Reflections on life as a Coach – 10 years on
I cannot quite believe I have been a qualified Professional coach for nearly 10 years. How time flies….
I still remember the fear I felt as I walked away from a well-paid job, the only profession I knew and loved, yet also aware I needed a break from. When getting to know new coaching clients, I often tell them I am of a generation where we follow one career path - in my case, starting with as a classroom teacher then progressing over time to senior leadership - all in the world of education, schools. Unlike younger generations who are encouraged and emboldened to move across career paths using their transferable skills. I didn’t believe this was possible for me. I thought I was in this world for life. Then, after lots of soul searching, I started to work with a coach who helped make me realise that of course I had transferable skills. A leader in any profession can shift into others as most leadership skills required are universal. If you can lead and get the best out of people in the health service, why can’t you do that in the corporate world. I decided I didn’t want to ‘practise’ leadership anymore, but I did want to support those who were.
My final A level class
He’s forgiven….
So, back in 2016, I started my first coaching course….and LOVED it. I knew straight away there was no turning back. I felt I had found my niche. Not only was I learning a whole new set of skills, but I was also meeting the most amazing people in the coaching support networks all of whom had time to help and advise me. Encouraging me to find my coaching focus which was and is Leadership, start a business, create a website and start coaching! That was 10 years ago, yet it feels like six months. In that time, I have regularly refreshed my qualifications and studied others, renewed my accreditation every 3 years, become a qualified practitioner in 4 personality tools, qualified as a team coach and learned workshop facilitation skills.
My original ‘crib’ cards
More importantly, I have had 10 years of coaching the most amazing people who show courage, resilience, empathy and strength (to name a few) in the face of extraordinary challenges, restraints and predicaments. I have watched and helped clients grow and amplify their brilliance while I too have developed as a coach. While I always want my clients to feel safe and supported, I am more driven to help them seek the change they desire. Whilst being empathetic, I can also be demanding and candid about what’s stopping them moving forward when they may only see barriers not opportunities. My first coach trainer back in 2016 suggested I needed to be fiercer. I believe I am that now but never without kindness, never without good intentions and never without a gratitude for what these people do and simply want to do better. I have felt truly honoured to meet and spend time with such great people and I can’t imagine stepping away from this privilege – not for another 10 years at least.
Starting out….