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The power of coaching: Never underestimate your ability

The Coaching Academy Blog

Posted: December 2024

This week's Coach in the Spotlight is Dima Al-Ghamdi, someone who embodies resilience, passion and a true desire to make a difference.  Overcoming personal challenges and learning difficulties, Dima has dedicated her journey to empowering others through coaching, along with mentoring aspiring coaches, writing inspirational book for children with learning difficulties and much more too. From a chance discovery of our free Introduction to Life Coaching event to becoming a coaching powerhouse in the Middle East, read on to hear Dima's inspiring coaching journey.

What has led you to coaching? 

I never tended to be a coach, I was in London studying for my pre-master's program of business management and as a prerequisite of taking an MA with King's College I was searching for more courses to apply to.  Suddenly there was a question that grabbed my attention “What is the difference between coaching and counselling? “  along with information on the Coaching Academy's Introduction to Life Coaching event. I love counselling and the event was at the weekend and was free, so I said to myself why not go and discover this.  So, I did! 

Soon afterwards, I had a family situation that made postpone my MA, but I remembered what I learnt and the conversations I had on the free Introduction to Life Coach event.  So, I just wanted to take the Life Coaching Diploma course for my own self development and improve myself, I never knew it would be so life changing.  I never thought that I would go on to set up my own life coaching business, however after the first coaching session I received myself, I had the 'Ah-Ha' moment right there! 

How has coaching benefited your own life? 

It benefited me a lot in terms of my learning difficulty as well as supporting others.  I am a PCC Coach and registered mentor for other coaches, I supported and mentor coaches to proceed their development and achieve their goals as well as a PCC Marker Assessor.  Every time I discover something within me, I just keep improving myself, I became a Confident Coach and a ‘Fear’ Specialist.   It also made face my fear of judgment of others and do videos in Instagram, and being consistent in it by being better version of myself and influencing others.   

I overcome a lot of challenges in my learning difficulty and also supported others too … I changed a lot of people’s lives from children through to those over 60! The most important thing is I keep discovering and changing myself to the better, I started having peace with my soul and happiness. I became confident with myself more and really don’t care what the other person thinks of me, what matters is what I think about myself, and I keep moving forward no matter what. 

What was the most rewarding part of your coaching journey?

The transformation I witness in my clients is the most rewarding part. I often see them start with sadness in their eyes, but after a session, their eyes shine like stars, filled with hope and possibility. Hearing comments like, “What did you do to me?” or “You’ve made my day,” over 500 times is what keeps me going.

Even years after completing sessions, clients still send me messages, blessings, and prayers, thanking me for the impact coaching has had on their lives. That gratitude is the greatest gift I’ve ever received.

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

For me, the best resource has always been learning through experience. Feedback shaped my growth. I learned by trying, failing, and adjusting every time—whether it was losing clients, struggling with exams, or making mistakes in my practice.

Listening became my most valuable tool. I learned to trust my intuition, to accept mistakes, and to see failure as an opportunity to grow. Authenticity and honesty also played a key role in building client trust and loyalty.

Having a coach and mentor was instrumental, too. During challenging times, their support kept me motivated. I attended coaching sessions with peers and found great value in learning from their perspectives. These experiences repeatedly reminded me that it’s okay to fall short, as long as I keep improving.

How are you using your coaching skills?

My coaching skills are at the core of everything I do. I’m a Learning Difficulty Coach, ADHD Coach, Confidence Coach, Exam Strategy Specialist and Fear Specialist. I also work in the education sector as a Parent Coach and trainer for teachers.  I'm also a certified trainer in the Middle East, an NLP Practitioner, a DISC Assessor, a Birkman consultant, and a mentor registered with the ICF for coaches pursuing ACC or PCC certifications.  Additionally, I am a philosophy trainer for P4C for children, ABA therapist, Author of the 1st Saudi children’s book that contains a combination of coaching and philosophy questions that is also tailored to people with special needs and 1st place award winning across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in evaluation speech in Toastmaster.  

I coach individuals between the ages of 8 up to 60 and cater sessions to address their unique learning styles and preferences. I incorporate creativity into my coaching, allowing clients to express themselves through drawing, storytelling, metaphors, or even unconventional methods like walking or dipping their feet in the pool next to my office.

No coaching session is the same; I adapt based on their needs while ensuring I follow core coaching competencies. My goal is to bring awareness and transformation into their lives, letting them take the lead while I guide and observe.

What is your favourite coaching tool or question to use?

I don’t have a single favourite tool or question because every client is different. I create tools and questions custom-tailored to my clients’ needs, often inventing unique approaches that stimulate new ways of thinking and inspire life-changing breakthroughs.  However, one question that I like to use and changed my life was “What talent that I have that is unique which makes me different from others?” -  I use this question for myself and with my clients.

What feedback have you received from clients about your coaching?

The feedback from my clients has been overwhelmingly positive. Many express their gratitude through word of mouth, sending referrals my way because they trust how coaching has transformed their lives. Some of this feedback can be seen on my Instagram page, where I’ve captured testimonials and messages.

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

Curiosity drives my continuous improvement. I’m eager to explore new ways to help clients and further refine my approach to coaching.  The biggest area is when I ask the right question as the right time that sometimes makes the client be silent as they reflect for a while as it is the “Ah” moment, and the transformation for them to become better versions of themselves, increase their confidence and change their lives better. 

Where do you see your coaching skills and business in the coming years?

My coaching business is growing steadily. I work with the ICF Saudi chapter and have developed a strong reputation internationally, particularly through my Instagram presence. Every day brings new clients, sometimes through referrals from people I don’t even know, which humbles me and reaffirms the value of my work. I am also inspiring coaches to work on their obstacles and change themselves to become better versions of themselves without feeling that they need to be perfect in everything, learning to accept their mistakes, learn from their failures and never give up no matter what!

Looking ahead, I plan to expand my influence, enhance my skills further, and take on new opportunities that align with my passion for impact and growth.  I am expanding my business to influence and spread coaching across Saudi and also highlighting that even if you have difficulty or disabilities, you can proceed to your dreams.  Don’t let anyone tell you who you can or cannot be! Always remember that you have the answers within yourself and have the power to be anything you want. Believe in yourself, work hard, and eventually you will reach to your goal on the right time!

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

Work on yourself, take coaching sessions to experience the process. Face your fears, build confidence, and stay resilient. Progress doesn’t require perfection—just persistence. Be authentic, honest, and focused on being the best version of yourself. And remember, clients who resonate with you will find their way to you naturally.  Remember you are the captain of your journey, and have all the answers, a belief that is fundamental to the coaching approach, so just dig deep and you will shine and succeed.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that when one door closes, another always opens. Keep trusted people around you, stay authentic, and don’t be afraid to fail when you are trying something new because failure is often where the biggest lessons lie!  The biggest learning is everything will happen at the right time, even if you face some challenges along the way, it can be a blessing because you will become more experienced.  Never give up trying to grow and learn and you will achieve! 

 

Thank you Dima for sharing your inspirational coaching journey with us!

 

 

Feeling inspired by this story and wondering if coaching is your calling? Take the first step today! Join our free Introduction to Life Coaching webinar to explore what life coaching is all about and how it could change your life and career. 

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