Meet Rabiya

What led you to become a coach?

I’ve always been fascinated by human potential—what drives excellence, how change happens, and what makes it possible for people to truly self-actualise. That curiosity led me to study psychology, where I was especially drawn to health psychology. I became intrigued by the link between mindset, biology, and our ability to heal—what helps someone recover and thrive, even in the face of illness?

Although I loved the theory of my psychology degree, I felt something was missing. As I entered the world of work, I began asking a deeper question: HOW do people change?

That question sparked a journey of discovery. It led me to Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and then naturally to coaching. I became my first client, applying everything I learned to shift my own mindset, overcome limiting beliefs, and reimagine what was possible for me. I wanted to offer that same transformation to others.

My mission as a coach is to support people in showing up as the best and most whole version of themselves. Not someone else's version, but their version: grounded, healthy, and authentic. Because I believe, once people have their basic needs met and are supported to grow in the right environment, they unlock the power to bring their unique gifts to the world. And when more of us do that, the world becomes a better place.

Is there such a thing as a typical day for you? 

More or less! I work around my children, so there’s a rhythm to my days even if no two are the same.

I usually start with a meditation before the kids are up – it helps ground me for the day ahead. My youngest is still in primary school and still wants me to walk her there, which I treasure. After that, I come home and start my workday.

Most of my work happens from home. I coach and deliver training sessions mostly online, which I really value for its flexibility and accessibility. That said, I still love the energy of face-to-face work and do that when I’m seeing clients in person or delivering in-person workshops.

I structure my week with two longer workdays and three shorter ones to fit around family life – it’s a rhythm that supports both my work and my role as a parent.

What’s different about the services you offer in particular? 

My work sits at the intersection of mindfulness, trauma-informed practice, and social justice — all rooted in lived experience. I bring a deep level of presence and care to every space I facilitate, whether I’m coaching a senior leader or delivering a resilience workshop to a team.

I’m a mindfulness teacher and a trauma-informed coach, which means I support clients to build self-awareness, regulate under pressure, and lead with clarity — not just perform. I work holistically, helping people reconnect to themselves so they can show up more effectively in their roles and relationships.

As a woman of colour, I hold a nuanced understanding of power, identity, and marginalisation. I create inclusive spaces where people feel safe to speak truthfully, reflect deeply, and grow with integrity. I’m not afraid to go into complexity; in fact, that’s where transformation often happens.

Clients value the way I combine compassion with practical tools. Whether it’s unpicking limiting beliefs, working through anxiety, or developing leadership presence, I support people to lead from a place of alignment. It’s not just about performance — it’s about wholeness, awareness, and sustainable impact.

Tell us about your proudest moment

While I’ve had many proud moments through my children’s achievements, what I’m most proud of in my own work is the transformation I witness in my clients, watching deep-rooted patterns shift, trauma lighten, and people step into new ways of thinking, leading, and relating to themselves and others.

I’m humbled to be part of anti-racism and equity work — creating spaces for honest, often uncomfortable conversations about race, power, and privilege. It’s work that supports personal reflection while seeding wider cultural and systemic change.

How do you look after yourself? 

By moving – I love moving! I run with Greenwich Runners – rain or shine, I roll out of bed on Saturday mornings and meet my friends at the run club. I love doing weights. After many injuries, I recently discovered Pilates and I’m loving it.  

I meditate daily and meet with my meditation group once a week. Work can be intense and, at times, a little lonely when you're self-employed as a coach. I love the work and the deep connection with my clients, but I do miss being part of a team. So, I look after myself by actively seeking out community through running, meditation, and more recently, a walking group.

And always, always nature – I seek out green spaces whenever I can.

What’s next for you?

That’s a great question — and one I’ve been reflecting on a lot recently. With so many injustices and atrocities unfolding, and so much division in the world, it can be hard to think clearly about the future. And yet, it feels more important than ever to do so.

Social justice is close to my heart. I truly believe that none of us are free unless all of us are free. The persistence of racial injustice and structural inequality continues to shape how I think about my role and responsibility.

Most of my work is with individuals, supporting them through coaching to navigate challenges, lead with integrity, and reconnect to their values. But I’ve also worked at the systemic level, and I’m increasingly interested in what more can be done — not just on the personal front, but within the structures that so often perpetuate harm. Change needs to happen on both levels.

Mindfulness is central to this. I believe that so much of the disconnection we face, from ourselves, each other, and the natural world, stems from a loss of presence. Mindfulness helps restore that connection. It’s not just a wellbeing practice; it’s a foundational leadership skill. It allows us to see more clearly, listen more deeply, and respond with greater care and courage.

I want to keep coaching leaders who are willing to do this inner work, to lead with awareness and act with intention, because that’s what the world needs right now.

In recent years, I’ve worked more and more with people of colour, especially women of colour. That work is deeply meaningful to me. Too often, our voices are marginalised or ignored, despite the insight and leadership we bring. I want to continue creating spaces where people feel seen, resourced, and supported — and where equity isn’t just talked about, but actively practised.

That’s the direction I want to keep moving in: the intersection of individual transformation, systemic change, and conscious leadership.