Why am I a coach? I spent 20 years working in big and small corporations. I had good roles, good teams, and good managers (more about me).
Years ago, after my promotion into a leadership position, I realised how much I enjoyed being there for my team members. Especially during tough times and in companies that underwent reorganisations or faced layoffs.
But first I had to be a coachee myself to understand the immense power of a coaching session. Before that, I did not even consider coaching as a serious profession. I had known coaching only from sports and could not see the connection to the business world.
The day I had my first coaching session:
I remember being under immense pressure. With an overwhelming workload, and I believed I had to know all the answers to my team’s questions. My team members were also grappling with pressure. In addition I did not know how to change this.
Through a friend, I discovered a coaching company that resonated with me on several levels. I reached out, had an introductory call, and we arranged our first coaching session.
After 60 minutes, it literally blew my mind. The pressure and high stress level basically went away.
That’s when a spark ignited within me. I wanted to learn the skills and mindset necessary to better support my team. My approach to leadership underwent a transformation. I began allocating more time for team members to express themselves. And also started asking probing questions, and encouraging reflection. Which was so useful.
After my last job came to end, I made the mistake of believing that I needed to assume a leadership role again. I believed this way I could best support people and do what I love.
But after interviewing with various prospective employers, I reached a definitive decision. I recognized that the genuine way to be there for people and was by becoming a coach, rather than being entwined within an existing work system.
Every coaching conversation that I have gives me so much energy. And I truly love the impact that coaching can have in my clients’ lives. If you want to work with me, contact me. No matter where you live.
Connect with me on LinkedIn.
