What inspired you to enrol with The Coaching Academy?
Quite simply, a desire to make a difference.
I was at a crossroads in my career, my days as an HR Manager were over. I knew I wanted to work WITH people but not the way I had been……. following an internet search and a massive leap of faith I enrolled on The Coaching Academy's free Introduction to Life Coaching course.
Within an hour I was truly transfixed, THIS WAS IT, this was what I knew I was going to be doing for the rest of my life. Working WITH people, no judgements, no assumptions, supporting them to create the life they wanted to live. I signed up for the Life Coaching Course straight away.
What was your profession before becoming a coach?
I spent 20 years working in recruitment and HR. The last 4 and 1/2years being part of a startup manufacturing company with 6 highly skilled people as an HR Manager.
During those years I learnt so much both personally and professionally and will always be grateful for the trust put in me to deliver on so many different projects. To be part of a business that started in a warehouse full of racking and transformed into a £30M turnover brand in less than 5 years was incredible.
My biggest achievements - recruiting a workforce of over 200 people in a diverse range of roles, implementing the HR systems and contributing to the people structure of the business. Every single day I was being stretched outside of my comfort zone, I was constantly challenged and had many moments of imposter syndrome.
I was always told I was doing a great job, I actually was I realise now, but at the time I never really believed in myself. You see I had the same doubts as many people do, my inner critic telling me I wasn’t good enough. I wasn’t happy, why? Apart from the obvious answers like often working 7 days a week and frequently very long hours, I had lost my spark.
Was this going to be my legacy? My family life had changed and it was time for something new. My biggest learning was I realised that telling people what to do or frequently disciplining them wasn’t congruent with who I am or my values.
What was the most rewarding part of your training/journey?
Without a doubt the personal growth. I understand myself now, I appreciate the value of coaching and the transformations that are possible. I feel inspired, I’m comfortable with feeling uncomfortable as I know I’m learning continuously and adding value to someone’s life when I’m coaching them. It’s so liberating.
Also, my fellow coaches that I have met on this journey have been amazing and I hope I will get the opportunity to collaborate with some of them in the near future.
How did you fit coach training into your busy life?
This was the easy part, I had savings, no job so I could commit full-time to my studies.
Where are you now? How are you using your coaching skills?
After qualifying at the end of December I set up Helen Jennings Coaching in January. I’m building my client base, one client, at a time and the excitement of getting referrals is incredibly satisfying.
I now know that I will be travelling in my motorhome around the world, coaching over zoom/telephone earning a living when my son is 21. I don’t have the motorhome yet but I know I will (it’s a 3-year goal and I will achieve it!!).
What is your coaching niche and why did you choose it?
Personal Development, it seems obvious to me now but it wasn’t initially! The power of taking responsibility for where we are now and where we are going has transformed my life.
From two decades of working in recruitment & HR I know, there are many that want change/growth in their lives and I want to support those people who are truly committed to reaching their potential.
What are your tips for:
People who are looking to become qualified as a professional coach?
Go for it! It is the most rewarding profession ever and study with TCA! The Coaching Academy team are incredibly supportive and the trainers are world-class.
Those currently in training with TCA?
Keep on top of your paperwork. Develop the habit at the start of your diploma of completing each document - after every accelerator day, coaching session, coaching assessment etc.
Coach as often as you can, allow yourself to fail, be kind to yourself and reflect on the learning. Get yourself a coach, make it a priority!
One last thing, print off a copy of the final assessment paper and make notes throughout your qualification– it will make it much easier when you come to complete it.
Take your first step towards a rewarding & fulfilling Coaching career, just like Helen did, with our Introduction to Life Coaching online training.
If you would like to know 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 live 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.
