ABOUT PHILLIPA JACOBS-SMITH
I help women in midlife feel stronger, more energised and more in tune with their bodies as they navigate the physical and emotional shifts of perimenopause and post menopause. My coaching blends evidence-based strategies in nutrition, movement and lifestyle with a deep respect for each woman’s unique experience. Whether I’m working one-to-one, guiding group programmes, or speaking in the workplace, my goal is always the same: to empower women with practical tools, compassionate support and the confidence to take charge of their health—not just for today, but for the years ahead.
This work is a true privilege. Seeing a woman reconnect with her vitality, rediscover her spark and feel at home in her own skin again—it’s the reason I do what I do.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PERSUE A CAREER IN NUTRITION AND HEALTH COACHING OR NUTRITIONAL THERAPY?
When I was made redundant, it felt like life had hit pause. But rather than seeing it as an ending, I chose to view it as a beginning—a moment to ask myself what truly mattered and where I wanted to make a difference. I’ve always been passionate about sport and movement, but I realised I wanted to dig deeper into the “why” behind women’s health—especially around midlife, when so many of us feel adrift and overlooked.
I was increasingly curious about female physiology and driven by a desire to work more holistically—to not just hand out advice but walk alongside women as they learn to care for themselves in a way that feels nourishing, sustainable and empowering. Nutrition and Health Coaching offered the perfect way to bring together the science I love with the compassion I thrive on.
Now, I get to support women as they enter this incredible third stage of life, helping them feel stronger, more confident and more at home in their own bodies. And honestly? I can’t imagine doing anything more fulfilling.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO STUDY NUTRITION AND HEALTH COACHING?
I wanted to expand my knowledge of nutrition and learn how I could support others to address their own specific goals. IINH’s focus on evidence-based learning really stood out to me. It offered the opportunity to understand not only the “what” and “why” of nutrition, but also how to work with people in a real-world, supportive way.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE OR ACHIEVEMENT SINCE GRADUATING?
Selling my first coaching programme was more than a business milestone—it was the moment everything clicked. I remember the conversation with my first client so clearly: she felt stuck, fatigued and disconnected from herself, unsure whether anything could really make a difference. But she was brave enough to say yes—to herself, to coaching and to change.
Over the weeks that followed, I witnessed an extraordinary shift. As we worked together, blending personalised guidance with science-backed insights on nutrition and midlife physiology, she began to reclaim her energy, rebuild her confidence and even try strength training for the first time—something she’d never imagined herself doing, let alone loving.
That experience grounded me in the real magic of this work. Coaching isn’t about giving someone a plan and hoping they follow it—it’s about showing up with empathy, creating structure and gently guiding someone back to themselves. Seeing a woman go from feeling invisible to feeling powerful again… that’s what fuels me every day.
Before starting my training at IINH, I thought I had a solid grasp of what health looked like—good food, regular movement, decent sleep. But I quickly realised from the course how much more there was beneath the surface— the intricate ways our bodies, minds and emotions are connected—especially during midlife, when everything seems to shift at once.
It changed my own approach profoundly. I stopped chasing perfect plans and started tuning in to what felt realistic, meaningful and kind. That shift filtered directly into the way I coach. I work collaboratively, helping women build a toolkit that fits their lives.
I think of one client who came to me constantly bloated and exhausted. Through our conversations, she connected the dots between her stress levels and digestion. With a few small changes—like how she approached mealtimes, slowing down and checking in with herself—her energy lifted, her mood improved and she began to feel truly in control again.
It’s those moments, when someone feels seen, heard and empowered, that remind me just how transformational this approach can be.
HOW HAVE YOU SEEN YOUR WORK POSITIVELY IMPACT OTHERS?
The impact I’ve seen is real, personal and often quite moving. Many women come to me feeling drained, foggy and unsure where to begin. But as we start working together, I watch them begin to shift—reconnecting with their bodies, making sense of their symptoms and finally feeling like they’re back in the driver’s seat.
One woman told me she hadn’t felt energised in years and by the end of our time together she was waking up refreshed, exercising again, and making food choices that truly nourished her. But the biggest transformation? Confidence. I see it time and again—women trusting themselves, setting boundaries and learning to care for their health without guilt or apology.
What moves me most is seeing someone go from “just getting by” to truly thriving. That ripple effect—on their mood, relationships and sense of self—is exactly why I love being a Health and Nutrition Coach. One of the things I hear most often is, “I finally feel seen.” That kind of feedback means the world to me. Women tell me they appreciate how I listen without judgment and how I make health feel accessible rather than intimidating. They often share that it’s the mix of evidence-based advice with real empathy that helps them stay motivated and actually enjoy the process.
I’ve had clients say things like, “I’ve never understood my body the way I do now,” or “You made hormones make sense!” Knowing that I can help someone unravel the confusion and feel more in control—without the overwhelm—is incredibly rewarding.
But what stays with me most is when women describe a shift in how they speak to themselves: with more kindness, confidence and curiosity. That’s the real win. It’s not just about symptoms easing—it’s about women feeling empowered to show up for themselves fully and unapologetically.
WHAT’S BEEN THE MOST UNEXPECTED OR EXCITING PART OF YOUR JOURNEY SO FAR?
What’s surprised me most is how deeply fulfilling this work has become—not just professionally, but personally. I set out wanting to support other women through the challenges of peri and post menopause but I didn’t expect how much I’d grow alongside them. Every conversation, every “aha” moment reminds me of the power of coaching, connection and shared experience.
And equally special has been the friendships formed during my time at IINH. My classmates weren’t just fellow students—they became sounding boards, cheerleaders and kindred spirits. Watching each other evolve, blossom and find our own unique paths since graduating has been an unexpected joy. That sense of community and mutual encouragement continues to lift me, long after the course ended.
It also feels like I’m part of something bigger—a growing movement where health coaching is not only valued, but truly taking off. More and more people are seeking personalised support, investing in their wellbeing and prioritising long-term vitality over quick fixes. There’s a noticeable shift toward preventative, proactive care—and it’s exciting to play a role in helping women feel more informed, more confident and more in control of their health as they embrace midlife with intention and optimism.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY TO SOMEONE THINKING ABOUT STUDYING WITH IINH?
If you’re even a little curious, follow that instinct. Studying with IINH was genuinely one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The course is thoughtfully designed, grounded in science, and delivered in a way that feels both thorough and incredibly supportive.
What really sets it apart is the team behind it. They’re more than just tutors—they feel like family. Kind, encouraging and always there with guidance and good energy, they make the learning experience feel uplifting from start to finish.
And if you get the chance to attend one of the in-person cookery workshops—go for it. That was a real highlight for me. It’s such a fantastic way to connect with like-minded people, exchange ideas, learn new skills, and yes… taste the goodness! You leave nourished in every sense of the word.
Whether you’re exploring a career change or simply want to deepen your understanding of health, IINH offers far more than a qualification. It’s a launchpad for personal growth, a new chapter—and for me, it became the foundation for everything I’m doing now.
If you would like to reach out to Phillipa you can contact her on the below:
Email: phillipa@themenopausehealthcoach.com Website: The Menopause Health Coach
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