Coach in The Spotlight - Sarah Bramall

By lunchtime on the Saturday I was hooked and knew I had to find a way to make this happen. I headed home that evening having read Bev James’ ‘Do It or Ditch it’ on the train and set about finding a way to fund my training.

I have been in teaching since 2001. Teaching is a vocation for me and I’d never imagined that I’d do anything else but when I found coaching it blew me away.

Fitting the diploma into my life was a challenge. I have three small children; my youngest was one when I signed up and I already had a busy job as a teacher. But I managed to find pockets of time each week and got a great satisfaction from ticking off completed tasks and coaching sessions as I went along.

I started my coaching sessions with teenage students at school and hoped they didn't notice when I was winging it! As my confidence grew I paired up with other Coaching Academy students and then my school’s mums and here I found my niche. 

I have chosen to coach professional women returning to work after maternity leave or a career break. Having returned to three different jobs after each maternity leave, I understand how challenging it can be to return to work after a career break. Having somebody to listen carefully without judgement or an agenda can be very valuable. I found I was having these conversations on a daily basis and this seemed to be a natural route for my coaching. Helping other women build their confidence and figure out their priorities is hugely rewarding and a real privilege.

My second diploma is Coaching in Education and my mission this year has been to work with my colleagues to create a coaching ethos in school. Seeing coaching techniques and language starting to spread through the school community is very exciting and I look forward to returning to school in September to a huge wheel of life painted on the playground for use by staff and students.

The highlights of my coaching journey have been:

• My personal development in continual learning, increased confidence and pushing myself out of my comfort zone. Learning to identify when lack of confidence or procrastination are holding me back has helped me to move forward more quickly.

• Connecting and forming friendships with inspiring and supportive fellow coaches, especially in the St Albans Coaching Circle, which I set up while training with The Coaching Academy. 

• Having the opportunity to make a difference to others and witnessing their growth in confidence and self-awareness over a series of coaching sessions, and realising the value I’m able to offer by securing my first paying clients.

• The Coaching Academy advises all coaches to be coached from the beginning of their training. I have been lucky to have been coached by several skilled and talented coaches who have been instrumental in the progress I’ve made. Having qualified I have invested in a group coaching programme with a wonderful coach, who supports and challenges me in the growth of my business.

Would I look back? Absolutely not. My mantra throughout the process has been “Keep moving forward” and I’m loving the rewards that attitude has produced.

If Sarah’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

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