Testimonials
It’s not always easy to describe what coaching feels like until you experience it.
The real impact is best understood through the voices of those who have done the work themselves.
Here are a few reflections from clients who chose to reimagine forward.
Career & Redundancy
I was introduced to Jacqui Downes as a career coach when our organisation announced a restructure, and my role was disestablished. From our very first session, her proactive, calm and personalised approach made me feel supported and gave me the confidence to openly share my situation. Jacqui didn’t just listen, she actively guided me with clarity, helping me feel both empowered and focused.
One of the most valuable aspects of her coaching was the range of practical tools and strategies she provided, from refining my CV and LinkedIn profile to improving interview techniques and exploring networking approaches. These resources were tailored to my needs and gave me the confidence to navigate the job market more effectively.
There were times when I felt down, overwhelmed, or uncertain, but Jacqui was always available and consistently helped me stay focused and motivated. Her support made a real difference during a challenging time.
As a direct result of our sessions, I gained clarity on my career direction, recognised transferable skills that opened doors to other fields and rebuilt a strong sense of confidence in my capabilities.
To anyone considering working with Jacqui, I can’t recommend her highly enough. Her proactive, supportive, and insightful coaching style truly makes a difference. With her guidance, you won’t just reach your goals, you’ll feel more equipped and confident to navigate the entire transition journey.
Ketan, Auckland
Earlier this year my role was made redundant which was a huge shock for me after being with the same company for nearly 20 years. I had no idea where to start in navigating the job market. Thankfully a friend introduced me to Jacqui who has been a literal life saver. Not only has she helped me with my CV, LinkedIn, applications and interviews. She has also helped me get through what has been a very low period in my life. Before working with Jacqui I had received so many knock-backs I didn’t think I would ever get another role. I had lost all confidence and I was really struggling. Jacqui helped me regain my confidence and I’m so happy to say that I now have a fabulous new job! I highly recommend Jacqui as a coach.
Liz, Auckland
Leadership & Professional Growth
A few months ago, I stepped into a leadership role as a medical professional and quickly realized the challenges that came with it. I had met Jacqui through a mutual friend and really connected with her approach to coaching. At the time, I was struggling as a new leader, often frustrated with both my team and myself, so I decided to give coaching a try.
Working with Jacqui has completely transformed the way I communicate with my team, my peers, and even my wife. The outcomes of these conversations are now so much more positive, productive, and stress-free. I highly recommend working with Jacqui as a coach and mentor, the positive impact on your life will be greater than you can imagine.
Anthony, Australia
Personal Transformation & Identity Shift
I was referred to Jacqui by a friend. I had never experienced coaching before so didn’t know what to expect but at this point in my life I was so desperate for support and felt completely broken. My partner had just left me, I was unhappy in my job, I was lonely and isolated. I couldn’t see a way forward and I couldn’t imagine a life with any joy in it.
In the beginning I found it very difficult to open up but Jacqui gently got to know and understand me. Over time she worked with me to unravel some of the unhelpful beliefs and thought patterns that I had been holding on to since my childhood. I know now that they were sabotaging a lot of my behaviour which was affecting most aspects of my life.
Today I feel like a completely different person. I like myself, I have confidence, I’ve moved towns, stopped drinking, started studying and working part time, reconnected with friends. I have a very new relationship where my partner sees and accepts me for me. And best of all I have found joy again, which I didn’t think was possible.
I can’t really describe the process of working with Jacqui other than magical (Jacqui I know you’ll laugh at that) and yes at times it was hard and confronting and uncomfortable, but you always made me feel so safe.
Jacqui, there will never be enough words or ways for me to thank you.
Louise, Wellington
Jacqui was recommended to me by a friend and it’s only recently that it’s dawned on me quite what a significant gift that recommendation was. Working with Jacqui has, quite simply, changed my life. I recently looked back at old journals, some dating back almost 20 years, and found the same themes, challenges, and dreams repeating themselves over and over. On the surface everything about my life had changed with different life seasons, but underneath everything remained the same. Until now. When I look back at what I’ve accomplished over the past two years with Jacqui’s insightful coaching, I’m in awe of the shifts that have finally been possible. These seemingly subtle shifts have impacted every aspect of my life - both personally and as a business woman, allowing me to achieve things I wouldn’t previously have believed possible and giving me a new-found sense of freedom and possibility. If you get the opportunity to get Jacqui on your team, take it. She’s a game-changer.
Kay, Mt Maunganui
Confidence & Repositioning
As an immigrant navigating the New Zealand job market, I struggled with self-doubt and confidence in interviews.
Jacqui helped me reframe those fears, recognise the value of my international experience and communicate my strengths with clarity. Her practical guidance, from interview preparation to LinkedIn positioning, was tailored and strategic.
A pivotal moment came during a second interview with Coca-Cola, where I confidently demonstrated the transferability of my skills across industries.
Working with Jacqui transformed my mindset from self-doubt to self-belief. Coaching was one of the most impactful investments in my professional development.
Jaqueline, Auckland