About Rockpool Coaching

I’m Dean Coates, businesses owner and a business coach. My coaching journey began back in 2013, when I was managing regional govt education contracts. After nearly 18 years in the education sector, I found the work fulfilling, challenging, and rewarding yet I felt something was missing. I felt a strong pull to work more closely with creative people, those driven by ideas, imagination, and passion. I worked with a coach to help me realise my dream of having my own business working with creatives and a year later I launched my own limited company working with artists, designers, makers and creative thinkers.

Fast-forward more than a decade, and my business is still going strong. Along the way, I’ve gained a great deal of experience. It hasn’t always been smooth, but it has been full of purpose, creativity, and connection. I’ve had the privilege of working with many inspiring collaborators, clients, and freelancers from around the world. Coaching didn’t just shape my career; it helped me design a life that feels more authentic, enjoyable, and flexible.

Having been a coaching client and experienced the value first hand I decided to train as a coach with Animas and obtained a Transformative Coaching Diploma, and in 2024 set up Rockpool to partner with creative entrepreneurs and business owners. It isn’t all about making money and ruling the world but establishing a business that can give you work satisfaction, flexibility, work/life balance and fulfilment. If this resonates with you then get in touch through my contact page.