What brought you to Coaching?
Things started to take shape when I was working at ING Bank and was involved in the merger of two banks, ING and Postbank (2008-2009). I was asked to coach a number of individuals with the aim of improving their performance and helping them with the transformation challenges they were facing. After a couple of sessions, the manager who had initially asked me to do the coaching, said: “Thanks Hamid, I have noticed a real improvement in their performance”. It made me feel good and realise that I got a great deal of satisfaction from helping others on their journey to success.
What were your original thoughts about Coaching?
My journey started when I was only 14. I wanted to do something great that would contribute to a better world. I had been dreaming about ways in which to bring about positive change on a global scale. Swinging between different approaches, I became familiar with coaching as a way forward for personal development. Until then I didn’t know a lot about coaching. When I hired a coach in 2011, it opened a new door for me. Finally, I found the way, which sustainably changes many lives in a positive way.
What was your profession before becoming a Coach?
I have switched several professions as a staff manager. Before becoming a professional coach, I was a business transformer. I spent 80% of my time to lead change programs for large enterprises. 20% of my time went to coaching assignments.
What did you find most interesting to learn?
The most interesting things for me have been tons of tools and models, which I have learned during the Accelerate Days. I thankfully use these during my coaching sessions with different clients. Examples of these models are GROW and Perceptual.
What was the most rewarding part of your training/journey?
As part of qualification I had to arrange 39 coaching sessions during my journey. I think this was the most rewarding part of my journey for me particularly when I received calls from my clients saying “Hamid, thank you so much for your contribution, I achieved my goal.”
As a person who is passionate to learn, I enjoyed the tips during my practical assessments the most. I learned specific skills and wisdoms, which have helped me coach my clients more effectively.
How did the qualification slot in with your current life?
The qualification didn’t only change my profession, it changed my life. I found my passion, coaching, which is priceless. The qualification awakened my passion to give, to help and to inspire others unleash their dreams.
Where are you now? How are you using your coaching skills?
It is hilarious how it goes now. I don’t do any acquisitions. Based on my blogs or postings on social media, people call or email me if I want to coach them. It is so fulfilling that people come to me to help them transform their lives.
What is your coaching niche and why did you choose it?
I have developed myself as a Breakthrough Coach in three niches:
Leadership: As of my 25th I have worked with high-ranked leaders. Aligned with my upcoming book, First-Class Leadership, I am pleased to help leaders lead at first-class level.
My affinity with entrepreneurship is responsible for my second niche, which is personal success.
The third niche has found me. Enterprises come to me to help them resolve their conflicts with their business partners. I love all three niches. I absolutely like diversity when it comes to what I do.
Your advice to new coaches?
Practise the tips, tools and models as much as you can. Ask your coaches for constructive feedback. Get the maximum possible out the practical assessments. Figure out what niche best suits you. Do not forget to answer “why”. Connect your niche with your passion. If you do so you will succeed.
What would you say to someone in a similar situation to yourself?
You are now a qualified coach. Let the world know what you can do. Let them see it has been worth it to qualify as a professional coach at the Coaching Academy.
If Hamid's words have inspired you and you feel that Coaching could be a potential full or part time opportunity for you, or if you would just like to know a little more about what Coaching is and how it can benefit you and the lives of others, please contact our Specialist Course Advisor, Jamil on 0208 996 4830 or email: Jamil@the-coaching-academy.com
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