Andrew Boardman

Coaching for creative professionals

Professional coaching

I help designers, technologists, and founders navigate career crossroads, imposter syndrome, and an industry in flux

I'm a certified professional coach through Concordia University and a member of the International Coaching Federation. My approach is based on over 25 years of experience in design and digital communications — I ran a design studio for 20 years and worked at digital agencies for over five.

I understand how the design, communications and web business works, and I know how challenging it is right now.

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Topics you might bring to coaching

Clients bring a wide range of topics, but very often designers and other professionals are challenged by things like imposter syndrome, speaking up for themselves, finding more rewarding work, building a great portfolio and, of course, worrying about their role and career in a time of meteoric change.

A few career-related topics I've heard over the past year or so:

  • "More and more of my work is being outsourced (or insourced) to AI. What will happen to me if I lose my job?"
  • "My boss does not listen to me. I have more to contribute to our organization but I'm feeling stuck and unappreciated."
  • "I need new skills and solid training to stay competitive. How am I going to stay relevant with so much going on?"
  • "I like designing for the web but I'd like to move into environmental design. I'm in a pretty messy place right now."
  • "I want to sell my business and become a consultant. But I feel like no one will respect me as a newbie advisor."
  • "I don't know what I'm doing anymore. I've lost touch with the artist that I was. But I know that I want to create."

Investment: Introductory package

I am currently taking on a limited number of clients. Working 1:1, we will create plans to challenge and to empower you.

Each session is about 1 hour and we will meet every 2 weeks.

Includes email Q&A throughout the engagement.

Everything discussed is 100% confidential.

The introductory call is free.

  • Sessions5 × 1 hour
  • Duration2 months
  • Monthly$320
  • Pay in full$600
Book an introductory call

How does coaching work?

Professional coaching is a focused, forward-looking conversation — not advice-giving, not therapy, and absolutely not about finding flaws. I bring a clear and non-judgmental approach to everything we discuss.

As well, coaching is goal-oriented. It is focused on the future — your future. Over a series of sessions, we discuss your goals, your hopes, your dreams and your desires. I will ask you powerful and sometimes difficult questions, listen actively, and provide feedback and reflection to help you build confidence as you step forward into action.

Good coaching can be a transformative process. I will help you find the solutions within your reach and create actionable plans that lead to positive momentum.

A coaching engagement with me starts with a free introductory call to see if we are a good fit. After our call, you can decide if you'd like to work together. There will be no pressure from me and no hard feelings if you decide it's not the right time and place.

Why work with me?

I do this work because I believe in the power of personal transformation. Coaching has helped me on numerous occasions, including when I was making large and difficult personal and career changes.

After going through numerous health challenges a few years ago, I decided to learn how to help others build their own capacity for change, joy and forward momentum.

I live and work in Montréal, Canada, and I help clients across Canada and the United States.

As the founder of a Certified B Corporation, I also believe that each of us – and every business – has the capacity and responsibility to build social impact into their work.

Questions I am often asked

How long is a coaching engagement?

The gold standard to start is 5 sessions. This gives you the time and space to start and move forward.

What does a session look like?

We meet online for one hour. I listen carefully, ask questions that are relevant to your goals, and provide perspective. By the end of each session, you have a plan of action.

What are your credentials?

I completed a professional coaching certification through one-year course at Concordia University. I am also a member of the International Coaching Federation and am working on obtaining my ACC certification through the ICF.

Is coaching the same as therapy?

No — coaching is about goal-setting and is focused on your future, your vision, your hopes.

What about confidentiality?

I take privacy and confidentiality very seriously. Everything you tell me is between us. And I choose to use online tools that put client privacy first.

What if my topic is more personal than career-related?

That's okay! I'm trained to help you achieve any goal that you have in mind.