Most people become a coach to change the lives of others… how has coaching benefited your own life?
A forward-thinking inspirational people leader, in my former company, recognised the value of coaching. They funded an accredited coaching course for which I was fortunate to be selected to complete. That was in 2012 when I was a Senior Manager leading a large team with a passion for helping my colleagues and team members to develop their skills.
I knew on completing the course that coaching was for me. I subsequently thrived on coaching my team and others, within the organisation, to develop professionally, achieve promotions and successfully transition to new roles.
In 2014, my former company-funded external coaches for Senior Managers’ and I experienced, for the first time, being a coaching client. I valued this opportunity to focus on my life and work on my aspirations in a safe and private space. I was able to explore my lifelong fear relating to change, particularly the stresses of imposed change and the impact on my well-being.
Coaching helped me to take back control of my life, career, as well as mental and physical health. As part of my coaching journey, I learnt to be kind to myself. I discovered options to help manage personal and career changes and take key decisions helping me to live my desired live.
What brought you to coaching?
When I was offered redundancy in 2018 I knew it was my time to take the bold step forward and to take the opportunity to follow my passion to work as a coach. My coaching experience, as a coach and client, had equipped me with the power and confidence to step outside my comfort zone and start a new chapter in my life.
My coach told me about the taster programmes on offer to help me find the right course to refresh my coaching skills.
Obtaining an up to date accreditation with a reputable training organisation was important to me professionally. My research led me to attend The Coaching Academy's Introduction to Life Coaching course. I came away inspired to sign up immediately and that enthusiasm remains with me today. How did the qualification slot in with your busy life?
Having taken redundancy, with an exciting new career plan of being a self-employed coach, I was fortunate I could devote myself to attaining the qualification. I was able to immerse myself into the coaching world and enhance my coaching experience with many practice clients.
What was the most rewarding part of your Coaching journey?
Having been in the same industry my entire career I really enjoyed meeting and networking with likeminded, diverse and interesting people from a variety of different industries, backgrounds and philosophies. Other students provided mutual support, encouragement and different perspectives.
I have new friends who enrich my life and we help each other grow as coaches.
How did you choose your coaching niche?
I was fortunate to work in the financial services industry in a variety of exciting and interesting senior risk roles. From my own experience, I know change can be difficult even if it is something you want.
Coaching empowered me to take control and to make some key career and life decisions. My life has been more enriched, rewarding and healthier as a result. I have achieved things I never thought possible and can honestly say I have not looked back.
My experience meant I felt naturally drawn to working with high achievers and helping them with their career and life transitions so that they can live a happier, healthier and fulfilled life. I now do this as a Transition & Wellbeing Coach.
Tell us about the work you do!
Before and after TCA training I have been fortunate to be able to successfully support clients through changes including promotion, career changes, organisation moves, redundancy and retirement. My approach also focuses on self-care and well-being. I have found that clients who look after their emotional, mental and physical well-being feel better equipped and ready to move forward and instigate their desired change.
The simplicity of having good conversations and creating thinking space for the client to initiate insight, discover their power and energy to achieve what is fundamentally important to them is incredible.
What are your top tips for those currently in training with TCA?
1. You’ve invested the money in yourself so when the course pack arrives, get started straight away!
2. Go through the flow chart immediately to familiarise yourself with all the requirements from the outset
3. Complete the paperwork as you go along. This really helps with reflection, learning and development.
4. Check out the 10 questions in the final assessment paper from the outset as you can pick up some real gems from the Accelerator Days and other training material as you go along. When you come to the end the paper will not be so daunting to complete.
5. Book your first Practical Assessment after carrying out 16 coaching sessions as you will learn so much from the experience. This will benefit you as a coach and your clients.
6. Have your own coach, even when qualified, as this will help with your continuous development.
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.
