As a coach, Lyndsey loves being part of someone’s success journey and is committed to strive for excellence in whatever she sets her mind to.
What inspired you to enrol with The Coaching Academy?
I took a career break in 2017 for a classic find myself world tour, you've heard of 'Eat, Sleep, Pray' well for me it was 'Snack, Nap, Hope'.
During that time I started a blog on mental health, infertility and divorce. Through the response to the blog, I decided I wanted to be an enabler for change in others, to make a positive difference in people's lives.
I signed up for the free Introduction training and knew instantly this was the course for me.
What was/is your profession before becoming a coach?
I was a Corporate Planning and Performance Manager, and I'm currently working as a Chief of Staff and Executive Planning Manager for a utility company.
When I attended the introductory course I realised I'd been doing a form of coaching my whole career by supporting management to plan their goals and measure performance by working on what was needed to deliver business benefits, by when and with who.
It felt like I'd found my calling at that moment, reframing the skills I already had with the learning from the course to enhance my career.
What was the most rewarding part of your training/journey?
I've made life-long friends who I can call on for coaching support, I've learnt so much to improve my life and the lives of others, I've challenged myself to succeed and become someone and something I didn't know I could be. Getting my business cards and delivering a speech at an event on belonging and being a qualified coach are all highlights!
In terms of the training. Passing my assessments with merits and distinctions was a great feeling, I always loved those calls and the invaluable feedback they provided to help me hone my skills. And I loved my paperwork binder, the satisfaction of posting that binder was amazing!
How did you fit coach training into your busy life?
With difficulty at times! I learnt that I had to make time and then commit to it. I put my paperwork where I could see it so I couldn't avoid it. I'd set timers to structure my time and plan to do one thing every day - read one thing, listen to one webinar, write up one client. Making learning a daily habit made it easier.
Having fellow coaches to inspire me also really helped. I joined the Brighton Coaches WhatsApp group and as one by one they all passed, it spurred me on to keep going and push through the long days or the lack of motivation days.
Where are you now? How are you using your coaching skills?
The course has deepened my skills in my day job and helped me to refocus my career, now I am a Business Coach providing strategic planning services to entrepreneurs and small businesses.
As a coach, I love being part of someone's journey to success. Seeing the change, development and impact that coaching has with a committed client. Knowing I've added value and made a difference is a great feeling.
What is your coaching niche and why did you choose it?
Originally I thought I would coach other people who had gone through trauma to find their way and make positive changes.
What actually happened is I've developed a business working with business!
I have a passion for business planning and helping people, this combined with a ten-year corporate career and my coaching skills gave me a great opportunity to provide a valuable service to small businesses.
What are your top tips for:
People who are looking to become qualified as a professional coach?
Research! I would recommend the ‘Introduction to life coaching’ course as a starting point. It was a great test to see if this was right for me. Some people on those days realised they wanted to be mentors or therapists. Know the difference and choose the right option for you.
Those currently in training with TCA?
Do one thing every day. One client, one webinar, one chapter, one paperwork requirement. Make learning a daily habit.
On the paperwork, I would encourage you to complete this as you progress through the course. Check on all the relevant information you need to provide and tick it off as you go. I found having a spreadsheet helped, especially with the final paper and monitoring the word count!
Use your fellow coaches for inspiration and motivation. Get coaching when you're struggling, give coaching to help others and support each other. Also, use your mentor sessions well by being specific on your questions, plan your assessment calls to the minute, practice as much as you can and believe in yourself
Take your first step towards a rewarding & fulfilling Coaching career with our Introduction to Life Coaching online training.
If you would like to know a little more about what Coaching is and how it can benefit you and the lives of others, or if you feel that Coaching could be a potential full or part-time opportunity for you, join us in this interactive training. Choose from available dates here.
The Coaching Academy was established in 1999, and is now the world's largest coaching school.
In that time we have trained over 14,000 people to become life coaches.
We are accredited by the International Coach Federation and the Association for Coaching, and we're rated 4.8 out of 5 on Trustpilot.
