How to Choose the Best NDIS Business Coach

If you’re building or growing your NDIS business, you’ve probably heard people say, "You need a business coach!" And they’re not wrong, having the right coach can completely change the game. But the keyword here is "right." Because not all coaches are created equal, especially in a specialised space like the NDIS.

So how do you choose a business coach who truly understands your world, your challenges, your purpose and your heart? One who will help you grow without burning out or losing sight of why you started?

Let’s break it down, real talk style, with a focus on what really matters. Here are the 10 best qualities to look for:

1. Look for Real Lived Experience in the NDIS

Nothing beats experience. A coach who has personally built, managed or scaled an NDIS business understands the real life challenges that come with audits, rostering, team management, compliance, cancellations and everything in between. They won’t just tell you what the rules say, they’ll help you navigate the grey areas with confidence and integrity.

When someone has lived through what you’re living, they can speak with empathy and give practical, time tested advice. That kind of insight can save you years of trial and error.

2. Choose a Coach Who Gets the Juggle

Running an NDIS business while raising kids, caring for family or managing your own health is no small feat. A great coach won’t just throw you a strategy and expect you to work 16 hour days. They’ll help you build smarter, not harder.

They understand that flexibility, boundaries and sustainability matter just as much as profit. And they’ll guide you to create systems that support your real life, school runs, appointments and all.

3. Ask if They’ve Managed a Team

Hiring, onboarding, training, mediating conflict, managing a team is one of the biggest shifts you’ll face as your business grows. You want a coach who has done it themselves. Someone who understands the emotional and logistical weight of leadership.

They’ll help you design a team structure that aligns with your business model, culture and goals. And they’ll support you through the tricky stuff, performance management, motivation and growth pathways.

4. Alignment with Your Values

If you’re building a business that’s deeply rooted in care and community, you don’t want a coach who only talks dollars and scaling. The right coach will take time to understand what matters most to you, integrity, family, flexibility, impact and help you make decisions that reflect those priorities.

They’ll never push you into something that doesn’t sit right. Instead, they’ll help you stay anchored in your vision while moving forward with clarity.

5. They Should Teach Leadership, Not Just Admin

It’s easy to find a coach who can show you how to set up a CRM or manage an audit. But true business success comes from learning to lead yourself and others.

Look for someone who can help you step into the CEO role. Someone who will guide you to think bigger, lead with confidence and build a workplace culture that attracts and retains great people.

6. Choose Someone Who’s Not Afraid to Call You Out

A good coach will encourage you. A great coach will challenge you.

If you’re avoiding a hard conversation with a staff member, slipping into people pleasing or stretching yourself too thin, you need a coach who will gently call it out. Not from a place of judgement, but from a place of deep belief in your potential.

Growth lives outside the comfort zone. The right coach will keep you accountable while holding you with compassion.

7. Make Sure They’re in It for the Right Reasons

You’ll feel it. A coach who’s passionate about impact, people and purpose, not just paydays and personal brands will make you feel seen, heard and supported.

Look for someone who lights up when you share your vision. Someone who genuinely wants to see you succeed on your own terms. That’s the kind of support that makes all the difference.

8. Look for Practical Tools and Systems

You need more than pep talks. The right coach will equip you with the tools, templates, workflows and strategies you need to build a solid, sustainable business.

Think policy packs, onboarding sequences, team meeting agendas, KPI trackers, time management tools. These practical supports will save you hours and bring immediate clarity to your operations.

9. Are They Transparent About Their Own Journey?

If a coach only ever talks about their wins, be cautious. You want someone who is honest about their own lessons, mistakes and pivots. That’s where the most powerful insights come from.

A transparent coach builds trust. They show you that setbacks are part of the journey and they model what it looks like to rise with grace and integrity.

10. You Feel It In Your Gut

Never underestimate intuition. When you find the right coach, you’ll feel it. You’ll feel safe, inspired, and understood. You won’t feel pressured or pushed you’ll feel supported and empowered.

Trust that feeling. Your business is too important to put in the hands of someone who doesn’t feel like the right fit.

Choosing the right NDIS business coach is a big decision. But when you find the right one, it can transform everything. You deserve support that’s values aligned, empowering and practical. Someone who sees your potential and helps you unlock it in a way that honours your life, not just your revenue.

And if you're still looking for someone who understands the NDIS space deeply, has been in the trenches, and is committed to helping you grow with integrity and alignment, I'm here.

This journey isn't meant to be walked alone.

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