I was born and raised in the Czech Republic, where I developed a love for winter sports and good food. I’ve always enjoyed a challenge, which led me to complete several marathons and even an ultramarathon. After spending some time living in London, I decided to move closer to nature and settled in the Cotswolds, where I now live with my partner and our twin daughters.
Zaparka Ltd offers coaching for software developers.
When I was in my late 20s, I lived in the Czech Republic. I was unhappy because of the job I was doing and the technology I was using. I didn't see the way out, I was frustrated. I knew there must be a better way to be a successful developer.
At my lowest, a friend in Barcelona invited me to visit. That trip changed everything. His mentorship shifted my mindset from entitlement to self-reliance. He introduced me to Agile, Ruby, and resources to grow as a developer. Six months later, I landed a job in the UK, starting a career that included work for top companies like Skype, Jaguar, and Expedia.
Over the years, I’ve learned how to thrive as a senior developer while maintaining work-life balance. Now, I’m here to share those lessons with you.
I reached out to Robin Waite. I was looking for advice or guidance. I knew I wanted to stay in the software industry, but I was unsure what I could do apart from being a software developer.
I read books and listened to podcasts about launching a business. I took advice from Fearless Accelerator about market fit and marketing. I narrow down who is my target audience and what is the best way to help them.
If you want to build a thriving coaching practice today, leaning into technology isn't just helpful, it's essential. Digital tools open the doors to working with clients no matter where they are, in Prague, London, or halfway down a slope in the Alps. Zoom, Slack, and Notion are now staples for modern coaches, making it possible to host sessions remotely, share resources in real time, and hold people accountable between calls.
But it’s more than just convenience. Using tech means you can:
Embracing technology lets you reach developers and teams worldwide while keeping your coaching practical, flexible, and fully human, regardless of geography or a hectic schedule.
I struggle with getting people to talk to me about their challenges. I don’t know if I have overcome these challenges yet, but I’m on the right track, I think.
I quickly discovered that, just as in software development, leveraging the right technology can make a world of difference for both coaches and clients.
For coaches, using digital tools isn’t just a modern convenience, it is essential. Tools like Zoom, Calendly, and Notion mean that I can meet with clients wherever they are, whether they live in Prague, London, or somewhere in between. This breaks down barriers: no more worrying about geography or time zones.
But there’s more.
Most importantly, these tools free up headspace. When the logistics run smoothly, both coach and client can spend energy where it matters: tackling real challenges, measuring growth, and celebrating those hard-won breakthroughs.
One thing I discovered along the way is just how much digital learning platforms can transform the coaching experience for both coaches and clients alike.
For starters, platforms like Teachable, Thinkific, or Kajabi allow coaches to create valuable courses, workshops, and curated content libraries. This means clients aren’t limited to just one-on-one sessions, they can access high-quality videos, e-books, worksheets, and practical exercises anytime, anywhere. It’s a huge plus for anyone balancing career growth with a busy home life (I know that struggle all too well with twins at home).
This self-paced approach encourages continuous learning and allows each client to move at their own speed. They can revisit lessons, try out new strategies, and track their progress, all outside the boundaries of traditional coaching meetings. It’s practical, flexible, and helps clients really cement the concepts we cover together.
On the business side, building a digital library of resources can also open new doors, it lets coaches expand their reach beyond local markets and diversify income streams with online course sales, memberships, or subscription-based materials. In essence, technology not only supports clients in their growth journeys, but helps coaches build more resilient and scalable practices.
One of the key challenges in coaching, especially with software developers, is helping clients see their journey clearly and stay accountable along the way. This is where project management and goal tracking tools come into play. They allow us to move beyond abstract advice and build step-by-step action plans we can actually follow.
Using tools like Trello, Asana, or ClickUp helps clients break big, intimidating goals into bite-sized tasks. Each task becomes visible, manageable, and less likely to fall through the cracks. We can set timelines, assign small milestones, and review progress together during our sessions.
When progress is tracked in real time, both the client and I can quickly spot what’s working and where things may be stalling. It turns the coaching process into an ongoing conversation, not just a checklist. If something gets stuck or falls behind, it’s easy to pivot and adjust, not later when it’s too late, but right as challenges arise.
Ultimately, these tools don’t just organise to-do lists, they help create a culture of accountability. Clients get to celebrate their wins, reflect on setbacks, and build momentum, knowing they’re not alone on the journey.
One of the biggest game-changers for my coaching business has been the rise of remote work tools. I honestly can’t imagine coaching today without trusty platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet. They let me work face-to-face with developers across cities and time zones, no travel required, just a decent internet connection.
These video platforms do more than just connect us. The option to record sessions means clients can review strategies and revisit key moments whenever they need a refresher. On my end, these recordings are a goldmine for reflecting, tweaking my approach, and improving future sessions.
But remote coaching isn’t just about scheduled meetings. Messaging apps like Slack or WhatsApp fill the gaps. They help me quickly check in, share resources, and answer burning questions, even if someone pings me during their late-night debugging session. This way, support isn’t confined to a calendar slot; it's ongoing, flexible, and tailored to what busy developers actually need.
Over the course of building Zaparka Ltd, I quickly discovered how vital technology is for any modern coaching business. Whether you’re working one-on-one or managing a full roster of clients, the right tools can help you stay organised, maintain strong relationships, and deliver more value.
Being able to coach from anywhere means video conferencing has become an everyday necessity. Tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet make it possible to host face-to-face sessions regardless of geography. I find these especially useful for building that personal connection, even when my client might be on the other side of the continent. Plus, recording sessions can help both you and your clients review discussions and track progress.
Instant messaging platforms such as Slack or WhatsApp come in handy for quick follow-ups, answering queries, or sending reminders outside of regular sessions.
Juggling calendars, session notes, and payments can get overwhelming fast. That’s where specialised coaching management platforms make a real difference. With systems like CoachAccountable, SimplePractice, and Paperbell, you can manage bookings, track client journeys, store essential documents, and automate reminders, all in one place. This way, you spend less time on paperwork and more time actually coaching.
Clients benefit enormously from having clear goals and a sense of accountability. Project management and goal-tracking apps such as Trello, Asana, or ClickUp allow you to map out action plans, assign tasks, and set deadlines together. These visual tools let clients clearly see their progress and make it easier for you to check in and keep them motivated along the way.
Often, coaching isn’t limited to one-hour sessions. Digital learning platforms (like Teachable, Thinkific, or Kajabi) allow you to build courses, workshops, or content libraries for clients to access on their own time. I’ve found that providing extra resources, videos, worksheets, or quizzes, lets clients reinforce what we cover in sessions and supports their continual growth. Plus, it adds another dimension to your coaching services.
One of the huge benefits of using technology in coaching is the ability to measure client growth. Whether you’re using built-in analytics on coaching platforms or tools like Google Analytics to monitor a client’s business goals, tracking progress with real numbers helps you tailor your approach and demonstrate results. This kind of evidence-based feedback keeps clients focused and motivated, and helps you refine your coaching practice.
Bringing the right mix of these tools into your coaching business isn’t about using the fanciest app out there, but picking the ones that help you serve your clients better and make your life a little easier.
I went through ups and downs as a software developer. I know what it takes to start from 0 after already having experience in one technology/market. My unique experience and interest in self-improvement offer a fresh perspective on overcoming challenges, adapting to change, and thriving in a constantly evolving industry. I understand the struggles of starting over, the importance of mindset shifts, and the value of continuous learning. My journey has equipped me with practical strategies and insights to help others navigate their career transitions and succeed in their professional and personal lives.
I want to build a steady income from my coaching business. I want to help more people and show junior developers that there is a better way to work in software development than just working long days and late nights.