Davinder Rana - If you want to achieve something, you will make it happen

This week’s Coach in the Spotlight is Davinder Rana, a mother of three children, who after a decade of working as a solicitor decided to add coaching to her skillset. Nothing held her back, not even life-threatening illness.  Read more about Davi’s journey and get ready to feel ready to take on any challenge!  

What inspired you to enrol with The Coaching Academy?

I saw an advertisement with The Coaching Academy around October 2015. The ad looked interesting so I did my own research into coaching and was fascinated with the concept. I booked onto the two-day Foundation course in January 2016 and shortly after decided to enrol onto the Corporate and Executive Coaching Diploma with The Coaching Academy. I did research other organisations with similar courses and qualifications, however, I felt that TCA was the right choice for me. I felt particularly reassured by the reputable brand and the testimonials from other students.

What was/is your profession before becoming a coach?

I qualified as a Solicitor in about 2005. Throughout my career, I have worked with organisations in the public sector as well as the private sector. I have also owned my own law firm and other types of businesses. At the present moment, I work as Head of Legal Services for an NHS Trust in the West Midlands.

What was the most rewarding part of your training/journey?

The most rewarding aspect of my journey was helping people understand and be more aware of their thought processes. Working with them to set goals was very rewarding because I watched them move forward with their lives by implementing change and I felt like I was making a real difference.

How did you fit coach training into your busy life?

I am a single mother of three children and working full time. I believe if you want to achieve something, you will make it happen, no matter what it takes. The key is being more organised and disciplined. Planning your days, weeks and months will help you forge forward with your dreams. 

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

As Head of Legal Services for an NHS Trust, I utilise my coaching skills with my team, by helping them develop and also working on my leadership skills. I also use part of my coaching skills to improve my relationship with my children and help them in their daily lives. I am now in the process of setting up my own coaching business.

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

My coaching niche is Corporate but within the legal sector. I chose this area because of my own experience as a solicitor but also because I had my own business. So I have experience on both sides of the fence.  

What are your top tips for:

People who are looking to become qualified as a professional coach?

I would encourage people who are passionate about becoming a coach to simply "go for it"! It is as simple as that - do not pay heed to your limiting beliefs. Seize the day!

Those currently in training with TCA?

Soon after enrolling with The Coaching Academy onto the Corporate Diploma, I got diagnosed with a life-threatening illness and got admitted into the hospital. I nearly died. I spent time recovering but once I was able to continue, I picked up my books and began attending the accelerator days. Looking back it was one of the hardest things I had to do but I did it! I am so proud of myself and that persistence has paid off. Giving up was never an option! So my advice would be, keep at it, don't lose heart, life is full of ups and downs. Even if you commit to putting in 30 minutes each day towards becoming a professional coach, I promise you, it will pay off!

If you're interested in finding out more about coaching, just like Davi did, start by joining us in our interactive live webinar. Choose from available dates here.