Coach in the Spotlight - Noelia Damata

What brought you to coaching?

I was first introduced to coaching when I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue back in 2003. I managed to conquer my illness and in the process qualified as a Master Practitioner in NLP. I came across The Coaching Academy in Feb 2015, at the time I was an Expat Wife (following my husband to where he was placed with his work), which at that time was Milan, Italy and I wanted a recognised qualification in Coaching that I could do whilst living abroad.

What were your original thoughts when considering The Coaching Academy?

The Coaching Academy seemed to fit all the requirements I was looking for in terms of an online study course that I was able to gain a qualification from whilst living abroad. It was highly recognised and offered a variety of course material to study from which I liked the look of. It offered great support too which I felt was important from a long distance learning course, as I didn’t want to feel totally alone when doing my Diploma. 

What was your profession before becoming a coach?

I was a Real Estate Agent back in my home Island of Jersey, however when I moved abroad to Milan I decided to fully dedicate myself and start my coaching profession as well as teach English to the odd private client. 

What was the most rewarding part of the training?

I think the most rewarding part of the course was the actual practical coaching side of things where we were to obtain so many coaching hours with clients.  That helped me push myself out of my comfort zone and get myself out there coaching even though I was still learning along the way. It proved and showed me that I was and could actually coach people, which was a real confidence booster.

Which bits did you enjoy the most?

I really enjoyed the Accelerator Week. As an international student I was able to take part in an entire week of live training days on all the modules. It allowed me to meet other course participants and build a support network, which helped me further to maintain those relationships whilst continuing my studies abroad.  I also loved the live coaching demonstrations from the trainers and was able to get any questions I had answered.
 
How did the qualification slot in with your current life?

It was super easy to fit my studies into my daily life as I was fortunately on my own agenda. I would fit my studies around teaching English to my private clients and around my pregnancy appointments.

Where are you now? How are you using your coaching skills?

I managed to qualify at Distinction level within my objective date of 1 year and before giving birth and becoming a fulltime mum for the first time.  Also as I am still living abroad and will be doing so for the future, I have decided to focus on creating an online coaching business where I can serve on a global level using my mother-tongue language English. In the meantime I have formed a club for Entrepreneurial women whom are also Expats living in Milan and needing a support system whilst they are working on their own business. The main mission of this club is to Inspire, Motivate, Support and keep each other Accountable as we grow our businesses.  

What is your coaching niche and why did you choose it?

Since qualifying I have decided to specifically focus with Entrepreneurs who are looking for emotional support when setting up their own business.  I help them beat the emotional struggles that come up when setting up and growing their business.  There are a lot of emotional challenges we face when working on our own and simply turning to our partners, family or friends for that support doesn’t quite do it as it’s very difficult for them to fully understand what we’re going through as Entrepreneurs. 
 
What is your favorite coaching question?

How does that make you feel?

What do you enjoy most about being a coach?

The rewarding aspects of being able to help a client breakthrough a fear/ emotional struggle that’s been holding them back.