Interview - Brooke Nolly
Brooke Nolly is a straight-talking, kiwi lass who hit rock bottom to realise she wanted to become a coach and be her own boss. She made the leap with no money or backup plan. She now helps heart-centred women build inner confidence, assertiveness and authority in their lives.
Tell us how you ended up here as a freelancer? Where did it all begin?
I was living in London, working at a Fintech bank and felt severely miserable. I was surrounded by negativity, corruption and I felt totally broken and lost. Everything I had worked so hard for, I didn’t want anymore. I was working in HR and found most of the joy in my role came from building relationships with people, and helping them sort out their problems.
So within a month I quit my job with no money or backup plan, went to a healer in New York, racked up around $26,000 in debt and said ‘I am gonna be a coach’. Here I am 2.5 years later, living out my dream (some days and weeks it’s been a nightmare too).
What was your last ‘real’ job?
Fintech, Revolut in London. The company is now worth 1.7 billion, I was employee 40ish, so I often get the whole ‘imagine what your stock would have been worth if you stayed’. My response is I just couldn’t have.
“I just wanted to help people but didn’t realise I would be faced with all of my own shit right away. ”
What inspired you to start freelancing? Was there a ‘moment’ that made you realise it was time?
I was at my total rock bottom, my relationships were falling apart, I despised corporate, I hadn’t talked to my Dad in years and honestly, I just wanted to help people but didn’t realise I would be faced with all of my own shit right away before I could even dream of helping others (haha).
How did you prepare to start working for yourself?
I didn’t, I literally quit my job with no money, moved into my flatmate’s room so I could rent mine out as I couldn’t afford to keep it. I would stay up all night reading and sleep all day, I was a depressed mess. I went on a massive hike when I got back to NZ to get away from everything and go within for the first time in my life.
What was your biggest fear before you started freelancing? Any tips to overcome these fears?
Biggest fear was having to go back to corporate or go back to working for someone else on their timeline under their shitty rules, that was my motivator for a LONG time. Keep going, keep going, you cannot go BACK.
In three emojis, describe your life as a freelancer…
🧘♀⛰📝
Walk us through a typical workday?
AM:
Slooooow. Wake up, scrape tongue, brush teeth (do not check devices) set a timer for a 40-minute unguided meditation. Make decaf coffee (caffeine and I don’t vibe). Yoga or HIIT class most days. Cold shower, breakfast, client.
PM:
1-1.5 hour walk in nature. Protein shake. More clients. Discovery calls. Post on IG throughout the day.
EVENING:
Monday’s group program, Wednesdays evening client, otherwise - dinner, Netflix, yoga nidra meditation, sleep.
How as COVID-19 impacted your everyday life?
Honestly, it has made me realise working from home is far more efficient when your options have been taken away from you. I am far more productive (extrovert loves to chat) but overall I am sad. I love people and I am sad I cannot be around them enjoying a meal or sharing a laugh/deep conversation.
Name three qualities you need to succeed as a freelancer?
Commitment
Meditation
Journaling.
I know we’re not supposed to have favourites, but can you share a favourite client project of yours?
My current group program. Everyone is so damn engaged and they’re doing weekly lives, group workouts and it just makes my heart really happy.
Best thing about freelancing?
Freedom! My own schedule. No other mofo telling me what to do with a deadline. I’ll feel how I feel on my own timeline, thanks!
Suckiest thing about freelancing?
When you’re tired, you’ve really gotta rest and the precariousness of that is often anxiety-inducing. When you first start out, the sporadic amount of clients and $$ you receive. It gets better (commitment and consistency are key).
“Allow yourself to be free, take midweek days off, get outside as often as you can.”
What advice would you give to someone just starting out on their freelancer journey?
Do a shit load of journaling, moving your body and PLEASE meditate, every, single, day. You do not need to chain yourself to your laptop. Do not bring employee mindset into the freelance life. You are no longer a slave, allow yourself to be free, take midweek days off, get outside as often as you can, time for you is productive af. Don’t stop, keep going. It’ll look different everyday.
What’s next for you in business?
I have my next AMAZING 16-week group program coming up on July 7th, it’s for those of you that are stuck in old patterns, suffer from a scattered mind and find it difficult to say no. It’s for those of you that need to build inner confidence, assertiveness and authority over your life. I help heart-centred women build conscious businesses.
Finally, this or that:
Tea or coffee? “Decaf”
Introvert or extrovert?
Earlybird or night owl?
Home office or coworking space?
Emails or calls?
Paper or digital to-do list?
Books or Podcasts?