I wanted a change from working in finance

Shazia Saleemi – Health Coach

I wanted a flexible course and to be able to work in my own time and be able to travel and visit family.

What did you do before studying at CNM?

I’ve worked in Accountancy and Finance most of my working life. In my mid-20’s I worked for a large Accountancy firm and took a career break after having my children. I then helped my husband setup a mortgage advisory business and once my youngest went to school I went back to work as a Finance Manager and focused around schools due to term time flexibility.

What made you want to become a Health Coach?

I’ve always had a passion for nutrition and fitness and I wanted a change from working in finance. I was going through the perimenopause and struggling with the symptoms which were being aggravated by pressure from work. I was staying as active as possible and following a healthy diet but was struggling to lose weight or manage many of my other symptoms such as hot flashes. Thus I developed a keen interest to study health coaching so that I could help alleviate these symptoms. Hoping also to be able to use this knowledge on my own family, friends and anyone looking for coaching on their own health.

What attracted you to CNM’s Health Coach course?

I wanted a flexible course and to be able to work in my own time and be able to travel and visit family. The CNM course appealed to me as it covered all aspects Health, Nutrition and Coaching and information on how to set up your own business. The course duration was important as I didn’t want to commit at that time to a longer timeframe than 6-9 month. I liked the way the modules were outlined as you covered How the Body Works first, then nutrition, fitness and coaching it was in logical order.

What did you enjoy most about the course?

I liked the way the course was structured, as you could download the lecture notes then watch the lectures and it was really easy to follow. The assessments were also straight forward and easy to complete.

My favourite modules were the coaching modules and when we had to coach clients. I thoroughly enjoyed taking the health assessments and preparing the case studies. The live tutor sessions on coaching were very good with Linda, very thorough and informative and I felt I picked up some much information in those live lecture. The other unit which was brilliantly delivered by Bobby was How the Body Works and it was so easy to relate and understand. I also loved the Nutrition module as it was rich in content and relatable. I regularly go back over my lecture notes for reference points.

How has studying the Health Coach diploma changed your life?

The HC diploma has impacted my life as it has helped me to rethink my own health and I now practise many of the fundamentals learned on the course. I focus on my nutrition, fitness and manage my own health concerns holistically and that of my family. I feel empowered and know that I can deliver a coaching agenda to my clients to help them to make lifestyle and dietary changes to improve and refine a better quality of life.

What are you doing now that you are qualified?

My intention was always to have my own practise and I’ve been taking steps to setup my business. Some of the case studies I completed were clients abroad and I still have follow up sessions with them. I have been busy attending the ANP summit and many CPD webinars online through ANP, CNM and UKIHCA.

What do you love about being a Health Coach?

I love being a health coach as I get to do a job which is also a passion of mine. I feel that I can equip individuals into making a better version of themselves with just a few simple adjustments to their lifestyle and dietary management.

Got another question about health coach training? Here are some useful posts which may help or contact us directly.

How do I train to be a Health Coach?

What skills does a Health Coach need? 

How to get your Health Coach certification

Why is CNM’s Health Coach course unique?