Caroline Gavin - Coaching for positive growth

Read more about Caroline’s story and discover how redundancy can be seen as an opportunity to pivot and start an exciting growth journey!  

What inspired you to enrol with The Coaching Academy?

In late 2017, an external coach came into our business to facilitate a coaching workshop. At the time, I was familiar with the GROW model but I’d received very little formal coaching training.
It was only when the facilitator said to me “That’s the first truly open question you’ve asked” that I realised that coaching was a skill, one that I needed and wanted to develop, both for myself and my team.

At that time, I was in the role of Head of International and Channels at the Silver Spoon Company however, I was put at risk of redundancy and in January 2017 left the business.
While being made redundant is not a nice process, I was quick to see that this was an opportunity to map my future as I wanted it. I realised this was also an opportune time to start my coaching journey.
I looked into several training companies but decided that The Coaching Academy was the right choice for me, after an inspiring, challenging and valuable 2 days on their Foundation Course.

Tell us about your journey as a TCA student:

I started my training with TCA in April 2018. I’m still on my journey today and what a fantastic, fulfilling and rewarding journey it is! Initially, I enrolled on the Personal Performance and Corporate and Executive Coaching Diplomas, as I felt these would very much complement my corporate background.
I quickly followed with Neuro-Linguistic Programming, as I could see how beneficial this could be in coaching at a deeper level. I’m now qualified in PPD and NLP and just have my thesis to complete for Corporate & Executive. It’s been a lot of work to complete the accreditations but I think that’s what I value and respect in the TCA training; it’s at the highest level and so, it does take commitment and a professional approach to complete the training successfully.

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

Meeting like-minded, passionate people, all with a different story but all looking to help others.

How did you fit coach training into your busy life?

To fit it in, I did need to compromise in other areas…. No coffee with friends on a Friday morning, lots of evenings working (once I’d finally got the children to bed). Having very clear goals and a coach throughout the process has also been hugely beneficial and I continue to invest in receiving coaching from others, as it keeps me focussed, challenged and effective.

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

I started my own business as a Coaching-Led Consultant around the same time as I started on my journey with TCA. Over that time I’ve built up my consultancy and coaching client base, using my coaching skills in both areas. I also use my coaching skills a lot at home and find them very effective!
The other day my husband asked me to tackle a situation with our 11-year-old son. He said, ‘Can you go and work your magic please?’.

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

My niche, as well as my passion, is growth.
I help people and businesses grow so they can be at their best. I wanted to combine my background in strategy, business development and leadership with my coaching skills. As such, I formed a business that offers coaching-led consultancy for business growth, alongside personal and team coaching.
My depth of experience within this environment, both on a business and personal level, is attractive to clients looking for a coach who has an appreciation of the challenges and opportunities they are facing.

What are your top tips for:
People who are looking to become qualified as a professional coach?

I think that coaching is an invaluable skill, particularly in today’s fast-paced world of change. Coaching will benefit you as much as it will others so if it’s something you want to pursue, I can’t recommend it highly enough!

Those currently in training with TCA?

Use the fantastic resources that the TCA provide, especially the checklist that they’ve created on the online portal, which helps you track your tasks and progress throughout your journey.
Start coaching as soon as you can, to practice your skills and implement feedback and learning throughout the journey. Update your Learning Record Sheets as soon as you can after training and coaching, as it’s the best way to effectively work through the programme.
Most of all, enjoy the journey!

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