Carmel Drake | Executive & Expat Coach in Madrid

You know you’re capable. Let’s make sure it shows

You’re thoughtful, experienced and good at what you do — yet something about your work or direction doesn’t feel quite right.

Perhaps you hesitate to speak up in meetings.
Perhaps you’re questioning the direction of your career.
Perhaps living abroad has quietly shifted your sense of identity or purpose.

I’m Carmel Drake, an Executive and Expat Coach based in Madrid. I work with internationally-minded professionals who want space to think clearly, communicate confidently and move forward with intention.

UK-born and raised | Madrid since 2008
Coaching in English and Spanish.

Explore ways we could work together

A calm space to think clearly

Many professionals come to coaching when something important is shifting in their professional life.

From the outside they appear capable and successful. Internally they may feel uncertain about what comes next, how to approach a decision or how to navigate a complex situation at work.

Coaching provides a structured thinking space where you can slow down, strip away the noise and explore your options with clarity and perspective.

The aim is not simply insight — but thoughtful decisions and deliberate progress.

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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

Ways We Can Work Together

I offer several structured coaching programs designed to support clear thinking and confident progress.

These are the most common ways clients work with me, though we can always tailor the approach depending on your situation.

Speak Up, Stand Out

Confidence and visibility coaching for experienced professionals who want to communicate their ideas more clearly and confidently at work.

Learn More

Own Your Journey

Career clarity coaching for professionals who want space to think carefully about what comes next in their career.

Learn more

Belonging Abroad

Coaching for expat and accompanying partners navigating identity, purpose and direction after relocating.

Learn more

Preparing for an interview or presentation in English?

I also support Spanish-speaking professionals who want to perform at their best in English during interviews, presentations and other high-stakes professional moments.

These sessions are often run intensively — for example several 45-minute sessions across a single week — preparing for a specific interview, presentation or important professional conversation.

→ Interview & Presentation Coaching in English

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Why Clients Work with Me?

Combining corporate experience and coaching expertise

I’m an ICF-certified Executive and Expat Coach with more than 20 years of professional experience across corporate, international and self-employed environments.

I began my career at PwC and later built a successful freelance translation business, so I understand both the realities of large organisations and the demands of working independently.

Having lived and worked in Madrid since 2008, I also understand the personal and professional shifts that come with international moves.

Clients tell me they value the combination of:

corporate perspective
coaching expertise
emotional intelligence
cultural fluency
lived experience of career change

Contact me

Carmel Drake English-speaking Executive Coach Madrid

Curious whether coaching might help?

If you’re navigating an important professional decision or simply want space to think clearly about what comes next, the best next step is to talk.

Book a short introductory call or send me a message below and we can explore what’s on your mind and whether coaching would be useful.