What brought you into coaching?
In September 2013, I started a company, delivering management training in education and business. With that established and going well, a year later we decided to add coaching as an additional strand to the business. I had been involved in professional development of teams and individuals before and the buzz from helping people change and grow made me realize that coaching was not far away.
What were your original thoughts when applying for the Diploma?
The 2-day Introductory Course confirmed in my mind that coaching was the right next step for me and I signed up immediately for both the Life Coaching Diploma and Executive/Corporate Diplomas.
The natural uncertainties were there at the start. Would completing the programmes fit with starting a new business? Would I pass? Was the investment worth it? That said, the overriding thought was one of anticipation at getting started; attending the first Accelerator Day, organising the first coaching session and being assessed for the first time.
What was your profession before becoming a coach?
After a spell as a Professional Tennis Coach in the United States, I trained as a Physical Education teacher and worked my way through the teaching profession to become a secondary Headteacher. My 34 years in education had been immensely fulfilling but I reached the point where it was time for something different.
What did you find most interesting to learn?
Engaging with the excellent materials ahead of, at and following Accelerator Days gave me a good understanding of the tools and techniques available and were really enjoyable events for me.
Faces became familiar, business cards were exchanged and stories swapped, I found them interesting and useful.
What was the most rewarding part of the training/journey?
Practicing my coaching skills with practice clients was enjoyable and hearing ‘thanks, I would have paid good money for that’ was pleasant to hear. Receiving a distinction for both programmes was also a memorable moment.
Which bits did you enjoy most?
All aspects of the programmes were enjoyable, if I had to pick one area, it would be the Accelerator Days. High quality training, high quality trainers; a powerful combination. As someone in the business of delivering training myself, I learned a great deal about training as well as coaching.
How did the qualification slot into your life?
Completing the qualifications, particularly doing two in tandem, required a commitment of time and energy. The qualification coincided with looking to establish the training business, so it was a busy time. Getting organised and setting aside time for write ups of learning record sheets, working with practice clients and doing the background reading allowed me to complete both the Personal Performance and Executive Corporate Diplomas in a year. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Having now qualified, my coaching business is developing fast with clients in both the familiar educational sector and in business.
What do you enjoy about being a coach?
Being a coach has brought a new dimension to my working life. The challenge of helping clients move towards their goals, resolve their issues and fulfill their dreams is one worth taking on.
Having flexibility and control in terms of working arrangements has been hugely liberating and the opportunity to combine coaching with training commitments has kept me really busy.
What are your top tips for those interested in coaching?
• Be committed to the programme
• Get organised from the start
• Most important of all, enjoy the experience; Coaching Academy diplomas are great.
The Coaching Academy was established in 1999, and is now the world's largest coaching school.
In that time we have trained over 14,000 people to become life coaches.
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