What does it really take to reinvent yourself as a coach or creative? In this episode, we welcome back Gemma Sugrue – singer, entrepreneur, and business mentor – to explore how she’s turned her own career pivots into powerful lessons for others. From wedding singer to studio owner, online educator to branding coach, Gemma has never been afraid to follow her curiosity and shed what no longer feels aligned.
She shares how we can tune into our energy, recognise when it’s time for change, and build the trust muscle needed to step into something new. If you’ve ever felt pulled towards a different path, struggled with balancing security and creativity, or wondered how to make your business feel more you, this conversation will leave you inspired, encouraged, and ready to take the next step.
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
2:44 How did Gemma get to where she is now?
7:27 How do you recognise when your are in alignment with bliss?
13:29 How can I make the first step to change?
16:30 The transferable skills of life coaching
19:14 What is a common theme between vocal coaches?
20:44 Reinventing yourself
23:07 How to have difficult conversations to find alignment
25:49 How can we pull on all of our interests as vocal coaches?
28:40 What’s it actually like working with Gemma?
36:28 A success story
About the presenter, click HERE
RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS
Pro Vocal Artist
Singing Teachers Talk Ep.8 The Natural Entrepreneur with Gemma Sugrue
Singing Teachers Talk Ep.46 How to Develop Lasting and Positive Habits with Gemma Sugrue
Singing Teachers Talk Ep.118 Mastering Mix Voice and Belt with Gemma Sugrue
Singing Teachers Talk Ep.213 Medicine to Music: A Journey Back to A Creative Calling with Estelle Idoko
Singing Teachers Talk Ep.49 Unlocking Your Creative Potential with Tommy Ludgate
Singing Teachers Talk Ep.195 How Unlocking Your True Values Can Transform Your Teaching and Life with Louise Callin
Reality Transurfing by Vadim Zealand
ABOUT THE GUEST
My mum encouraged me to follow my bliss and that’s exactly what I did.
At 17, I toured the world as the singer with an Irish dance show. After 2 formative years on the road, I returned home to earn my degree and master’s in classical music and performance. That’s where I met my best friend and we opened a singing school together that flourished. I sold it after 10 years and I’m so proud that it continues to thrive in Ireland today with it’s new fabulous owners.
Those years were magical. I watched some of my students become famous artists and Hollywood stars. I shared stages with many of my favourite artists of all time, performed with orchestras, DJs and incredible bands, and sang on my dream stages, from arenas to festivals to live television.
When I moved to Dublin, I met four amazing jazz musicians at a local jam session and we released my debut album together that same year. I spent time as a college lecturer, but I got restless, I was off again, giving masterclasses on vocal technique and business across Ireland and the UK, and I even started to work in LA every summer as part of an Artist Mentorship Retreat.
My next adventure took me around the world again, this time as a star’s private vocal coach. When I eventually settled in London, Covid presented an unexpected opportunity, I launched an online business helping artists release their music. I had so much fun figuring out the ins and outs of growing on TikTok and YouTube then I handed that venture over to former students from the programme last year as I felt called to step into this next chapter.
Today, I’m back home in Ireland, I’m an accredited leadership coach working alongside coaches and consultants like myself, those with an endless need to grow, create, play, and follow their own bliss!
