Debra Carey, our accomplished NLP practitioner shares her inspiring journey that helped her rediscover her love for coaching and launch her own business after a five year break. Debra lends insightful coaching tips and proves that it's never too late to make that change and fulfill your dreams.
What inspired you to enroll with The Coaching Academy?
I’d put my life coaching plans aside while caring for my father at home when opportunity came knocking in the form of an email from The Coaching Academy. Even with my caring commitments, I could manage an NLP taster day, so I grabbed at the chance. That day with Ann Skidmore transformed my thought process and the excitement and enthusiasm Ann generated that day never left me.
What was your profession before becoming a coach?
I’ve spent 40 years working for small businesses where my responsibilities encompassed HR/personnel, sales support, marketing and administration.
What was the most rewarding part of your training/journey?
The inspiring people I met on the journey - both the trainers and my fellow trainees. During the training weekends, bonds were built and a study support group formed. That group has now morphed into a network sharing thoughts and ideas, as well as friendship, inspiration and on-going support. One of our number dubbed us her ‘NLP family’ and I think that’s a pretty good reflection of its role in our lives.
How did you fit coach training into your busy life?
Having decided it was important to complete the training in the shortest time period available, I took some time to secure support and understanding from my employers, partner and family, before signing up. A mature student for 10 years, I used various study skills and time management tools picked up along the way, but there’s no doubt that scheduling the taught portion on weekends made this more straightforward for those in full-time employment.
Where are you now? How are you using your coaching skills?
I’ve relaunched the Life Coaching business I started five years ago and have been working with clients whilst dealing with the practical aspects of the business. The most arduous of these for me has been marketing and the development of my brand. There’s been a lot to learn, as being a coach is about much more than qualifying and coaching clients, but I’d not change it for the world - I’m finally fulfilling my true purpose.
What is your coaching niche and why did you choose it?
Although I spent some time researching the types of coaching offered in my locality to seek out a gap in the market, in all honesty, my niche chose me. I feel authenticity is key and my life experiences mean I’m ideally suited to working with those dealing with change forced upon them by major life events - situations such as bereavement, divorce, ill-health and redundancy. I see myself providing the next level of support to those who’ve completed counselling or psychotherapy and are now ready to take the next steps towards building a new life. Of course, anyone wanting to work on their Big Dream would be greeted with the same amount of enthusiasm!
Top tips for …
People who are looking to become qualified as a professional coach?
Be honest with yourself about the level of commitment it will require from you and ensure you engage your personal network to support you throughout the training period.
Those currently in training with TCA?
First, be open to learning about yourself - you’ll be a better coach for it. Second, maintain a positive mindset and surround yourself with others who are doing likewise.
Coaches that are about to qualify?
Celebrate your qualification! Then keep in mind that qualification isn’t the end - it’s important to keep learning and developing.
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The Coaching Academy was established in 1999, and is now the world's largest coaching school.
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