ActionCOACH’s network welcomes three new recruits

Sean O’Donnell, Canice Nicholas. and Lyndon Rakowski will be contributing to expansion efforts across Hertfordshire, Birmingham South, and Northern Ireland

Business coaching franchise ActionCOACH has announced that its expanding its franchising network with three new additions to the team.

Sean O’Donnell, franchise partner, ActionCOACH Hertfordshire

Among them is Sean O’Donnell, who will be officially launching his ActionCOACH business across Hertfordshire from July.

O’Donnell said: “I can’t wait to get started. ActionCOACH was the perfect next step for me – their systems and processes have produced results for businesses for over 30 years – it was a no-brainer!”

The new franchise partner comes from a background in sales, with nearly two decades experience in leadership positions.

“ActionCOACH provides me with the opportunity to combine my passion for growing businesses with coaching people,” said O’Donnell. 

“The initial training had a profound effect on me too. It was almost like an epiphany where I realised what was important to me and what I wanted to achieve in the future.” 

Canice Nicholas, business development manager, ActionCOACH Northern Ireland

ActionCOACH has also been focusing on expansion efforts in Northern Ireland which has led to Canice Nicholas joining the team as a business development manager.

“We’re planning to build the infrastructure across Northern Ireland. We currently only have two coaches across the country – one in Belfast and one in Bangor – so we’re now raising the profile of ActionCOACH to continue to grow,” commented Nicholas.

The new business development manager has previously built his own pharmacy group up to nearly 20 stores and more than 240 staff members across UK and Ireland.

His experience led to ActionCOACH founder Brad Sugars reaching out to Nicholas three years ago, which enticed him to join the brand.

“ActionCOACH made so much sense to me. Their approach to professional development was such a standout. I think if I’d been an independent coach, I would have been consistently left behind – ActionCOACH’s encouragement of continued learning means you’re always on top of your game as a coach.” 

Lyndon Rakowski, general manager, ActionCOACH Birmingham South

In March 2024, Lyndon Rakowski also joined ActionCOACH in Birmingham South, after completing a master’s in business.

Rakowski said: “The bulk of my career has been in the manufacturing industry, the latter half of which was spent in senior leadership roles.

“When COVID hit, I decided to resign and did a master’s degree in business. When I was studying for my MBA, I saw the advertisement for ActionCOACH general manager and started doing some research.”

Rakowski is hoping to learn quickly in the role, with the ambitious of investing in his own ActionCOACH franchise business in the future.

“I’m looking to employ another coach and by this time next year have our own office. Further down the line, I’d like to invest in my own ActionCOACH franchise,” he said.

Ian Christelow, co-founder at ActionCOACH UK co-founder also commented on the trio joining the business: “Each of them brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective that will undoubtedly contribute to our mission of helping businesses grow and succeed; because being in business should give you more life. I’m excited to see the impact they will make in their respective regions.”

Image(L-R): Sean O’Donnell, Canice Nicholas, Lyndon Rakowski