Dr Alex Lai
Burnout & Transition Coach
Helping people through challenging times in their life.
I’m passionate about supporting people through the complex, challenging moments of their lives — times of exhaustion, change and deep questioning.
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I combine coaching with aspects of psychology, mentoring, signposting and advice.
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My work is rooted in compassion, shaped by lived experience and guided by a belief that, even through the most challenging periods of life, I can help reveal in you profound opportunities for growth and transformation.
For more details contact me at:
“It would be no exaggeration to say this experience has been career altering for me. The coach brought out thoughts, ideas and solutions from within myself in two sessions that I had not been able to find in years. Before this experience, leaving the profession was a very real consideration and I am leaving the coaching with a newfound enthusiasm and hope for my career as a GP.”
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"I'm not sure if you remember me, but during the COVID period, I reached out to you for some coaching. I mentioned wanting to get into the sustainability field, and you gave me such impactful support. Since then, I completed a master's program, and for the past three years, l've been working in sustainability. Yesterday, I had a 'pinch me' moment while visiting a client in Dubai, realizing how far l've come. It felt like a dream, knowing I'm helping companies reduce their carbon footprint. There were many moments of self-doubt along the way, but this milestone is incredibly special to me. Thank you - you truly changed my life!"
About Me
My own path into this work began during my training to become a General Practitioner, when I unexpectedly found myself becoming a mental health carer for my partner who developed a severe mental illness. That experience changed me. Juggling the demands of a high-pressure training environment while supporting a loved one opened my eyes to the invisible load so many carry and to how little space the system often gives us to navigate it. I eventually made the decision to go less than full time in my work and eventually became an advocate for less than full time doctors, pushing for greater understanding and flexibility in the profession.
Through these experiences I developed a deep respect for the courage it takes to carve out your own path, especially when it doesn’t fit the mould. I came to understand the weight of stigma, the complexities of mental illness from multiple angles and the transformative power of being seen and supported.
In 2019, just prior to the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic, I co-founded The WorkWell Doctors, recognising the need for better support of healthcare professionals as they faced extraordinary stress and uncertainty. It was during this time that I decided to train as a coach, completing a two-year transformational coaching course while navigating the collective and personal upheaval of the pandemic.
Since then, I’ve supported individuals returning to work after burnout, anxiety or extended periods of absence — people who are often unsure how to start again, or what “starting again” even looks like. I also work with those who feel called to change direction entirely, helping them untangle fears and rediscover the quiet voice of possibility within.
What lights me up in this work is witnessing the shift — when someone moves from 'stuckness' to clarity, from fear to trust, from surviving to truly thriving.
I see coaching as a partnership: I walk alongside you as you navigate the knots and uncover the truths you already hold. My role is to hold space for your voice, ask the right questions and champion your potential — even, and especially, when you can’t see it yet.
If you’re in a place of transition, burnout or uncertainty, know this: there are more options than you think, and you’re not alone in finding your way forward.
Testimonials
What behaviours, practices or resources did you find most helpful in the coaching engagement?
What has been your most profound take away from your coaching experience?
What would you say Alex’s strengths are?
"The structured one-to-one discussions were incredibly valuable, particularly the way negative thinking was challenged and the focus on cultivating self-kindness."
"The guidance provided was excellent, empowering me to think through problems effectively on my own."
"I found the empathetic engagement and well-guided reflections to be extremely beneficial. The coaching also provided invaluable help in reframing my mindset and signposted me to helpful resources."
"The coaching sessions were truly excellent and have significantly boosted my confidence."
"I've gained new concepts that are already enabling positive change and personal growth."
"A profound takeaway for me has been recognising and embracing my autonomy in my work-life balance – I now feel genuinely empowered to utilise it."
"Alex is incredibly positive and has provided me with clear and actionable goals to move forward with."
"Alex possesses excellent active listening skills, demonstrates genuine empathy, and offers truly constructive comments."
"A real strength of Alex's is his ability to reflect my own words back to me in a way that helps me find my own solutions. He is also incredibly patient."
"Alex is both motivating and refreshingly non-judgemental. He thoughtfully allows me the time I need to articulate my thoughts and empowers me to discover my own solutions to challenges."
"Alex is friendly, approachable, and a great listener. He also offers really insightful suggestions and demonstrates a strong understanding of the stresses and challenges I face."
"Alex's excellent active listening and insightful contributions, combined with his skillful application of positive psychology and extensive knowledge of resources, were truly impressive. His kindness, understanding, and genuine wish to help are deeply appreciated. Thank you!"