About Nick Orchard

Hey, I'm Nick

Before I ever thought about a “career path”, I was a hip hop artist teaching in remote communities.

This journey somehow carried me into senior government and non-profit leadership.

I was granted the opportunity to lead programs tackling youth homelessness and unemployment, shape major initiatives for young people and families, and advocate at the highest levels.

But all of this came at a cost. Years of perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and relentless pace caught up with me...

…until, in 2020, burnout nearly killed me.

This forced a complete reset.

I tried (and failed) several times to return, until finally building a system to help me get my leadership groove back… and actually build the foundation I never had previously.

Evidence-based, practical, and all-encompassing, this system became The Big Refresh, and later, The Refreshing Leader.

Today I work with organisations and leaders across our sector to fix the internal and external systems that burn good people out. I also coach individuals rebuilding from burnout to reconnect with their best selves and achieve their lifetime best.

A fun side benefit of my approach is that it results in greater impact and better performance, with less effort in less time!

I’m an IECL-certified performance coach with over 1,500 hours of practice and a decade of senior leadership behind me. I’ve worked with everyone from CEOs and government directors to platinum-selling artists and cutting-edge founders.

If you’re here because something needs to change, then you’re in the right place.

Book a catchup with Nick

The (Free) 7 Day Mini Refresh Course

Feeling cooked? Get unstuck and find your fizz with The Mini Refresh Course! Jam-packed with proven strategies, and a kickass Action Plan to reclaim your time and energy.

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“Nick was great to deal with from start to finish. I really valued his enthusiasm — he seemed genuinely excited to do this work for us.”
Kate Allen
General Manager, Policy & Advocacy
Jesuit Social Services
“It’s incredible how the right words, attitude and support can help others thrive. This was exactly our experience when we engaged Nick to coach one of our senior staff members.”
Tammy Schlitz
Co-CEO
Balanced Effect
“Nick has been a fantastic provider of coaching to both our staff and leaders alongside helping us build our own coaching model for our clients.”
Judith Abbott
Chief Executive Officer
Carers Victoria
“South Port Community Housing was looking for something a little different from standard ‘run of the mill’ leadership training. Nick brought practical tools and insights, grounded in an understanding of the sector and the challenging environment our staff work in.”
Charlie Beckley
CEO
South Port Community Housing Group
“Nick’s coaching approach was considered, adaptive, and absolutely hit the mark. He co-designed a tailor-made, highly practical toolkit — a resource we will continue to use for years to come.”
Jessica Hateley-Browne
Executive Director Mission & Equity (Director of Mission)
Uniting Vic Tas
"The result has been a noticeable cultural shift."
Megan McAlpine
Deputy CEO
Carers Victoria
“Nick was able to offer tailored coaching to our leadership team, both individually and as a collective.”
Alex Findlay
Manager, Transitions
Parkville College
“Nick exceeded expectations in all areas of the work.”
Bryn Williams
Manager, Consumer Partnerships
Uniting Vic Tas
“Knowledgeable, enthusiastic and provided strategic options to carry our work forward.”
Annabel Reid
CEO
Carers Australia
“Nick brings warmth, empathy and a strengths-based perspective.”
Mathew Lundgren
Executive Director, Early Learning Operations and Monitoring
Department of Education
“It feels strange, refreshing and inspiring to have someone see things in me that I don’t see or that I’ve lost belief in.”
Vincent Van Berkel
Circus Performer & Photographer
“Nick is very attentive, a great listener and is awesome at organising and clarifying thoughts in a cohesive manner.”
David Chea
Co-Owner
Team Yas
“The steadfast positivity and honesty that Nick brings to each coaching session is powerful. He strikes at critical questions like a laser, listens intently, then elevates your ideas into real action.”
Adam Cooper
Manager
Headstart
“I almost can't believe how much I have achieved in the last month. I feel reinvigorated with my work, have built in good habits to reach my goals and am excited about the things I’ll achieve over the next year.”
Steph Ritchie
Senior Policy Advisor
Department of Health
“Since connecting with Nick, I have found a new confidence in my authentic self.”
Morgan Goss
Pursuits & Bid Manager
Arup
“An absolute game changer for any practitioner in the healthcare space regardless of your discipline.”
Andrew Cunningham
Founder
Advanced Health
“Nick is able to highlight strengths stuck in my blind spots and reframe challenges into opportunities. We covered everything from smashing through imposter syndrome and backing myself, to leading a dynamic team to success.”
Brendan Ritchie
Manager
SHARC
“I engaged with Nick at a career transition point – his guidance and advice helped steer me through this period, and ultimately land an ideal job.”
Glenn Jessop
Manager
Department of Jobs, Skills, Industries and Regions
“Nick helped me structure my business around specific goals, allowing me to approach tasks without fear of failure while viscerally enjoying my work.”
Jack May
Architect & Founder
OCTA
“Nick genuinely cares and delivers results. If that’s what you’re chasing, then he's the coach for you.”
Christian Stott
Co-Founder & Director
Comune Gallery
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