Nicholas Tan | Collective Change Institute
Nicholas Tan
– Compassionate Listener & Insightful Challenger
– Over a decade of leading diverse teams in global commodities trading
– Certified Enneagram Practitioner & NLP-trained, on-going training to be a psychotherapist
– Passionate about integrating emotional insight with practical performance coaching
– Dedicated to supporting young professionals navigating career and life transitions
Professional Background
With over ten years of experience in global commodities trading, Nicholas currently serves as Director, Commercial & Trading for Southeast Asia at Cargill. Having led teams through volatile markets and tough decisions, he knows firsthand how challenging professional growth and personal resilience can be. Nicholas has consistently invested in mentoring emerging talent, not just on technical excellence but in helping them handle emotional complexities and pressures at work. He combines his rigorous academic background (BSc and MSc in Economics from SMU) with ongoing studies in psychotherapy (Master’s in Counselling, Monash University), reflecting his deep curiosity about both the markets and the people who drive them.
Nicholas believes that part of good leadership is about understanding people—what motivates them, what holds them back, and how they can achieve genuine growth. As a certified Enneagram practitioner, he loves working closely with individuals to uncover their core motivations, break through hidden barriers, and find clarity in their journeys. Known for his empathetic yet candid style, Nicholas helps his clients build self-awareness and confidence, empowering them to make meaningful changes in their professional and personal lives.
Coaching Specialty
Nicholas supports young professionals facing:
– Career uncertainty, transitions, and burnout
– Financial decision-making and mindset shifts
– Personal growth in relationship with self or others (confidence, self-esteem, and boundaries)
– Emotional resilience in high-stress careers, particularly finance and trading
He utilizes a holistic, person-centered approach, blending Enneagram insights, NLP techniques, and practical emotional intelligence to facilitate lasting growth and clarity.
Personal Background
Born and raised in Singapore, Nicholas has always been fascinated by human nature—the decisions we make, the emotional patterns we get stuck in, and the stories we tell ourselves. Driven by his own experiences navigating life’s complexities, Nicholas embarked on a journey from high-stakes trading to the world of psychology and human development. He deeply understands the courage required to embrace change, confront uncertainty, and realign with one’s true self.
Outside work, Nicholas finds joy in simple pleasures—long walks in nature, reflective journaling, genuine conversations, and the occasional dark-humored meme. He openly shares that navigating his own transitions has taught him humility, patience, and the immense value of mindfulness and self-compassion.
Coaching Style
Nicholas approaches coaching with warmth, openness, and curiosity. He believes in creating a safe and supportive space, where clients feel comfortable expressing their vulnerabilities and exploring deeper truths. His coaching sessions combine clear goal-setting with honest, compassionate dialogue. Drawing from his experience in high-pressure environments, Nicholas knows how to challenge clients constructively, guiding them to recognize their strengths and gently face areas of growth.
Clients particularly appreciate his ability to bridge practical strategies with emotional depth, providing a clear yet heartfelt approach to personal and professional development.
Personal Philosophy
Nicholas believes true success is deeply personal and rooted in self-awareness and authenticity. For him, coaching is not about providing all the answers but about asking the right questions—those that lead clients back to their values, priorities, and inner wisdom. Nicholas’ guiding principle revolves around cultivating balance, mindfulness, and intentional living.
