Based on both sides of the Atlantic, Canada and UK-based youth life coach, Quinn Simpson (aka “Coach Quinn“) is one busy young woman.  Only having finished her university studies at the University of Edinburgh a few years ago, Quinn became interested in life coaching after writing her dissertation examining self-help books. In her research, she found that young people, especially females, need to interact with someone with a similar life experience.  Therefore, she started her coach training with two International Coaching Federation accredited organizations – Coach U and the Coaches Training Institute.

Recently, she launched a life coaching business focusing primarily on youth between 14 and 24.  As someone who is close in age with her clients, she feels that she has a better understanding of youth than more experienced/mature coaches.  Of course, Quinn does not discriminate based on age; she has also worked with those who are “young at heart.”  However, her primary focus is on youth, especially those who are still in their teens.  This isn’t something which she will likely continue doing down the line – after all, teen/youth culture will evolve.  Eventually, she would like to train others to work with youth.

Coaching, especially with youth can be very challenging – many teens find it difficult to open up, particularly those who come from more reserved families.  There may be cultural issues as well.  Interestingly, parents have also contacted her to help their children.  Quinn has found that once she gets clients to talk about their lives, they open up – people love to talk about themselves.

Outside of coaching, Quinn is involved with a not-for-profit organization called Akosia, a project to help street children in Accra, Ghana.  There are over 20,000 street children in Accra, and increasing every day.  This summer, Akosia will be assisting 80 kids in writing, acting and directing a film.  It will give the children the opportunity to have a voice and a channel to create, develop and gain confidence.  The program is, in fact, very much like a camp – the kids are given meals and participate in sports and creative activities.

Where does Quinn see herself in the future?  Besides continuing her coaching business and training other people to work with youth, she would very much like to have her own television show – perhaps becoming the next Oprah Winfrey.