From Burdens to Breakthroughs: Real Stories

'Lifting Stones' is a place where each 'stone' narrates a tale of hardship, self-reflection, and ultimately, personal development. Within this collection, you will find heartfelt stories of individuals who confronted their difficulties directly and found new avenues of understanding and direction.

Corey

Teacher

Canada

Unlocking Potential

"My life was marked by a stifling self-made prison of bad habits stemming from a traumatic event a decade ago."

“I’m Corey, a teacher from Southern Alberta, and over the past 12 weeks, working with Rob has been life-changing. For years, I felt trapped in a self-made prison of habits formed after a traumatic event. Therapy helped with the trauma, but not with the patterns that left me isolated.

Rob helped me shift my mindset, break through avoidance, and reclaim my confidence. I took risks I’d never dared before—attending events, having honest conversations, and standing up for myself.

Our sessions were powerful, honest, and even fun. Rob created a space where I could be fully vulnerable without fear. I now feel excited for what’s ahead. He didn’t “fix” me—he reminded me that I already had the tools. He just helped me pick them up.”

Craig L

HR / IT

Canada

Beyond Barriers

"I felt I was just getting through life. Not focusing on the important. And being busy for the sake of being busy."

“I’m Craig, a commercial analyst and long-time 2SLGBTQ+ advocate. Before working with Rob, I was caught in a cycle of busyness and avoidance—going through the motions without real direction or fulfilment.

Rob helped me break that pattern. His approachable, no-judgement style created space for honest reflection and accountability. Instead of just thinking about change, I started taking real action toward a more meaningful future.

The result? I now feel a stronger sense of purpose and alignment in my life. Rob didn’t just offer support—he challenged me to step up and follow through. It’s been one of the most valuable investments I’ve made in myself.”

Ted R

Creative Director

Canada

Finding Authenticity

"I’d lost myself through facing many hardships, grief, caregiver burnout and an increasing sense of loneliness and isolation."

“I’m Ted, a creative director, entrepreneur, and filmmaker. Coming out of the pandemic, I felt lost—burnt out, grieving, and deeply disconnected. I also came to terms with something I’d suppressed for years: I’m gay. After a decade of marriage, I had no idea how to navigate what came next.

Rob’s coaching gave me the clarity and support I needed. His direct, goal-driven approach and deep empathy created a space where I could be honest, vulnerable, and start rebuilding. His questions got straight to the heart of my blocks—and his guidance helped me form new, empowering habits.

Today, I’m living more authentically, with purpose and freedom. Rob didn’t just help me find my path—he helped me walk it.”

Kel K

Nurse

UK

From Self-Doubt to Self-Worth

"I struggled with extremely low self-worth, often prioritising others over my own well-being."

“I’m Kel, a hairstylist from northeast England now studying nursing. Before working with Rob, I struggled with low self-worth and destructive habits—turning to food, alcohol, and drugs to cope with negative thoughts. My health was declining, and I felt stuck.

Rob helped me shift all of that. His support, humour, and honest guidance gave me the tools to build confidence and surround myself with better influences. Our sessions were a powerful mix of light moments and deep breakthroughs.

Today, I’m healthier, more grounded, and no longer defined by my past habits. If you’re ready to change, this isn’t just coaching—it’s a transformation.”

Maurice

Physio Therapist

NZ

Lifting Stones

"I was feeling very frustrated and discouraged with my life. I felt like I was wading through quicksand, every choice I made pulling me further down to the places I did not want to be."

“When I found Rob, I felt like I was wading through quicksand—every decision pulling me deeper into frustration and negativity. It was affecting every part of my life: my health, my mindset, and my relationships.

From our very first session, Rob created a safe, non-judgmental space where I could open up and start unpacking the real issues. His coaching helped me get to the root of what was holding me back and gave me practical tools to move forward.

With Rob’s support, I’ve gained clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. I now feel more focused, grounded, and empowered to build the life I actually want.

If you feel stuck, like I did, I can’t recommend Rob enough. He’ll help you lift the weight—one stone at a time.”

Steve

Nurse

USA

Financial Rebirth

"I was struggling with financial disorganisation, lack of savings, and uncertainty about my future until I started working with Rob."

Hi my name is Steve Stawell from St. Johnsbury Vermont. I work as a medical secretary and diagnostic imaging here at the local hospital. I started working with rob a few months ago to work on some financial issues that I was having and hired him as the coach. I did have some reservations at first as I wasn’t sure what he was going to be like but I went ahead anyways and it was well worth the money. When I first started I didn’t have any savings, I wasn’t balancing my check books And keeping up with things. Now I have a budget plan worked out and I know what I’m spending every month and I know what I can afford. I’ve also added an additional income through my passion for painting which has given me something to look forward to in the future. Rob has helped me tremendously. I’ve been getting my life together and learning how to save money, how to make more money and I’m about to go into a medical assistant program this fall which I’m excited about. So over all it’s been a great experience working with Rob and I would highly recommend him to anyone who’s considering doing it.”

Wayne D

VP

USA

Elevating Excellence

"I was grappling with overwhelming stress and a sense of stagnation in both my personal and professional life."

“Working with Rob over the past year has been a game-changer. I came to him overwhelmed and stagnant—both personally and professionally. His ability to blend empathy with strategic insight helped me regain control and clarity.

With Rob’s guidance, I landed a new role with double the salary I was earning before. His support with interview prep, resume building, and confidence was instrumental.

More than just career success, Rob helped me reset my entire life trajectory. His coaching gave me purpose, improved my mindset, and helped me align my decisions with my values.

I can’t recommend Rob enough. If you’re ready for real, lasting change—he’s the coach to get you there.”

John S

Retiree

USA

Embracing Change

"I felt lost and overwhelmed by anger and confusion, struggling with the aftermath of a difficult and abusive relationship. I was questioning my identity."

“Before working with Rob, I was lost—overwhelmed by anger, confusion, and the lingering impact of an abusive relationship. I questioned everything: who I was, where I was headed, and whether I could heal.

From our very first session, Rob created a space where I felt truly seen and safe enough to face myself. Despite my initial hesitation—especially about our age difference—his deep listening, empathy, and insight made that concern vanish. Week by week, the weight I’d been carrying began to lift.

Through this journey, I’ve gained clarity, self-love, and a renewed sense of purpose. I now live with more truth, joy, and inner peace. The transformation has been life-changing.

To anyone hesitant about coaching: take the leap. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. Rob helped me find the version of myself I thought I’d lost—and for that, I’m forever grateful.”I am grateful to Rob for his invaluable support and guidance, which has been a catalyst for this transformation. Thank you for helping me navigate this path and for the positive impact you've had on my life.

Craig S

Executive Director

Canada

Breaking Free

"I was feeling overwhelmed and defeated, I had low self-confidence and self-worth and was stuck in a professional rut with a never-ending to-do list."

“When I first came across Rob’s post asking, ‘Are you feeling stuck?’ the word hit me hard—because I was. Personally and professionally, I felt overwhelmed, exhausted, and defeated. But reaching out to Rob became the turning point.

Through our virtual coaching sessions, I rediscovered the joyful, confident version of myself I hadn’t seen in over a decade. Rob’s mix of insight, accountability, and compassion helped me shift long-held patterns of perfectionism, procrastination, and self-doubt. He taught me simple, practical strategies that brought immediate change—from daily habits to deeper mindset shifts.

One of the biggest breakthroughs? Realizing I didn’t have to be perfect to be impactful. I learned to trust my team, embrace imperfection, and show up more fully in my relationships. I even went on a bucket-list trip I nearly cancelled—and came home with new friends and lifelong memories.

If you’re considering working with Rob, do it. The process is deep, personal, and transformative. You have nothing to lose—and everything to gain.”

Scott B

Real Estate Agent

Australia

Redefining Priorities

"I struggled with negative self-talk and had a lack of personal prioritisation that affected my overall well-being and happiness."

“Working with Rob was nothing short of transformative. His powerful blend of empathy, deep listening, and actionable guidance helped me face some tough personal truths and step into a new chapter of my life with clarity and confidence.

I’ve spent much of my life as a people pleaser, putting others’ needs before my own. Rob helped me flip that script—supporting me to let go of toxic patterns, shift my self-talk, and start prioritising myself without guilt.

What sets Rob apart is his genuine care. His support goes beyond the session. He creates a safe space, offers meaningful insight, and encourages growth in a way that feels empowering and real.

If you’re looking for a coach who truly gets it and can guide you through change—Rob is your guy.”

Fiona H

Meditation Coach

Australia

Releasing The Past

I was able to release long-held negative beliefs that were holding me back.

I am incredibly grateful for the transformative hypnotherapy experience I had with Rob recently.

His expertise and gentle guidance created a safe and secure environment where I could delve into my past with ease. Through his skillfull approach, I was able to release long-held negative beliefs that were holding me back.

Our session left me feeling empowered and more in tune with myself. I highly recommend Rob’s services to anyone seeking profound personal growth and healing.”

Nic Tito

Scientist

Netherlands

Unlocking the Unseen

"I thought I knew myself inside and out before working with Rob."

“I’m Nicholas, an American expat in the Netherlands and co-founder of a bio-tech startup. At 37, after a decade abroad, life had narrowed—what once felt like an adventure became a pinpoint of light. I turned to Rob for guidance and what I found was far deeper than I expected.

Through his coaching, I gained powerful introspection and uncovered unconscious patterns driving my choices and fears. Rob creates a space that feels like talking to a close friend, yet keeps you focused and accountable. Every session brought clarity.

Now, at 38, I understand myself on a much deeper level. I’m more grounded, more empowered, and more prepared for the road ahead.”

Matt P

Human Resources

Australia

From Fear to Confidence

“I felt stuck, unable to pinpoint why I wasn’t making progress toward my goals.”

“I had put off working with a coach out of fear—of being challenged and not knowing what to expect. But after one meeting with Rob, I knew I was in the right hands.

Rob worked around my schedule and helped me get clear on both my long-term goals and the blocks that were keeping me stuck. Together, we looked at the whole picture—personal and professional—and I learned how to make real, practical changes through guided reflection and honest conversation.

Rob creates a safe, judgment-free space that empowered me to move forward with confidence.”

Simon N

Real Estate Director & Strategic Program Manager

Switzerland

Clarity & Direction

“Rob wasn’t just a coach — he was a guide, a thoughtful listener, and a trusted thought partner.”

I wasn't looking for a life coach, but meeting Rob came at the right moment during a pivotal chapter in my life. After decades in a successful professional career, I found myself at a crossroads, uncertain about what lay ahead, yet knowing it needed to be different.

Rob wasn't just a coach - he was a guide, a thoughtful listener, and a trusted thought partner. What began as a career-focused conversation soon evolved into something much deeper - a journey of personal rediscovery.

Through our sessions, I reconnected with what truly matters to me - purpose, community, and creating meaningful impact. Rob's ability to ask the right questions, hold space without judgment, and gently challenge my thinking brought a level of clarity I hadn't anticipated. He helped me rekindle my values, realign my priorities, and uncover a renewed sense of direction.

I move forward now with more clarity, confidence, and deep appreciation for the path that lies ahead. I believe our paths crossed not by accident, but by design, and I'm incredibly grateful for Rob's support during this transformative time.