My Initial Missteps

When I left my nine-to-five job, my early experiences were challenging.

In retrospect, I recognize that a major error was attempting to replicate what was successful for others. My desire to provide for my family led me to fixate on monetary gain, which pushed me to mimic successful business models. Although I saw some success utilizing skills honed in my previous job, the lack of job satisfaction coupled with the stress of constant self-promotion left me feeling less secure and unfulfilled.

I found myself trapped in a role that didn't align with my true self. This approach was destined to fail, and I had to learn that the hard way.

A Psychometric Test That Changed Everything

Eventually, a wave of frustration compelled me to seek clarity about my missteps. I was working diligently, yet my financial situation seemed worse than when I was employed. I decided to take a series of psychometric assessments and consult an industrial psychologist, aiming to identify my optimal career path. The psychologist suggested that I would excel as a teacher.

A teacher? It would take years to qualify, and I was already financially stretched. The psychologist overlooked the reality of a teacher's salary.

He was correct, however. Initially, I viewed teaching merely as instructing students in a classroom. Over time, I recognized my passion for helping individuals enhance their performance. I discovered I was more of a performance coach than a traditional educator. My enthusiasm for finding ways to assist clients led me to explore better improvement strategies.

Finding My Niche

Discovering work that brings fulfillment is a remarkable experience. It's even more gratifying when your efforts contribute meaningfully to others' lives. Witnessing clients express themselves, improve their performance, and achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding. However, to sustain this rewarding work, a consistent flow of clients willing to pay reasonable fees is essential.

Transforming Passion into Profit

It may seem mercenary, but the reality is that to continue doing what you love, your vocation must generate substantial income. I posed three critical questions to myself:

1. Who benefits from the performance-enhancing coaching I enjoy providing?
2. Who can afford my desired fees?
3. In which market can I establish credibility to justify my rates?

Finding answers took time. In the beginning, I offered my coaching services pro bono to gain experience and practice my skills. A stroke of luck came when one of my pro bono clients created a simple website for me. This led General Motors to discover my services, and I was invited to submit a proposal, ultimately securing a contract. This opportunity propelled my fledgling business and opened doors to lucrative coaching prospects.

Redefining Professionalism

While working with GM, I initially tried to revert to my previous managerial style. However, I quickly realized this approach was not what my clients sought. They desired a fresh perspective. I learned that I could provide the most value by being authentic and addressing their challenges from a performance enhancement viewpoint. By focusing on my clients as individuals rather than mere managers, I could tailor my coaching to meet their unique needs.

The beauty of coaching lies in its personalization, contrasting sharply with the one-size-fits-all nature of traditional training programs.

Global Opportunities

Though based in the UK, I have had the privilege of working throughout Europe, the USA, and India, conducting workshops before the pandemic. Since then, my coaching sessions have largely transitioned to video conferencing platforms such as FaceTime, Zoom, and Teams.

Key Considerations for Aspiring Coaches

If you're contemplating a coaching career, consider these eight questions:

1. What activities make you feel passionate about helping others?
2. What personal challenges do you enjoy exploring?
3. Are you naturally independent, or do you thrive in a group environment?
4. Do you have a keen interest in psychology, leadership, and personal development?
5. Are you a good listener who can help others find their solutions?
6. Is your character developed enough to allow for a unique coaching style?
7. Can you manage with a limited income while building your clientele?
8. Are you determined to create an impact in your community or beyond?