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Your Journey Starts Here
About Me
I’m the founder of deGia.net, and my coaching is built on something simple: real life experience.
Over the past 30 years, I’ve worked across large corporate environments in both the private and public sectors, gaining first-hand experience in how organisations truly operate — not just on paper, but in reality. My background spans industries including banking, investor services, retail, transport, insurance, and e-commerce, giving me a broad and practical understanding of workplace challenges at every level.
Throughout my career, I’ve seen talented, capable people struggle — not because they lack ability, but because they haven’t been shown how to navigate interviews, workplace dynamics, or difficult situations effectively. Too often, people are taught the hard way through stress, frustration, and trial and error.
That’s why I created deGia.net, guided by the belief that “there is an easy way and a hard way.” My role as a coach is to help you see options more clearly, build confidence in your decisions, and choose the approach that works best for you — without unnecessary complexity.
My coaching style is practical, supportive, and straightforward. I don’t use jargon or generic frameworks. Instead, I help you think through real situations, prepare for real conversations, and approach challenges with clarity and confidence.
Whether you’re preparing for an interview, dealing with a difficult work situation, or simply feeling stuck in your career, my goal is to help you move forward with greater ease and self-belief.
Ilyas DeGia
My Journey
My journey has been shaped by professional experience, personal challenges and a determination to keep moving forward. From completing marathons and climbing mountains to raising money for charity, each experience has taught me something about resilience, preparation and purpose.
These lessons influence how I coach others today—helping people approach difficult moments with greater clarity, confidence and belief in what they can achieve.
Boxing Training
Boxing Training Since 2019
Since 2019, I have regularly taken my sons and daughter for boxing training, helping them develop their fitness, discipline and technique.
It has been rewarding to watch their confidence and skills grow, while sharing an activity that demands focus, resilience and commitment.
Fund Raising
Over £10,000 Raised for Charity
Across these marathons, mountain climbs and endurance challenges, I have raised over £10,000 for charities including Climb—now Metabolic Support UK—Cancer Research UK, Sense and Phab Kids.
Every donation, message of encouragement and show of support gave these challenges a purpose far greater than simply reaching the finish line. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed along the way.
Manchester Marathon
2022
Manchester Marathon 2022
In 2022, I completed the Manchester Marathon in memory of my mother, who passed away in 2008. I raised money for Sense, a charity supporting people with complex disabilities, including those who are deafblind. Running through the city I now call home made the experience especially meaningful and a fitting tribute to her.
Bahrain Marathon
2016
Bahrain Marathon 2016
In 2016, I returned to long-distance running by taking part in the Bahrain Marathon. The heat and demanding conditions presented a very different challenge from my previous races.
Completing the marathon was another proud achievement and a reminder that resilience, preparation and determination can carry you through even the most difficult conditions.
Mont Blanc
2011
Taking on Mont Blanc in 2011
In 2011, I travelled to Mont Blanc with the same two close friends from Bahrain. After sharing the challenge of Kilimanjaro, it was another opportunity to test ourselves in an extraordinary mountain environment.
The dramatic Alpine scenery, physical demands and experience of facing the challenge together made it another unforgettable adventure—and strengthened a friendship built on trust, encouragement and shared determination.
Kilimanjaro
2010
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in 2010
In 2010, I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro with two of my best friends from Bahrain. Reaching the summit of Africa’s highest mountain was physically demanding, but it was also one of the most remarkable experiences of my life.
The changing landscapes, our shared determination and the sense of achievement at the summit made it a journey I will never forget—and a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished through preparation, friendship and perseverance.
New York Marathon
2008
New York City Marathon 2008
In 2008, I took on the New York City Marathon—an unforgettable race through all five boroughs.
During the marathon, I suffered a muscle injury that made every remaining mile extremely difficult. Stopping would have been understandable, but I was determined to keep going. I adjusted my pace, pushed through the pain and eventually crossed the finish line.
It wasn’t the race I had planned, but finishing despite the injury made it one of my proudest achievements—and a powerful lesson in resilience and determination.
London Marathon
2007
London Marathon 2007
In 2007, I returned to the London Marathon for a third time. Each marathon presents its own challenges, and completing 26.2 miles never becomes easy.
Crossing the finish line again was an incredibly proud moment and another reminder of what determination, preparation and a clear sense of purpose can achieve.
London Marathon
2006
Returning to the London Marathon in 2006
In 2006, I returned to the London Marathon for a second time. Knowing what lay ahead did not make the 26.2 miles any easier, but it gave the experience even greater meaning.
Once again, the extraordinary crowds, the determination of the runners and the atmosphere across London made it an unforgettable day. Crossing the finish line for a second time reminded me that difficult goals are possible when you have a clear purpose and keep moving forward—one step at a time.
London Marathon
2005
Why I Ran the London Marathon
Around mile 20 of the London Marathon, your legs are screaming and every logical reason for entering begins to disappear. What remains is one question: why are you really here?
For me, the answer was Metabolic Support UK.
This was my first London Marathon—a challenge I had wanted to complete for years. But every mile carried a purpose beyond reaching the finish line.
Metabolic Support UK, formerly known as Climb, supports people and families affected by Inherited Metabolic Disorders. These rare and complex conditions can transform a family’s life from the moment of diagnosis. The charity provides trusted information, connects communities, supports research and helps ensure nobody faces that journey alone.
The first half of the marathon was unforgettable: Blackheath, Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge and crowds cheering from every corner. Then came the harder miles through Canary Wharf, when the energy faded and the famous “wall” arrived.
Whenever I wanted to slow down, I thought about the families supported by the charity—and I kept running.
Turning onto The Mall and crossing the finish line brought an overwhelming sense of gratitude: for the health to run, for everyone who supported me and for the opportunity to raise awareness of such important work.
I’m deeply proud to have run for Metabolic Support UK.
To everyone who donated, encouraged me or believed I could do it—thank you from the bottom of my heart.
