This week's Coach in the Spotlight is Esther Partridge, a passionate and dedicated business coach who has transformed her personal challenges into an inspiring career. Following her own positive experience with business coaching after a breast cancer diagnosis, Esther decided to empower others on their entrepreneurial journeys. Read on to find out how Esther empowers her clients to embrace challenges and view them as opportunities for learning and development.
After facing a breast cancer diagnosis in 2015, I took the bold step of establishing my own business. To propel my venture forward, I engaged the services of a business coach, which proved to be a transformative experience. This personal journey not only ignited my passion for coaching but also equipped me with invaluable insights, inspiring me to help others navigate their own entrepreneurial paths.
Coaching has profoundly enriched my life in numerous ways. It has not only deepened my understanding of business dynamics but also fostered a sense of community and connection with my clients. Through each coaching relationship, I’ve gained fresh perspectives and resilience, continually reminding me of the transformative power of support and collaboration in both personal and professional areas.
I discovered The Coaching Academy while searching online for reputable coaching training programs. The positive reviews I encountered resonated with me, highlighting the quality of training and supportive environment offered. This encouraged me to explore the courses further, ultimately leading me to pursue my coaching qualification with The Coaching Academy.
The qualification seamlessly integrated into my day-to-day life, as it was entirely online, allowing me to progress at my own pace. I particularly appreciated the interactive training modules scheduled in the evenings, which perfectly suited my lifestyle. This flexibility enabled me to balance my studies with my personal and professional commitments, making the learning experience both enjoyable and manageable.
The most rewarding part of my coaching journey has been witnessing the transformative moments in my clients' lives. Seeing them achieve their goals and embrace their potential brings me immense joy and satisfaction. Each "aha moment" not only signifies their growth but also reinforces my commitment to empowering others, making every coaching session a fulfilling experience.
The best resources from The Coaching Academy that have significantly aided my training journey include the engaging videos, which offer valuable insights into various coaching techniques. Additionally, the mentoring conversations provided me with personalised guidance and support, enhancing my learning experience. Lastly, the curated book lists have been instrumental in broadening my knowledge and understanding of coaching principles, allowing me to apply them effectively in my practice.
I am actively using my coaching skills to assist businesses in developing their growth strategies, focusing particularly on enhancing their presence on LinkedIn through my coaching business Online Media Works. By leveraging my expertise, I support clients in creating tailored approaches that align with their unique goals and challenges. This not only helps them navigate the complexities of business growth but also empowers them to effectively showcase their value on social media platforms.
The Eisenhower Matrix, also known as the Urgent-Important Matrix, is an invaluable tool I frequently employ in my coaching practice. This simple yet powerful decision-making framework helps clients prioritise tasks and manage their time more effectively. By categorising tasks into four quadrants based on their urgency and importance, it enables clients to focus on what truly matters, reduce stress, and increase productivity. I find this tool particularly useful for business owners struggling with time management and strategic decision-making, as it provides a clear visual guide for allocating resources and energy.
The feedback I've received from clients regarding the impact of my coaching on their personal and professional lives has been overwhelmingly positive and transformative. Clients frequently highlight the personalised nature of my approach, noting how I tailor strategies to their specific business needs and empower them to find their unique voice, particularly on social media platforms like LinkedIn. Many have expressed appreciation for the balanced combination of expertise and approachability I bring to our sessions, making complex concepts accessible without oversimplification. Clients often describe me as a "personal cheerleader", emphasising how I boost their confidence while simultaneously challenging them to step out of their comfort zones. They value the results-oriented focus of our work together, with many reporting tangible
The biggest area in coaching that I am curious about is the integration of technology and digital tools into coaching practices. As the coaching landscape evolves, I am particularly interested in how online platforms and resources can enhance client engagement and facilitate more effective coaching experiences. This curiosity stems from observing the significant impact that technology has on communication and learning, and I believe that harnessing these tools can lead to more personalised, scalable, and accessible coaching solutions.
Deepening my expertise in LinkedIn and business growth strategies, as these are areas where I've seen significant client demand and success. I plan to develop more specialised programs and resources focused on leveraging LinkedIn for business development. Incorporating more technology and digital tools into my coaching practice. I'm particularly interested in exploring how AI and data analytics can enhance the coaching experience and provide more personalised insights for clients. I’ve just published my first book: A to Z: Everything You Need to Know about LinkedIn for Business Owners & Leaders which I’m very excited about as it’s written in a ‘choose your own adventure’ way - I use a party/disco analogy, too, so it’s exciting to read.
For anyone considering a coaching career, it's essential to align your motivation with a genuine desire to make a difference in others' lives. Invest in continuous professional development and seek mentorship from experienced coaches to enhance your skills and credibility. Additionally, prioritise self-care and understand the importance of marketing your services effectively to build a successful coaching business.
Thank you Esther for sharing your inspirational coaching journey with us!
Inspired by Esther's story?
If you're interested in becoming a Business or Life Coach, do join our free Introduction Life Coaching webinar and follow-up session, Insight into Business Coaching with Adrian Webb, a TCA expert trainer and a successful business coach.
The Coaching Academy was established in 1999, and is now the world's largest coaching school.
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