Cole Nakatani: Discovering unexpected lessons through coaching

Even while balancing a busy schedule, Cole Nakatani (BCom’11) still finds the time and energy to support UBC students. From his home base in Vancouver, he runs two businesses — coaching and training at ColeNakatani.com and leading the web development agency Ideahack. He’s also an International Coaching Federation–certified coach with alumni UBC’s Coaching and Advising program, where he shares his expertise and passion for helping people thrive.

Impressively, he has volunteered for the UBC Sauder School of Business for more than a decade. That includes his leadership in assembling a team of alumni to mentor current students and being involved in a pivotal program for graduating students.

Here, he explains why he has prioritized giving back to to his alma mater, what he discovered he learned from volunteering, and what he found most rewarding about it all.

How did you become involved in volunteering for UBC? And why did you feel it was important to do so? 

I’ve been involved with the UBC Sauder School of Business’ Sauder Alumni Stories since 2014. This initiative started as part of a pilot course for undergraduate students, then it became a standalone experience called Sauder: In Real Life (IRL). Starting in September, it will become part of the new capstone course for Bachelor of Commerce students. I was originally invited to get involved by one of my former professors. I felt it was important to get involved because I struggled as a new grad and I wanted to help senior students avoid some of the mistakes I had made and help set them up for success after graduation. Additionally, my time as a UBC student was one of my most formative experiences where I received support from numerous professors, staff and alumni. Their generosity also inspires me to give back and pay it forward.

How have you professionally or personally benefited from volunteering? Or what have you learned from volunteering for UBC? 

I’ve built some incredible friendships with other alumni through my involvement with this initiative. I found I’ve gained as much as I’ve given to this program because of the people I get to interact with, including the students. This has helped me realize volunteering is a two-way street — I get to give back and at the same time it’s an opportunity for me to learn, grow, and connect with others. 

What has surprised you the most about volunteering for UBC? 

I was surprised by how volunteering at UBC has become a genuine source of lifelong learning for me. I’ve had the chance to interact with alumni from all kinds of backgrounds and learn from their professional experiences and personal interests.

It’s also been enlightening to connect with different students over the years and hear what truly matters to them. While some concerns — like comparing themselves to others or wondering how to land a job — haven’t changed much, new topics are always emerging, whether it be related to an emerging technology or a new social trend, and I’m always curious to hear what they have to say about it.

What do you feel most proud of or found most satisfying as a volunteer?  

I feel proud of the impact our initiative has had on hundreds of students and the positive feedback that we’ve received over the years. What’s been the most rewarding is watching the shift in so many students who go from feeling stressed and anxious about graduation to feeling excited about what’s possible in the future.

What advice would you give to UBC alumni who are considering volunteering? 

Volunteering might seem like a big commitment, but I’ve found it surprisingly easy to fit into my busy schedule. It can also give you far more energy than you put into it. It’s also a fun way to connect with fellow alumni and you can make a real difference in students’ lives. If you feel even the slightest interest, I say go for it!