The Post: Leadership & Wellness Coach at OneParkLife
The Post Holder: Andrew Park
After retiring from professional rugby Andrew Park went into roles including graphic design and sports management before an issue with his own health helped him find his passion for wellbeing and coaching.
Give a brief outline of your career to date.
My first passion was sport – on leaving university I was offered a permanent contract with Ulster Rugby. After winning the European Cup in 1999 I retired and got a break to work in advertising, going on to run my own communications agency. I then moved into sports management, heading up the European Division of a global sports management company before moving to work across front office digital transformation as a Sales Director for a global business consultancy practice. After that I founded OneParkLife to help individuals and organisations drive positive change and be lifestyle-centric. I offer leadership and wellness, coaching, consultancy and teaching.
What was your favourite subject at school?
My favourite subject at school was Art.
Did you go on to further/higher education? If so, what did you study and where?
Yes, I Studied Landscape Architecture at Greenwich University in London. While there I travelled back and forth playing for Ulster Rugby. The best of both worlds!
How did you get into your area of work?
I think the days of training for one job and staying put until you retire are gone. While I have always had an interest in wellness personal circumstances, in particular a change in my own health, played a big part. In 2010 I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease and I realised I had to make some big changes to my personal and professional lifestyle. From there the opportunity arose – sometimes you just have to trust your gut and go with it.
Is this what you always wanted to do?
Honestly no, but getting here has been a natural progression, each job that has come before has taught me something new and ultimately led me to where I am today. I have, however, always been a people person. I am a good listener and whether it’s on the sports field or in the office environment I have always enjoyed helping people grow and develop and reach their potential.
Were there any essential qualifications or experience needed?
There are a number of bodies that offer qualifications in leadership, coaching and therapy, depending on your interest and desire to up skill.
Are there alternative routes into the job?
Like many non-professional roles the industry has a number of non-qualified personnel, however it is better to ensure that you have a recognised qualification.
What are the main personal skills your job requires?
Trust is huge and you do need to be a good listener, empathetic but you also need to be prepared to push people beyond their comfort zone, to ask exploratory questions and really challenge them – it’s only then that they grow.
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
You never know what to expect when you start a coaching session, that’s the challenge. The best part is helping a client reach their goal, working with them to unlock their potential whether that is in a personal or professional environment.
Why is what you do important?
Personal development, professional success and well-being is very important – we must always aim to have a purpose, an understanding of who we are and most importantly be self-aware.
How has Covid-19 impacted your business/role?
Like many businesses, Covid-19 has had an impact – it pushed us to utilise our digital platforms more to meet and hold sessions and suddenly our services were available to a much broader audience. I currently work with a number of clients based here, in the UK, Sweden and the Middle East.
What adjustments have you had to make?
The ability to ensure that clients are comfortable in an online environment and I have the technical ability to facilitate and operate workshops with new ways of working.
What does a typical day entail?
A typical day begins early – mornings in our house can be quite hectic, getting three children up and out to school! So I try to get up that bit earlier and start the day with some form of active movement, which usually involves taking our cocker spaniel, Willow, for a walk or an intense gym session. I try to eat a healthy breakfast – a nice bowl of porridge and enjoy a hot water and lemon to kick start the digestive system before taking some time to meditate and set my intentions for the day. I am a big fan of lists – so I try to take some time to review my day before getting into coaching sessions, a break for my main meal of the day at lunch and another short walk, before an afternoon workshop. Evenings are usually spent with family, either on the side-lines watching sports or winding down reading or listening to a good podcast. Then it’s bed for 10pm and lights out at 10.30pm
If you weren’t doing this, what would you like to do?
I would love to own a small cafe in the South of France.
What is the one piece of advice you would give yourself on your first day?
It’s not about you, we are not emotionally involved or invested in the process – be comfortable in the uncomfortable.
Describe your ideal day off
An ideal day off would involve plenty of fresh air and active movement – a round of golf, finished with a walk by the sea.
And finally, what’s the key to any successful job search?
Get experience in your chosen field and find a role or organisation that matches your values, will build on your strengths and ultimately bring out the best in you.
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