By Stan Millar, Marketing & Communications Intern

When I first sat down with Rachael Carley, I could immediately tell she was someone driven by purpose, adventure, and a commitment to making the world better. Rachael is the Director of Carley Coaching, a B Corp–certified leadership and sustainability company that helps purpose-led businesses work toward certification and increase their positive impact on people and the planet. Her journey is anything but ordinary — and that’s exactly what made our conversation so inspiring.

A Life Built Outdoors and With Purpose

Rachael’s career began in the outdoors. She worked as an instructor, taking people climbing in the mountains, helping teams build trust, face challenges, and grow together. She even travelled the world with the groups she led. That spirit of adventure eventually led her to start a youth charity, which she ran for sixteen years. But even then, she felt she wasn’t spending enough time working directly with people at a deeper level.

That realisation pushed her toward coaching and sustainability consulting. Today, she supports people who run purpose-driven businesses, helping them strengthen their environmental and social impact while staying true to what they care about.

No Such Thing as a “Typical Day”

One of the things I admired most is that Rachael doesn’t have a standard work routine — and she likes it that way. Her days might include coaching clients, supporting B Corp applications, leading a walk or bike ride, or creating social media content. The variety keeps her energised and engaged.

She does so many things well because she invests heavily in learning. Whether it’s personal development, sustainability, or outdoor leadership, Rachael constantly works on herself so she can offer more to the people she supports.

Following Her Own Path

Rachael has always followed her own compass. When she was younger, she once told a teacher she wanted to climb Everest and become a psychologist. While she didn’t become a psycologist or summit Everest, she has climbed many mountains and still loves endurance cycling. Above all, she loves working with people — helping them discover answers and confidence for themselves through coaching.

Personally, I thought it was really cool that she’s climbed so many mountains!

Shared Values With Lily’s and Carley Coaching

What struck me most is how aligned Lily’s and Carley Coaching are. Both are Kent-based businesses with a passion for improving their local communities. Both focus on supporting local people, building networks with other purpose-driven organisations, and contributing to a more positive and sustainable world. It’s no surprise that our paths crossed.

A Creative Side You Might Not Expect

Something people might not know about Rachael is that she has a degree in interior design. She loves art, architecture, and music — creative passions she doesn’t always get time for but still cares deeply about. It’s another layer to someone who lives a truly multidimensional life.

Final Thoughts

My interview with Rachael left me inspired. She’s someone who has built a life around purpose, challenge, learning, and helping others do meaningful work. From mountain cliffs to coaching calls, she brings the same energy: supporting people to grow, understand themselves, and make a difference.

I’m grateful I had the chance to speak with her — and I hope her story inspires others as much as it inspired me.