Carmel Drake | Life Coach

Navigate life's crossroads with confidence, purpose and balance

Hi, I’m Carmel, a UK-raised certified Executive and Life Coach, based in Madrid, Spain since 2008.

I support busy individuals navigate and implement changes in their lives.

Whether it's a change you control or one that’s thrust upon you, we all face change at some point in our lives. Even small changes can be hard to navigate alone. But with the right support, change is not only achievable, it can also be enjoyable.

My approach is:

action-oriented ensuring that we identify your goals and translate them into concrete steps with tangible results.
I help you connect with your inner wisdom and I encourage you to be courageous in facing fears and stepping outside your comfort zone.
I assist in building resilience and self-compassion to navigate and recover from setbacks that inevitably arise.

In our work together, you’ll find a calm, supportive space that's free from judgement where you can truly pause, take stock and grow.

I specialise in providing 1:1 support to:

individuals exploring a career transition, change of role or promotion;
women returning to work after a period of extended leave (to raise children, care for relatives, due to illness etc.;
busy professionals (especially those with big jobs and small kids) seeking to balance their responsibilities and find time for themselves and their passions;
trailing spouses navigating the ups and downs of life overseas and redefining their purpose.

Why work with me?

Life is precious. We only get one chance to live it. From a young age, I learned the value of making considered choices, from deferring my place at university to work and travel overseas; to moving to Madrid to learn Spanish in my late 20s; to changing careers (twice) to live in alignment with my values.

As an Executive and Life Coach, I help busy individuals navigate career transitions and find balance. Together, we uncover what truly matters to you, fostering self-awareness and empowering you to navigate life's twists and turns with clarity and confidence.

If you're ready to (re)infuse your life with purpose, and you'd like some support from a trusted and impartial sounding board, then click on the button below to book a free, no-obligation, 30-minute videocall with me today.

Let this be the sign you need to understand yourself better and experience a remarkable improvement in your quality of life

Scroll down to read about past clients' experiences of working with me and for details of the personalised packages I offer.

Start your next chapter 📖

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"I thought perhaps having a Life Coach was for privileged execs with time to spare for contemplation and self-reflection. I was wrong. Working with Carmel has helped me balance babies, a big job and an MBA. She has encouraged self-growth and enabled my development, and the tools shared get me through the hardest days".

- Emer, Global Media Director, Ireland

"Carmel was able to guide me through a transitory period of my life offering real practical advice and useful exercises along the way. I was able to reflect on my choices and view them from different perspectives using her tools, which ultimately helped me come to some big decisions involving my career and relocation. She displayed warmth, empathy and a real interest in my situation and was always completely non-judgmental. I really enjoyed our sessions and would definitely recommend Carmel to anyone wanting to rethink any aspect of their life".

Lucy, Teacher, Brighton

"During my time with Carmel, she both held a supportive container and helped challenge thoughts that weren’t serving me. Her guidance was invaluable in revealing areas where I needed to cultivate greater self-compassion and offering practical strategies to integrate it into my daily life. Thanks so much for your support Carmel!"

Sara, Translator, Madrid

I had no idea what to expect when I plucked up the courage to share my concerns about where I felt I was failing in my career. Carmel supported and guided me through the thoughts and anxieties that I had unknowingly masked. Her gentle manner and non-judgmental approach, along with asking the right questions got me to a very happy confident place again. I will not hesitate to re-invest in coaching with Carmel

Deborah, School Business Manager, Yorkshire

"I thought perhaps having a Life Coach was for privileged execs with time to spare for contemplation and self-reflection. I was wrong. Working with Carmel has helped me balance babies, a big job and an MBA. She has encouraged self-growth and enabled my development, and the tools shared get me through the hardest days".

- Emer, Global Media Director, Ireland

"Carmel was able to guide me through a transitory period of my life offering real practical advice and useful exercises along the way. I was able to reflect on my choices and view them from different perspectives using her tools, which ultimately helped me come to some big decisions involving my career and relocation. She displayed warmth, empathy and a real interest in my situation and was always completely non-judgmental. I really enjoyed our sessions and would definitely recommend Carmel to anyone wanting to rethink any aspect of their life".

Lucy, Teacher, Brighton

"During my time with Carmel, she both held a supportive container and helped challenge thoughts that weren’t serving me. Her guidance was invaluable in revealing areas where I needed to cultivate greater self-compassion and offering practical strategies to integrate it into my daily life. Thanks so much for your support Carmel!"

Sara, Translator, Madrid

I had no idea what to expect when I plucked up the courage to share my concerns about where I felt I was failing in my career. Carmel supported and guided me through the thoughts and anxieties that I had unknowingly masked. Her gentle manner and non-judgmental approach, along with asking the right questions got me to a very happy confident place again. I will not hesitate to re-invest in coaching with Carmel

Deborah, School Business Manager, Yorkshire

"I thought perhaps having a Life Coach was for privileged execs with time to spare for contemplation and self-reflection. I was wrong. Working with Carmel has helped me balance babies, a big job and an MBA. She has encouraged self-growth and enabled my development, and the tools shared get me through the hardest days".

- Emer, Global Media Director, Ireland

"Carmel was able to guide me through a transitory period of my life offering real practical advice and useful exercises along the way. I was able to reflect on my choices and view them from different perspectives using her tools, which ultimately helped me come to some big decisions involving my career and relocation. She displayed warmth, empathy and a real interest in my situation and was always completely non-judgmental. I really enjoyed our sessions and would definitely recommend Carmel to anyone wanting to rethink any aspect of their life".

Lucy, Teacher, Brighton

"During my time with Carmel, she both held a supportive container and helped challenge thoughts that weren’t serving me. Her guidance was invaluable in revealing areas where I needed to cultivate greater self-compassion and offering practical strategies to integrate it into my daily life. Thanks so much for your support Carmel!"

Sara, Translator, Madrid

I had no idea what to expect when I plucked up the courage to share my concerns about where I felt I was failing in my career. Carmel supported and guided me through the thoughts and anxieties that I had unknowingly masked. Her gentle manner and non-judgmental approach, along with asking the right questions got me to a very happy confident place again. I will not hesitate to re-invest in coaching with Carmel

Deborah, School Business Manager, Yorkshire

Choose the Coaching Program that Best Serves You*

*Or let me help you design your own 😊

Time to Think

Gift yourself the space to pause, reflect, and refocus with Time to Think—a personalised coaching program designed to help you regain clarity, balance and inner peace.

More info

Eastern Bluebird, Sialia sialis, male bird in flight

Wings to Fly

Navigate the next chapter with Wings to Fly—a 6-week customised coaching program designed to help you embrace change, rediscover your passions and find renewed purpose.

More info

Own Your Journey

Transform your life with Own Your Journey—a powerful 12-week coaching program designed to help you confidently navigate career crossroads and make impactful decisions for your future.

More info

Contact me

Contact me for more information or to book a complimentary 30-minute videocall consultation.

I hold most of my coaching sessions online to accommodate a variety of locations and time zones. I also offer in-person coaching sessions in central Madrid.