Coaching stories
Because of coaching, people are able to surpass their limitations and achieve their personal and professional goals. Be inspired by these true stories of profound change!
New direction for my organisation: Samantha
Samantha[1], a young black woman, chairs a UK national charity. Samantha requested coaching after a tough 12 months, to support the charity’s CEO through COVID and to get the charity to a good place for the long term. After completing my coaching programme, she said:
"It's been a great experience working with Nicki. I took a little time to get my head around coaching. Once I understood its value and core principles, it was easy to decide on a goal. I started with an ambitious goal which seemed insurmountable at first. Through my sessions I was able to divide the goal into manageable stages, evaluate my achievements and progress, and reflect on what I had learned about myself and my approach. I will keep using this staged process to help me mentally and emotionally manage difficult challenges.
The programme has had an enormous impact on my organisation. We are about to embark on perhaps our most ambitious project in decades, that will focus on who we are and what we want to achieve. I would not have had the courage to instigate this project if I hadn’t been through the programme.
I would recommend coaching to anyone who is facing a difficult challenge or question, even if only in the short term. Having external counsel and guidance to help clarify your thoughts and intentions can be really helpful in helping you to achieve your goals.
[1] For confidentiality we have changed names.
Being the best leader I can be: Elaine
Elaine had been Chair of a Welsh regional arts centre for two years, and requested coaching in order to give the new Director (who had recently been promoted) the best start. When asked for feedback, she said:
“The power of individual agency, of collaboration and networks, and of using positive lived experience to create transformational change, are the things that matter to me most.
I’ve long been interested in coaching, both being a coach and being coached. So I jumped at the opportunity.
It’s been a great experience. I had a clear idea of the areas I wanted to explore; I’d been talking to family, friends and peers, but I knew coaching would bring fresh thinking and a different perspective. What I needed was an impartial sounding board, who would ask the right probing questions.
Our sessions were spread out across several months which allowed time for reflection. The whole process was professionally managed and Nicki checked in with me at the start of each session that we were good to go.
The sessions reminded me of the benefits of positive thinking; of constantly visioning the future I want to create and how I enable others to create their own. I can be a better Chair because of this process. It taught me that, to be the best Chair, I need to let the Director become the best CEO they want to be (not the best CEO I want them to be).
I didn’t always have an answer for the questions Nicki asked me, but I learned that this is a process, and that “What else is there?” is one of the most powerful questions you can ask.
The first question Nicki asked me (“What do you most enjoy?”) gave me the best homework I’ve had in a long time. I hope you get to hear Nicki ask it too. Enjoy discovering the answer. It’s one I keep going back to.
I would absolutely recommend coaching. Books say the top 3 traits of an effective coach are: building rapport, listening, and summarising and reflection. I would add empathy, shared values, and good observational skills, which Nicki has in spades – watch out for the words that are repeated back that you never knew you said!
It’s vital to go in with an open mind to embrace the experience. Be ready for personal reflection. Be willing to learn, and you will have a better understanding of yourself and what you can achieve as a result.”
What is coaching?
Coaching is a series of intensive and confidential one to one sessions, enabling you to build, continuously reflect and improve. Much research exists about its impact, how it brings significant learning and development to the individual and maximises their impact at work and their enjoyment of life.
How will my experience be of value?
I have coached all types of people including senior executives, new managers, those starting out in their careers and entrepreneurs
I offer single or multiple sessions. My standard starter pack of four or six sessions will enable you to achieve substantial progress
My experience covers all sectors and organisations from sole proprietors to multinational businesses
In 2016 I completed International Coaching Federation Accredited Coach-Specific Training, which included 60 hours of accredited coaching practice. I follow the ICF code of ethics
For my professional development, I attend seminars on coaching aspects and tools, receive feedback at a regular coaching clinic, and have my own coach.