Rachael Jones Clark - Free yourself from limiting beliefs

What brought you to coaching?

I have always known that my passion is supporting people in some way.

I studied Psychology at college and then completed my BSc and MSc in Psychology and Health Psychology at University. I then moved into a career firstly in HR and then Learning and Development. Within my Learning and Development role, I really got the opportunity to put my psychology knowledge into practice and help people to be the best they could be.

Throughout my career, I realised I had a real passion for supporting people on a one-to-one level and helping them be and feel their best not just for the workplace, but within their personal lives too, and it was then I began to explore the idea of a career in coaching. 

"One of the great things about this qualification was that you could mould it around a full-time job"

Most people become a coach to change the lives of others… How has coaching benefited your own life?

I feel as though I have found my ‘calling’ in life…as cheesy as that sounds.

I loved my role in Learning and Development, but when I realised that I could support people even more closely on a one-to-one level through coaching, I became excited about what this meant for my future and the career fulfilment it would bring me.

I have always been someone who has had to really work on my confidence and find ways to manage anxiety, but since starting my coaching journey and business, I have felt the most confident, calm, and happiest I have ever been, and I think that is down to having taken the step towards a career which truly aligns with what I am passionate about. 

How did the qualification slot in with your busy life?

One of the great things about this qualification was that you could mould it around a full-time job.

The Coaching Academy were great at putting webinars on at different times to suit different schedules, and of course, with the modules taking place over weekends, it meant I could finish work on a Friday and fully focus on coaching over the weekend. 

Of course, it meant I needed to be really organised and it would get tiring at times, coming home from work and building the motivation to complete coaching hours and assignments in the evenings and weekends, but I always kept reminding myself of the ‘why’ behind why I was completing this qualification and that the hard work would pay off.

What was the most rewarding part of your Coaching journey?

I didn’t think I could get a better feeling than when I received an email from the Coaching Academy, rewarding me with a ‘Distinction’ – it was amazing knowing all that hard work had paid off.

Then, I signed my first ever paying coaching client not long after; knowing that my dream of starting my own coaching business was happening, no one could stop me from smiling!

"Since starting my coaching journey and business, I have felt the most confident, calm, and happiest I have ever been, and I think that is down to having taken the step towards a career which truly aligns with what I am passionate about."

How did you choose your coaching niche? 

The coaching I do largely focuses on confidence and mindset. The reason being, these are two aspects I have had to really work on myself throughout my career and life, and I am now at a stage where I feel so proud of what I’ve achieved. So, it was important to me that I supported clients in areas that were very relatable. 

Tell us about the work you do! How are you using your coaching skills?

I have started my own business, offering both one-to-one coaching and Learning and Development consultancy. I support women and men to free themselves of self-doubt, limiting beliefs and instil confidence so they can reach their full potential.

What would you say to someone thinking of enrolling with The Coaching Academy?

Do it! It was honestly the best decision I have ever made. Following the qualification, I have started my own business in coaching, which I once thought would only ever be a dream, but I can proudly now say it is my reality. Plus, the coaching skills you learn from The Coaching Academy are brilliant, and their support is amazing.

What are your top tips for those currently in training with TCA?

Start coaching practice clients as soon as you can, it can feel scary at first, but it really is the best way to learn. Also, keep on top of all your learning record sheets and assignments from the beginning, completing these in the moment is much more impactful for your learning and development rather than allowing them to build up until the end.

Who do you want to be when lockdown is over?

Would you like to make a positive and lasting difference to others, just like Rachael does? Would you like to have a coaching business you can run from the comfort of your own home?

The free Introduction to Life Coaching training sessions are available for you to join. They are interactive, informative and designed to help you understand if training to be a life coach is for you. 

Take positive action, project forward and plan for a year to remember for all the right reasons. Choose from available dates here.