The Coaching Academy Blog - 14 Feb 2025

From engineering in the chilly UK to coaching in sunny Spain

In this week's blog we're catching up with Coaching Academy graduate Lars Gerull. Once a mechanical engineer, Lars now specialises in guiding engineers and tech professionals through major career transitions - helping them land roles that aren’t just jobs but true passions. Read on to discover Lar's journey and insights on making bold career moves with confidence!

Student Stories

So, here's my story: I'm originally from Germany, but I cut my teeth as a mechanical engineer in the chilly yet charming UK. At first, the world of engineering was a thrilling adventure—new challenges, innovative solutions, you name it. But as time ticked on, I noticed a pattern: each new job, while exciting at first, quickly lost its shine. It dawned on me that this wasn't the fulfilment I was chasing.

The Turning Point

Then one rainy afternoon, I found myself watching a Tony Robbins seminar. The guy was electrifying—speaking with such passion and genuine enthusiasm for transformative change. It was like he was talking directly to me. I thought, "Why not me?" Why couldn't I be the one sparking that kind of transformative change in others? 

Inspired, I decided to give coaching a whirl and signed up for The Coaching Academy's free 'Introduction to Life Coaching' event.  That day changed everything for me!

A Bump in the Road

Just as I was gearing up to lead my very first coaching session, life threw me a curveball—a kidney stroke. It was a rough spot, no doubt, but I chose to see it as a sign. A sign that I needed to really commit and push through, no matter the obstacles. This moment of adversity wasn't just a setback; it became a part of my story and a testament to my resilience.

Expanding My Horizons

Juggling my day job as an engineer with my newfound passion, I started to dip my toes into the coaching world. I landed gigs with top-notch organizations like BetterUp, MindGym, and Bloom. But one of the most fulfilling experiences was working with Amazon. There, I helped folks transition from warehouse roles to tech-centric positions. It was incredible to see how the right guidance could literally catapult someone into a new and exciting career path.

Fuelled by these experiences, I launched Toolbox-Coaching. It's a nod to my engineering background—tools for building and fine-tuning careers, not just gadgets and gizmos. The success of this venture eventually allowed me to fulfil a dream of mine—moving to sunny Spain. This wasn't just about chasing better weather (though that was a nice perk!); it was about embracing a lifestyle that matched the values I teach through my coaching: balance, passion, and a zest for life.

Looking to the Future

Today, I specialize in guiding engineers and techies through significant career shifts, helping them find roles that are not just jobs but passions. My work is about empowering these professionals to discover careers that resonate with their personal values and aspirations. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the feeling of helping someone land that dream job—it's why I do what I do.

As I look ahead, I'm excited to expand my reach further. I plan to keep collaborating with businesses, bringing my unique blend of coaching to larger audiences and creating environments where innovation thrives alongside personal growth.

Reflecting on my journey from a methodical engineer in the UK to a life coach under the Spanish sun, I realize it's been quite the ride—a testament to the power of following one's passion. With the right tools, a bit of grit, and a dash of courage, anyone can build a life that's not just successful but deeply fulfilling.

So, here I am, living the dream in Spain, ready to help others build their dream careers too. If you're feeling stuck or just curious about what else is out there, let's chat. Who knows? Maybe it's your turn to make a big move. After all, life’s too short not to pursue what makes you truly happy. Cheers to new beginnings and sunny adventures ahead!

Thank you Lars for giving us a glimpse into your inspiring coaching journey!