Why do I coach?

The first part of my career was a “trial by fire.” I survived but quickly grew to disagree with that approach to individual development. Many leaders around me had the skills to guide the younger generation. Still, they either didn’t make the time or believed this harsh, sink-or-swim experience was a necessary rite of passage. Too often, it was taken to extremes. So when it came time for me to lead, I made it my mission to take a different approach. I was committed to instructing, mentoring, and coaching my team members to success—not simply to survive, but to truly thrive and learn. After transitioning into my second career, I expected a new dynamic but found different challenges. Many leaders in this environment needed help with giving direction and making decisions. I had come from an environment that pushed competition to exhausting, sometimes wasteful limits, to a new industry where team development and leadership fundamentals often seemed lacking. These experiences made it clear to me that there was a better way, one that balanced direction with empowerment, competition with collaboration, and pressure with support. I knew I was uniquely positioned to help individuals and teams grow using this balanced approach. Coaching is about honoring someone’s journey and empowering them to reach their full potential. Supporting someone’s growth and development is a privilege that I don’t take lightly. Watching clients achieve their goals and unlock their strengths is a feeling unlike any other. Coaching isn’t just a profession; it’s a calling that lets me bring out the best in people, and I can’t imagine a more fulfilling way to serve.