How coaching changed my life & career path

Pivotal moments that led me to coaching

I first experienced coaching in 2011 when I was at a crossroads in my career. I knew where I wanted to be but had no idea how to get there. At the time, I had recently become a single parent with two children, aged 10 and 13, and life felt overwhelming. Most weeks, I was just relieved to have made it through without dropping too many balls.  The opportunity for coaching came unexpectedly when a colleague training with The Coaching Academy needed a practice client. I had never heard of coaching before, but I was willing to give it a try - what did I have to lose?

In our first session, my coach introduced me to the Wheel of Life, and I was blown away. Not only did it highlight where things felt out of balance, but it also showed me that I had the power to make changes. Within four months, I secured my first middle management role. I also reassessed how we spent time as a family, freeing up space for myself, which made me a better parent and a happier person. Within 18 months, I had moved from a first-line management position to a senior role. That experience cemented my belief in the power of coaching - the focus was entirely on me, my goals, and the barriers I was putting in my own way.

From coachee to coach…

By 2019, eight years after my first coaching experience, I was ready for something more. I had spent those years in senior leadership roles, and the thing I loved most was helping others develop and grow.  My colleague who had been my coach all those years ago recommended The Coaching Academy’s free Introduction to Life Coaching taster event, and I decided to book a place January.  By the end of the first day, I was completely sold. I signed up before I left!

I enrolled in the Personal Performance (Life Coaching) Diploma and the Corporate & Executive Diploma, knowing that I wanted to work with leaders and managers. I regularly watch the Coaching Conversations webinars. One in particular led me to reintroduce the Karpman Drama Triangle into my coaching, which has since become a key tool in both my 1:1 coaching and training sessions. I also completed the Level 2 DISC Practitioner accredited course, as DISC profiling is something I now use with all my individual and corporate clients.

I set up My Coach Joanna in 2020, during lockdown, with no money and no real choice, it was just how things worked out. Most of my clients are in the Further Education sector, so my first year was incredibly tough. Colleges were closed, and with the constant lockdowns, work was scarce.     However, I used that time to invest in CPD and lay the foundations for my business. Five years on, I am where I wanted to be. My work is a mix of 1:1 coaching (both private and corporate), leadership and coaching skills training, and assessing the Level 5 Coaching Professional apprenticeship.

Creating a balance that works

I now work a four-day week and have enjoyed a three-day weekend for the past two years. My balance of online and in-person work is just right. This year, I signed up to Delenta, a coaching platform designed to streamline my business and help me expand my online coaching. This was as a result of attending one of The Coaching Academy's webinars.

My career coaching clients consistently feedback on how they gain clarity and confidence during career transitions. Many describe feeling stuck in roles that no longer suited them, and through coaching, they gained the courage to make changes they had been hesitant about, one client, Jane shared: “Joanna helped me navigate a very difficult decision, but one I have never regretted and wish I had made earlier!”

My corporate clients consistently highlight the value of my bespoke coaching and leadership programmes, which are designed to meet the specific needs of their teams. Whether using DISC profiling or coaching techniques to drive cultural change, I focus on creating interactive, thought-provoking sessions that make learning accessible and impactful. Clients tell me that their teams leave with greater self-awareness, a deeper understanding of different working styles, and practical strategies to improve relationships at work. Just on Friday I received an email from the Principal and CEO, David Gartland of Darlington College who said: “Just a quick message to say thank you once again for the session on Friday. It was exactly what was needed and the immediate feedback I have had from colleagues has been incredibly positive. The work you are doing with the team is so positive and making such a difference, so thank you.”

My vision for the future 

My next goal is to grow my online coaching business, allowing me to work while travelling, as my partner and I want to spend more time living abroad. At 55, flexibility is a priority - I want to make the most of new experiences and opportunities while I’m in a position to do so, both financially and physically. Investing in Delenta is part of this strategy, as it will help me create a passive income stream and expand my reach beyond the Further Education sector. To ensure these plans come to fruition, I’m working with a digital marketing company to strengthen my online presence and attract a wider range of clients. I also want to diversify my client base, working with leaders in other industries who want to develop their careers and leadership skills.

Coaching transformed both my personal and professional life, and now I have the privilege of doing the same for others. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t taken that first step and attended The Coaching Academy’s Introduction to Life Coaching event – it was the start of everything.

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

Discover A Career In Coaching Too...

Are you ready to take the first step in your coaching journey? Attend our free two-hour 'Introduction to Life Coaching' webinar and discover how coaching could be a brand-new path for you too.   If you are interested in Coaching within Education or Corporate Coaching, you can explore all of our coaching diplomas here.