As we approach the end of another year, it feels like an opportune moment to pause and reflect on my transformative journey of transitioning from the corporate world to building my own executive and business coaching career. This shift has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride – a blend of exhilarating highs, challenging lows, and a ton of learnings.
In this blog post, I aim to share these pivotal experiences, the lessons learned, and glimpse of what I am looking forward to next year as I continue to expand my coaching footprint.
1️⃣ The Power of Flexibility and Diversity
A standout aspect of managing my own practice has been the remarkable flexibility it offers – and I'm not just referring to the usual notion of work-life balance. My typical day might start with a rejuvenating yoga session or a peaceful walk in the park post-school drop-off. Depending on my schedule, I alternate between meetings and periods of focused work. I love the freedom to catch up with friends, attend events, or simply rearrange my commitments as needed. For instance, I cherish the opportunity to pick up my daughter early from school on Wednesdays spending 1:1 time together in the afternoon.
Beyond personal scheduling, the flexibility in coachee interaction and work variety has been equally enriching. I've had the privilege of working with people from diverse backgrounds, each with their unique contexts spanning different countries, cultures, companies, and stages in their leadership journey. The richness of this diversity has been a fundamental and invaluable aspect of my coaching and content creation experience.
2️⃣ Navigating Financial Uncertainties
Embarking on the journey of building my own practice, I've found myself immersed in a variety of roles, often juggling multiple responsibilities simultaneously. This endeavor often requires more time and effort than my previous corporate role. Through my own experiences as well as working closely with business owners and startup founders, I know that one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking things is not knowing when / how you will reach financial stability with your venture - it's exciting because once you reach financial stability, it doesn't end there --- there is no ceiling. It's nerve-wrecking because in contrast to a corporate job where compensation is consistent and predictable, the financial aspect can be less clear-cut. Essential activities such as networking, marketing, and developing the practice don't always translate directly into immediate financial returns. This is a reality many new entrepreneurs face, particularly in sectors where establishing a strong reputation and client base is a gradual process.
In this context, aligning with long-term objectives and maintaining a purpose-driven approach becomes more important than ever. It's about redefining how time and effort are valued, embracing a mindset that looks beyond the immediate to the potential future rewards of today's investments.
3️⃣ A One-Person Army to Build a Career
When you build your own practice, you are a one person army - or at least most of the time. While some may opt for delegation early on, I've chosen to dive deeply into each role. This approach stems not just from a desire to manage costs but also from a genuine interest in experiencing and understanding every facet of setting up a business. It's important for me to grasp the nuances of each task, whether it's finance, marketing, sales, or executive decision-making.
This hands-on experience is crucial. I've written before about how I believe one of the must-haves for a good manager or business owner is to have a clear understanding of their team's tasks and challenges. When you understand the work and have been hands on doing the work, it helps in setting realistic expectations when you delegate or share the work later and avoiding the pitfalls of being disconnected from the actual work. So, for now, I am content with this approach, despite the longer hours and the constant task-switching it entails.
However, this approach does come with its challenges. The most obvious is the time it consumes – time that could otherwise be spent on coaching, which is my passion and the core reason I started this practice. As I look ahead, I am keen to find the right balance between managing the business and dedicating myself to the coaching aspect. It's a delicate equilibrium, and one that I'm excited to explore and refine in the coming year as I look to expand and evolve my practice.
4️⃣ The Crucial Role of Relationships and a Supportive Network
This year has reinforced the vital role of forging strong relationships in the world of coaching. Building trust and rapport with coachees is not just beneficial – it's essential. Time and again, I've seen how investing time to truly understand my coachees' distinct challenges and goals leads to more meaningful and effective coaching interactions. Similarly, networking has opened doors to new opportunities and collaborations, revealing paths I might not have discovered on my own.
I'm incredibly grateful for the large, global, robust and encouraging support network I have surrounding me. Leaving a job that I loved and was good at was hard. My amazing friends, colleagues, and even acquaintances from my wider network have contributed to my journey in various ways --- from promoting my coaching offering and referring coachees to assisting me in navigating the nuances of grants and benefits. Their belief in my mission and interest in my life have been a powerful source of encouragement.
The feedback and appreciation I receive are immensely motivating. Whether it's a LinkedIn message, a WhatsApp note, or an email detailing someone's experience with my content, each interaction is a reminder of the impact of my work. Seeing people engage with my materials, whether it's scribbling notes on my worksheets and sending me a photo of their scribbles and sharing how my workbook / worksheet has helped them, underlining passages in my blog posts and sharing why they especially resonated, or proactively DM-ing their thoughts and experiences about something I may have written about in my blog posts, it is incredibly fulfilling to get the validation. It reinforces my purpose: to connect with people, share collective wisdom, and make a meaningful difference. This validation and recognition from my network are invaluable in keeping me focused and driven.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who's been a part of my journey - you know who you are!
5️⃣ Continuous Learning and Adaptation
Throughout this year, I've been deeply committed to my own continuous learning and adaptation. I've engaged in various activities like attending industry workshops, immersing myself in extensive reading, and also partaking in coaching sessions myself. This dedication to both personal and professional development has significantly sharpened my coaching abilities and ensured that I remain up-to-date and impactful.
Part of this learning journey included achieving accreditations from both the International Coach Federation (ICF) and the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC). Additionally, I completed a specialized coaching program under the guidance of the brilliant Joanna Lott, an experienced coach whose depth of knowledge and insight have been invaluable. Learning from and building a network fellow coaches and absorbing the wisdom shared by Joanna has been a transformative experience, profoundly enriching my coaching practice.
6️⃣ Prioritizing Self-Care Amidst Passionate Work
If you love what you are doing, as I do love coaching, it's easy to get completely absorbed. The exciting part of running your own business is the lack of limits – there's no end to the possibilities in what you can offer, learn, and create. This limitless possibility drives me to constantly want to do more. Whether it’s developing a new lunch and learn session on a topic suggested by a coachee, collaborating on a webinar with a friend, or exploring opportunities to participate in podcasts, my excitement knows no bounds. I want to read all the books, write all the books, join all the podcasts, create my own podcast, build courses, share content, sign up for multiple speaking engagements. Everything is so shiny and exciting!
However, this limitless drive, while exhilarating, can also lead to pitfalls like inability to focus and prioritize or burnout when trying to do it all (also known as the 'shiny object syndrome'). Recognizing this, I’ve learned the importance of incorporating self-care into my routine. Regular exercise, mindfulness practices, and the ability to say 'No' are not just beneficial for maintaining a work-life balance – they’re essential. These practices have not only improved my physical well-being but have also enhanced my mood and decision-making clarity. It’s about finding that sweet spot where passion meets sustainability, ensuring that my enthusiasm doesn’t overshadow my health and overall well-being. Something I hope to work more on and finetune into 2024.
7️⃣ Going Slow to Go Fast
Building on the concept of avoiding the 'shiny object syndrome,' the journey of establishing my coaching existence has taught me the value of going slow to eventually go fast. This concept is particularly relevant as I navigate the complexities of crafting my own schedule and developing a 'portfolio career' (More on portfolio careers in this article). In this process, I'm learning the critical importance of slowing down and prioritizing, especially as my mind tends to race with countless ideas and my to-do list seems to expand endlessly with tasks and touchpoints.
In my social media posts and blog articles, I frequently discuss the importance of strategic planning, reflection, and setting Objectives and Key Results (OKRs). I endeavor to practice what I preach by exemplifying this approach in my own business strategy. By breaking down my broader vision into attainable, manageable milestones, I've found a way to stay motivated and make tangible progress without feeling overwhelmed.
This methodical slowing down allows me to assess each step carefully, prioritize effectively, and focus on what truly matters for both immediate tasks and long-term goals. It's about creating a balance between the enthusiasm for new ideas and the discipline of strategic execution. This balanced approach not only enhances my productivity but also ensures that each step taken is in alignment with my overall mission and vision - something I am excited to keep doubling down on as we go into 2024.
8️⃣ Navigating the Emotional RollerCoaster
OK so now to the deep stuff. There are days when I find myself looking sideways at my peers in the coaching field, feeling like I'm lagging behind. Then there are moments of nostalgia for my former life as a corporate executive at a top global company. It's vital to recognize that such comparisons are neither fair nor constructive. Everyone's path is distinct, and the polished facade of social media rarely reflects the true grit and grind behind the scenes. Comparing the nascent stages of my coaching career with the pinnacle of over 15 years in the corporate world is like comparing apples to spaceships – it just doesn't make sense.
And let's not forget about the naysayers – the folks who seem to have a PhD in Haterology. Yes, for every bunch of awesome, supportive people, there's always a small crew ready to rain on your parade. Whether it's poking fun at titles for my lunch and learns, scoffing at my branding efforts, or straight-up calling me crazy (and not in the cool, fun, change the world and have a big party type of way), these detractors make their presence felt. But hey, as they say, haters are gonna hate, and it's my responsibility to keep brushing them off and not let them get to me.
Staying focused on my own journey, holding onto my purpose, and taking the time to celebrate even the tiniest victories have been my lifelines in maintaining motivation and equilibrium. It's about keeping my eyes on the prize and remembering that for every critic, there's a chorus of supporters cheering me on.
9️⃣ Juggling Time Between Work and Family
A recent incident during our family's fun little 'Festivus' celebration (any Seinfeld fans out there?), brought into sharp focus the intricate balancing act between my professional life and family time. My daughter's innocent observation that I seem to be working a lot initially filled me with a mix of self-doubt and disappointment. After all, a major impetus behind steering my career in this direction was the desire to be more present during these early, precious, formative years with my children.
Thankfully, before I could respond, she continued to say, 'But, you work while I am at school and after I go to bed, so you are a great mama' Phew! In her eyes, net net, I was still doing a good job as a mom. This experience has been a gentle nudge, a reminder to constantly reassess and align my priorities to ensure that both my kids and my career receive the attention and care they deserve -- one more thing I will meditate over, as I take a few days off in San Diego around New Years Eve this year.
🔟 No Asshole / No BS Rule
Recently, I had the opportunity to connect with a seasoned businesswoman from my MBA network. In our conversation, she shared various insights about running her own business, but one particular principle really resonated with me: The No Asshole Rule. She emphasized the freedom to choose who to work with, prioritizing respect and authenticity above all else. This philosophy aligns closely with a principle I've held dear in both my personal and professional life.
Truth be told, some of my friends might fit the stereotypical 'asshole' label – they're outspoken, can come off as brash or even disrespectful, and they certainly don't shy away from flaunting their success. But to me, these friends are invaluable. Their authenticity, no-frills approach, and disdain for pretense is what draws me to them. They're the kind of people who enjoy the finer things in life not for show, but because they genuinely appreciate them, and they've worked hard to earn that lifestyle.
Sure, there's always room for improvement in communication styles to avoid offending the more sensitive souls, or in tempering displays of wealth to be mindful of others. However, at their core, these are genuinely good-hearted individuals, brimming with real emotions and unwavering honesty, and a commitment to be there for you when you need them most.
This is the ethos I bring into my professional sphere. When it comes to my coaching career, I have the privilege of being selective with whom I work. My strict no BS rule means surrounding myself with people who are not only authentic and genuine but also those who resonate with my values of straightforwardness and sincerity. It's about fostering relationships that are grounded in mutual respect and unfiltered honesty.
Concluding Thoughts...
Setting up my own executive and business coaching career has been a journey of growth, resilience, and learning. The flexibility it offers is unparalleled, but it comes with the realities of increased workloads and initial financial challenges. Being the sole driver of my portfolio career has been both daunting and empowering. As I look forward to another year, I'm excited to apply these lessons and continue growing both personally and professionally. Here is to an exciting 2024!