United Kingdom
Technology is built by people. Yet people behind it are often expected to have all the answers, adapt to constant change and quietly carry the weight of increasingly complex roles. After more than two decades working in technology, I've learned that career success isn't just about technical expertise. It's about confidence, communication, leadership and having the space to think clearly. That's why I founded NMC&C. Through The Safe Coaching Practice, I help people working in technology build confidence, make thoughtful decisions and move forward with intention. Whether you're considering your next career move, stepping into leadership, navigating redundancy, rebuilding confidence or leading a team, coaching provides a calm and supportive space to reflect, develop practical tools and take meaningful action. My coaching is built on psychological safety, ethical practice and the belief that lasting progress comes from understanding yourself as well as your work. Alongside my coaching practice, I continue to contribute to the technology profession through voluntary leadership roles. I am: • Chair of the BCS Specialist Interest Group in Software Testing (SIGiST) • Non-Executive Director of the UK & Ireland Testing Board (UKITB) • Member of the BCS Neurodiverse IT Committee These roles keep me connected to the people, challenges and conversations shaping the technology profession, ensuring my coaching remains grounded in the realities of today's workplace. My professional background spans software quality, engineering leadership and artificial intelligence. Before launching NMC&C, I held senior leadership roles across a range of industries, helping organisations improve quality, build high-performing teams and deliver technology with confidence. I have been recognised for my contribution to the technology profession, including being the inaugural Bupa everywoman in Technology AI Champion, being named in Computer Weekly's Most Influential Women in UK Technology, and receiving Highly Commended in the Women in Tech Excellence Awards for Role Model of the Year – Tech. I am a Fellow of the British Computer Society (FBCS) and a certified Ethical IT Professional through the British Computer Society. Ethics underpins how I coach, lead and work with others. More importantly than any title or award, I care about creating a space where people feel able to think, ask difficult questions and make decisions with confidence. If you're looking for career or leadership coaching that is thoughtful, practical and grounded in real experience, I'd love to connect.
Founder at Nicola Martin Coaching and Consultancy (NMC&C) Empowering women and other diverse groups in tech through personalised coaching, resources, and strategic consultancy services tailored for companies.
As an adviser to a pre-seed startup, I provided comprehensive guidance on defining and structuring the role of a Chief Operating Officer (COO). My contributions included: - Defining the COO role, encompassing sales, marketing, and operational responsibilities. - Offering strategic ideas for product positioning in a specific niche market. - Recommending marketing strategies. - Providing insights on potential COO compensation structures. - Suggesting staff roles to support the startup's growth and initial operations.
Senior test management roles preparing strategy, planning, people management and reporting for clients in mobile, finance and Insurance industries.
Wealth Management, Dynamics CRM.