Meet The Mettle Coach: A New Kind of Wellness Coaching for Cancer Warriors and Caregivers
“I went to Alissa for a headshot for my new coaching business, which I started because of the transformations taking place in my life due to my cancer diagnosis.” That is what Andrew Mainwaring, Founder and Lead Coach at The Mettle Coach, shared about his why for new headshots.
Despite being a third-year cancer journeyer, Andrew is living well, busy, & building his new coaching brand. “Today, I am honing my skills around building a new business, which includes making contacts, reaching out to clients, & developing my reputation in the coaching industry, specifically in the area of wellness, for clients who are cancer journeyers, as well as clients who are oncological treatment providers. As a patient, spending time in hospitals & clinics, my eyes were opened to the need to support care teams. Identifying the need for cohesion provides an important opportunity to help.”
Before is a big word for Andrew. Before 2022. Before his routine yearly check-up and blood profile. Before his cancer diagnosis, he was living what he thought was a normal, healthy life. And, before he founded his own company, “I was a VP of HR at Yahoo. When my original diagnosis was given to me, I had to choose treatment options, & it wasn’t easy. I chose what would cause the least disruption in my life: High Intensity Focused Ultrasound. I thought I had beaten cancer, but less than a year later, it had returned aggressively.” Andrew underwent surgery, radiation, & a long course of ADT, with a year of treatment left to go. The cancer recurrence brought about a nervous breakdown. “Those mettle tests led me to connect with my values.”
That was the beginning of Andrew’s transformational journey to who he wants to be. “I’m an advanced-stage prostate cancer journeyer helping people like me feel hope and build their goals & dreams. That is key! I also have a heart to work with the healthcare professionals to conquer burnout and deal well with everyday challenges like caregiving fatigue.
My coaching system is designed to help clients change their catabolic feelings and thoughts into more energetic & anabolic ones. Mettle is the word I’ve chosen because it describes a person’s true ability to persevere in the face of adversity. To challenge someone’s mettle means to test them—the fabric from which they are made, while they stay spirited and resilient.”
Despite setbacks, Andrew has persevered and risen under pressure. Through his cancer diagnoses, treatments, & even repercussions from medications causing a complex spine fracture, Andrew has accomplished much. He has become an iPEC Certified Core Energy Coach, a Reiki Master, & founded his coaching business & obtained his LLC. He has fine-tuned his health through understanding the importance of self-care, exploring a plant-based diet, & continuing his fitness lifestyle through daily Spin classes. He is a dedicated supporter of a charity called Zero Prostate Cancer. His advocacy & care for others bring him deep satisfaction.
“If I can offer some advice to anybody who has been given a tough diagnosis. You feel like everything’s out of control, but there are things you can control.
1. Breathe. Remain calm & grounded.
2. Take your time, do your own research; the healthcare system is difficult to navigate.
3. Get second & third opinions – find out as much as you can about the person treating you.
4. Be your greatest advocate because you need to ask questions, demand the best care, & find resources that are going to help you.
5. Get involved in a community. That matters. Reach out & find support groups. They are everywhere. Begin by looking on Facebook or LinkedIn. They are really helpful!
I’ve leaned into a book by Mindy Gibbons-Klein called The Thoughtful Leader: How to use your head and your heart to inspire others. I am also a part of her leadership group. The connections I’ve made have been life changing. I am in a good season of my life now. I choose to work on things that bring me happiness and spring from passion.
I got connected with Alissa through the leadership group I’m in. Wow, her studio is professional & well-run. Alissa is very calm & relaxed. I couldn’t believe how quickly two hours passed while I was there. My photos came out really well. It was a wonderful experience.”