What brought you to coaching?
The seed was planted in 2008 when I applied for a trainer position within the company I was working for. At the end of the practical interview, I remember hearing one of the assessors asking me: have you ever thought about coaching? I remember that even if I didn't know exactly what coaching was, I felt curious.
Having previously worked in customer services and sales for a mobile phone operator my curiosity led me towards completing NLP training which eventually directed me onto my coaching journey. When i moved to London three years ago, i began searching for coach training companies and I found The Coaching Academy, a friend had also recommended the 2-day free introductory taster weekend and so I went along to find out more.
What did you find most interesting to learn?
Alongside the range of strategies and exercises from NLP, I found the GROW model interesting, I feel I now have a very good tool to fit any client whether they’re an important CEO in a business domain or an individual client that’s looking for a more efficient and enjoyable way of living. The client and I can build and expand from this structure.
What was the most rewarding part of the training / journey?
I always find the answers to the “what have you learned?” questions at the end of my sessions to be rich in learning’s and reflections from my clients. Alongside these insights I have welcomed my new thinking habits and asking myself coaching questions has opened the door for more learning’s.
Which bits did you enjoy the most?
The webinars, live training days, practice sessions, the mentoring and the assessments. I was professionally guided to become aware of my input into this experience and the necessity of bringing more resources into the process. That was the threshold for me towards taking full responsibility and control.
How did the qualification slot in with your current life?
I had made it a priority and arranged my schedule to fit my learning and practice process. I learnt to write my learning journals after each practice session and training day. I also found having coaching sessions as a client immensely helpful.
What do you enjoy most about being a coach?
Being present, holding the coaching space, asking the questions and noticing the surprise on the client's face of the new state and perspective. I also enjoy the subtle adjustments that are being made once the new emerged strategies are ecologically adopted and integrated.
What is your coaching niche and why did you choose it?
I am in the choosing process, testing how different niches are received in the market.
I am thinking at beliefs level, relationships, finding the true potential.
What are your favourite coaching questions?
What successes do you have from similar situations?
What would you need to think/believe to create that result?
Where are you now? How are you using your coaching skills?
My next step is bringing my unique approach from the combination of the methods I have been exposed to so far (NLP and traditional coaching). I also plan to promote my coaching practice and develop ways to reach clients with webinars and presentation events.
The Coaching Academy was established in 1999, and is now the world's largest coaching school.
In that time we have trained over 14,000 people to become life coaches.
We are accredited by the International Coach Federation and the Association for Coaching, and we're rated 4.8 out of 5 on Trustpilot.
