Larisa Barker - Blending Coaching and Marketing

What has led you to coaching?

I’ve always been curious about coaching and was first introduced to this in the corporate world when I worked in Grocery Retail. Good leadership and supporting people to achieve their goals has always been a passion of mine.

"It’s made me more aspirational, positive, given me the confidence to do rather than just dream. Now I stay focused on my goals."

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

It’s made me more aspirational, positive, given me the confidence to do rather than just dream. Now I stay focused on my goals.

From a business perspective, I now work for myself as a Brand & Marketing Consultant (based on my 15 years in this sector) and a Business & Marketing Coach. Both businesses at times are interchangeable depending on my client's needs :). My business is Larisa Barker Coaching & Consulting.

I’ve also followed one of my dreams to study for a Digital Marketing Masters Degree and I’m coming towards the end of my 2nd year studying this. So overall, coaching has given me the confidence to believe in myself, not give up and to have a plan of action for my dreams.

How did the qualification slot in with your busy life?

It’s flexible and I did the qualification in my own time over 2 years.   

"No matter who you are and what stage you are in your journey, there is always room to learn more about yourself and really understand your values, beliefs and motivations."

What was the most rewarding part of your Coaching journey?

As coaches we talk about the AHA moments; when a client has one of these it’s just amazing. I genuinely like helping people!

From a learning perspective, I found the Accelerator training really interesting and it's a great way to meet fellow coaches and hear about their journey.

I’ve actually made some really close coaching friends from the TCA network.   

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

Coaching has become a way of life for me now. As part of the business coaching, I help new and small business owners with mindset and motivation, determining goals, business strategy and I blend this with my marketing experience and skills.

I also enjoy helping coaches who have recently qualified and are looking to set up their business, identify their niche/target audience and support with marketing hints and tips.

What’s the biggest area in coaching you are curious about and why?

Self-discovery and awareness. No matter who you are and what stage you are in your journey, there is always room to learn more about yourself and really understand your values, beliefs and motivations. These are never set in stone and can often change, but it’s the 'why we do the things we do' which fascinates me.

What advice would you give someone wanting to pursue a life coaching career?

If you are starting your own life coaching business, seek support from your network and do some research. Success doesn’t happen overnight but can be extremely rewarding with time, perseverance and a plan.

What are the best resources that have helped you along your coach training?

I often refer back to the module workbooks and still connect with TCA on social media. The Facebook group was really insightful and I often listen to the pre-recorded webinars again and again in the car.

Would you like to make a positive and lasting difference to others, just like Larisa 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.