into corporate finance at 19 and stayed for 18 years. I was good at it, but bored and unfulfilled. When I got pregnant with my eldest, I knew I couldn’t keep up the long London commute—but I had no idea what else was possible. So, I hired a life coach to help me figure it out. Best decision I ever made. It changed everything.
Your Instagram says you support ‘secretly ambitious women done with being overlooked who are ready to become the obvious choice’. Can you expand this and how you support these women?
There are so many brilliant, capable women with big dreams—but their reality doesn’t reflect that. My clients are usually women approaching midlife who can’t shake the feeling that they want more. They’ve ticked the boxes, played by the rules, but it’s left them feeling invisible. They’re done shrinking themselves to fit in. Now, it’s time to step into who they truly are, not the version they’ve outgrown. I help them make the moves they want to, but in an aligned and authentic way.
Why do you think women are secretly ambitious?
Conditioning. We’re raised to stay small, to be nice, to not rock the boat. Ambition is often seen as ‘too much’. So, we tuck it away. But here’s the truth: it’s never too much. We are meant for more. The ambition is there, it always has been, and when you reach that point where you can’t stop thinking about it, it’s time to take action.
What is the biggest driver for a woman when she approaches you for support?
A deep need to reconnect with herself and to evolve. There’s usually a tipping point—she’s tired of hiding what matters, tired of waiting, of making decisions that make others comfortable but make her unhappy. She wants to make an impact but is finding it daunting to actually do that. She wants more professionally, but is unsure how to get there, and knows that struggling on alone isn’t the answer.
What gives you the most satisfaction in your role?
Watching my clients unfurl. Seeing them grow in confidence, conviction, and clarity. Watching them fall in love with their dreams again—and this time, backing themselves to go after them. The mask comes off, and they step forward in all their authenticity. Honestly? It gives me goosebumps.
Do you have a coach?
Absolutely. It’s non-negotiable. Whether it’s 1:1, a group programme or a membership—I walk my talk. I’m always evolving and want to be supported as I do that.
What do you look for when deciding to take on a new client or pass the opportunity?
It comes down to willingness. Are they ready to get curious, dig deep, and commit to the process? I don’t give people answers. If someone’s just looking to be told what to do, I’m not the coach for them. I’m here to help women find their voice, not echo mine.
How long do you usually work with a woman for?
This isn’t quick-fix work. It’s deep, lasting transformation. My 1:1 programmes start at 4 months, but many stay longer. Once you start evolving, it’s hard to go back.
How can women access your expertise?
Right now, it’s through 1:1 coaching—but I’m moving towards a business model with more group offerings to support more women. Most of my work is online, but I love in-person sessions when clients are local.
What does the future hold for Rachel Martin?
It’s going to be bold. I spent too long settling for ‘good enough.’ That’s not me anymore. Women have been boxed in by outdated rules about who they can be and what they’re allowed to want. I’m here to break every single one. I want to create a ripple effect so wide, I’ll never see where it ends.
You can find our more about Rachel at: https://paperbell.me/playrestandwork
You can find more about the conference and charities it is supporting at:
Moonstones: A Sussex Charity for Victims of Domestic Violence
