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Coach in The Spotlight - Debbie Robinson

The Coaching Academy Blog

Posted: July 2017

I first 'stumbled' upon The Coaching Academy when their 2-Day Foundation in Life Coaching course details popped up on Linked In. I signed up thinking it might be an interesting couple of days. Those 2 days have changed my life!

As a former Sales and Marketing Director, I had always been interested in trying to improve my sales team’s performance but had had little time to truly invest in understanding coaching let alone become a coach! Having recently sold my IT business and wondering what to do next, the opportunity to invest in something which I found fascinating and fulfilling was really exciting. 

Following the 2 inspirational days, I immediately signed up to the Protégé Programme as I was keen to obtain a professional qualification in coaching.  Over the next few years, I studied Performance, Small Business, Executive coaching as well as NLP & DISC psychometrics. I have met some amazing fellow coaches that have gone on to become good friends and trusted advisors. Since starting my coaching journey, I have immersed myself in continual personal development and continue to do so today, always looking for new ways to help myself and my clients achieve their potential.

I feel very fortunate to have been able to re-train and start a new career that is exciting and hugely rewarding. I was able to set up my own business consultancy providing small businesses in the IT sector with coaching and mentoring, helping them to re-connect with their purpose and develop their growth plans and achieve their full potential.  I am really proud that two of my clients were asked to become their Non-Executive Director (NED) which was great fun!

More recently, I have taken another career turn, always looking for new and exciting opportunities to promote the huge benefits of coaching to a wider audience.  I now work with independent veterinary practices that offer great value to us all and our communities. Many are run by dedicated owners yet vet school does not prepare them for the business side of things. So, when they are faced with the harsh reality of running a business and managing people, they can struggle. I help veterinary professionals overcome the personal and professional challenges that they face every day. I also help them learn how to cope with the fear, obligation and guilt that many experience during their day-to-day working lives.

I coach practice owners and their teams to realise their full potential, in terms of their business development, team engagement and practice management. By running efficient, profitable and harmonious businesses they are able to make the most of the latest innovations and deliver the best possible veterinary care and fulfil their innate values.

Coaching others to achieve their potential is so satisfying and fulfilling! I feel privileged to have worked with some amazing clients and coaches along the way. They never fail to amaze me by their generosity, flexibility and hunger to be the best they can be. 

Without The Coaching Academy’s training and support, I do not think I would have been able to take advantage of this ‘fork’ in my career path. I am so glad I studied with The Academy as it has been a hugely fulfil, exciting and rewarding journey that has made a difference to my life and many people’s lives.

If you are an aspiring coach or thinking of starting up your own coaching business, here are some tips you can use to avoid some of the mistakes I’ve made along the way:

  • Don’t market yourself as a coach. People aren’t really interested in what or how you do it, they just want results.
  • Refine, refine and refine your niche - this really is key to your success!
  • Get yourself a good coach and mentor to support and encourage you on your journey.
  • Build a coaching support network to share ideas and challenges.
  • Invest in your ongoing personal and professional development.
  • Have a coaching supervisor to ensure you stay on top of your game.
  • Do not allow your clients’ problems and stories to impact your own wellbeing. At the end of your coaching day, switch off and look after yourself.
  • Enjoy the journey!

If Debbie’s words have inspired you and you feel that Coaching could be a potential full or part time opportunity for you, or if you would just like to know a little more about what Coaching is and how it can benefit you and the lives of others, please contact our Specialist Course Advisor, Jamil on 0208 996 4830 or email: Jamil@the-coaching-academy.com

If you enjoyed this article, please comment below and remember to share with your friends when you have a moment.

 

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