A Journey of a Coachee to Become a Coach

5 May 2023

When my ex-colleague offered me pro bono coaching about five years ago, I had no dilemma accepting it. As a search consultant, I was curious about coaching, and my first encounter with a professional coach was when the firm I worked with searched for a coach to lead the talent and leadership consulting practice. I had the opportunity to speak to a few ICF coaches.

My ex-colleague’s offer was just lovely to satisfy my curiosity. That one coaching session led me to a new realization about myself – what triggered me, why it triggered me, how it started, and what I could do to overcome it.

I was amazed by the outcome of it because my ex-colleague did not provide any solutions to me throughout the session. He asked me questions that led me to deep thoughts. He gave me the space to recollect my scattered pieces, and I slowly saw the whole picture and gained clarity. Toward the end of the session, he asked me how I felt compared to the start and what I learned about myself.

It was a self-reflective session that allowed me to see myself better. The whole session was very engaging and enlightening. My ex-colleague did not say much; he was there to listen to me patiently. I was at ease and felt safe as I shared my thoughts. He was supportive and had no judgment on what I said. More importantly, he ensured confidentiality, and I could be my true self to express myself freely. I was hopeful and had peace after the session.

That one coaching session opened my mind to becoming a coach. I started my coaching journey in 2019. I have since then partnered with many individuals who were like me, searching for a key to unlock issues, be it in life, career, work, business, leadership, family, relationship, health, and wellness. It has impacted their lives. They have become well aware of who they are, what ignites them, and how they go about it to where they want to be.

They know what is best for them. As a coach, I facilitate their internal thought process to develop a roadmap to connect themselves better. Therefore, a coaching relationship built on mutual trust is significant.

I truly enjoy the relationship with my coachees/clients as it does not just allow me to walk with them in the process of realization and learn from them as they explore themselves. They discover their better self. They realize their potential. They align their values. They find their purpose and passion. They know their true self. It’s all about them.