ABOUT SAM SOYOMBO
Empowering Career Conversations with Sam Soyombo: Unlocking Potential
Last Updated: 8th May 2025.
About Me: Empowering Careers, Transforming Futures
I’m Sam Soyombo, a passionate and results-driven career coach with over 15 years of experience in career development, coaching, and education consultancy.
My expertise lies in empowering career-starters and Changers in Africa, Africans in the Diaspora, and Expatriates in Europe—especially the UK—to integrate seamlessly into new environments, develop in-demand skills, and achieve long-term career success.
I have worked with Skills Development Scotland and the University of Edinburgh, guiding thousands of professionals and students towards fulfilling careers. My approach equips individuals with the knowledge, confidence, and strategic insights needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market.
My Approach: A Transformational Coaching Experience
I believe that career success starts with self-awareness and adaptability. My coaching methodology integrates meta-skills development, enhancing both soft and tech skills to help individuals navigate change, innovate, and excel in the workplace. My approach includes:
✅ Personalised Coaching Conversations – I take the time to understand your aspirations and challenges, offering tailored, actionable strategies to accelerate your career growth.
✅ Proven Coaching Models – My MAGIC Coaching Model and DIY FOCUS Coaching Framework empower individuals with structured, effective tools for self-discovery and career advancement.
✅ Evidence-Based Career Development Theories – I incorporate Trait & Factor, Holland, Super’s Life-Span, Social Cognitive, Gottfredson, Krumboltz, and Chaos Theory to ensure tailored career insights based on your strengths and goals.
✅ Strategic Collaboration – I work closely with young professionals, educators, and industry leaders to bridge the gap between education and employment, keeping career strategies relevant and impactful.
By combining these elements, I help Career Starters, Career Changers, and Expatriates position themselves as valuable assets in their industries.
My Impact: Measurable Results, Lasting Change
✔ Guided over 5,000 professionals and students towards sustainable career success.
✔ Developed career transition strategies that helped expatriates and Africans in the Diaspora secure fulfilling roles in the UK and Europe.
✔ Led initiatives that transformed school leaver destination rankings in just one year, proving the effectiveness of my coaching methods.
✔ Advocated for integrating Career Management Skills (CMS) and Labour Market Information (LMI) into education systems, ensuring young people are equipped for today’s job market.
✔ Designed the FOCUS Career Information Model, MAGIC Career Coaching Framework, and E-SHANARRITY Parenting Coaching Model, enhancing career and personal development outcomes.
My Skills and Experience: A Track Record of Excellence
🔹 Skills Development Scotland (Current)
I lead an academy-focused team delivering targeted career services across educational institutions and partner venues. My role involves fostering strategic collaborations between education and employment, promoting Career Education Standards, and equipping learners with essential Career Management Skills (CMS).
🔹 The University of Edinburgh (Previous)
As an International Student Recruitment Representative, I played a key role in enhancing the university’s reputation in Nigeria, attracting highly qualified students, and strengthening academic-industry partnerships.
🔹 Career and Education Consultancy Expertise
My career journey includes roles as a Project Worker, Information Systems Librarian, and Community and systems Development Librarian, each refining my expertise in project management, leadership, communication, and community development.
🔹 Strategic Partnerships with Educators
I work closely with educators and their parents or caregivers to develop and implement career readiness programmes, ensuring young people acquire the skills needed to compete in today’s job market.
🔹 Digital and Workplace Readiness Training
I utilise technology-driven career development resources to make guidance accessible, interactive, and impactful for professionals in Africa, the UK, and the global Diaspora.
🌍 Intercultural Journey
Rooted in Two Worlds, Thriving Across Borders
“I was born in the UK and raised in Nigeria—two cultures that shaped my identity and purpose. From studying in London and Milton Keynes to working across Nigeria and Spain, every step has fuelled my mission to empower others through career guidance and lifelong learning.”
🧩 Lived in:
Ibadan, Abeokuta, London, Luton, Livingston, Edinburgh, Aberdeen
🎓 Studied in:
London, Milton Keynes, Leicester, Edinburgh
🌐 Worked in:
Spain, Nigeria (6 states), England (2 counties), Scotland (3 cities)
🎓 Qualifications:
PG Dip. Information Studies
MSc Development of Application Systems (2007)
Qualification in Career Guidance & Development (2016)
📍 Now based in: Aberdeen🛫
Retirement plan: Abuja ↔️ Aberdeen
Let's Elevate Your Career Together
Your career is a journey—and I’m here to help you navigate it successfully. Whether you’re a young professional seeking clarity, an experienced worker making a career transition or an expatriate integrating into a new professional environment, I will equip you with the right tools, strategies, and mindset to thrive.
My expertise and passion for empowering individuals can make a significant difference in your career journey.
Connect with Me
- Website
- Check my Amazon book, DIY FOCUS Coaching: Your Roadmap to a Thriving Career, for an in-depth exploration of my coaching methodology.
Additional Information
My website showcases my projects, including:
- The Spark Zone: Provides career guidance and mentorship to children and teenagers.
- MaxME Catalyst: Supports young adults in maximising their employability potential.
- Educators: Equips educators with tools to integrate career development into their curriculum.
- Parenting: Empower parents to guide their children as they navigate career choices.
Everyone deserves the opportunity to find a fulfilling career path. Let’s work together to make that happen!
