My journey of self-discovery into executive growth coaching
My executive growth coach is the transformative Helen Pethybridge. It’s coming up to a year since we started working together. I am a huge fan. Several close friends and family have commented on how they’ve seen positive changes in me. In all honesty, I feel and see this too. I’m certainly on a journey of self-discovery and personal improvement.
At the beginning of 2022 I was invited to attend a webinar hosted by Action Coach about recruitment challenges and staff retention. I joined and was instantly struck by the strong connection I felt with Helen’s proposition. Her style, commercial insight and knowledge struck a chord and impressed me from the off. It’s been a relationship of blatant honesty, combined with fun and lots of learning. Coaching is not something I had ever considered. I had always worked for organisations that invested heavily in training and development. I considered myself to be well-educated, hard-working, experienced and knowledgeable. I’ve always had gusto for self learning and finding solutions.
Initially I was sceptical about the value coaching would add to me and the business. As always though, I went into it with an open mind and was receptive to change. In fact, as those I have worked with will know, I embrace change and believe that with disruption comes opportunity. Having a coach means one thing. You will be challenged and you will need to deliver, on time, and report back on what you’ve done, what you have not done and what you have achieved. You’ll be asked ‘why?’ and ‘why not?’ a lot. There is no room for excuses or negativity - it’s all about affirmative, measurable and realistic actions.
As part of the induction process there is a simple equation that Helen embeds into your mindset as a foundation for your future growth. This applies personally and professionally. Do x Be = Have. What you do. Multiplied by who your are. Equals what you have. Brilliantly simple. Another thing fused into your growth mindset early on is the concept of review and evaluation to make better business decisions moving forward. Enter two words: Test + Measure. These are the fundamental ingredients to the secret sauce. Apply them to all scenarios and questions in business and life - and you will achieve better results.
Investing in a coach is not for everyone. It takes time and needs input of resources. You do need to commit to the sessions, the reading materials and the time to action the suggestions. If you are not, or cannot become ‘open to change’ then it’s set to fail. You must be able to take criticism positively and look at things from an outsider’s point-of-view.
I have learned to celebrate the wins. I take time away from the business without feeling guilty. I now put more time into it but on my terms. I am more productive and happier. I have realigned my priorities and focus - to make sure I am working ‘on’ the business in hand with working ‘in’ the business. I’ve achieved balance and perspective beyond what I ever imagined. I’ve learnt to deal with the highs in a more realistic manner and handle the lows more positively. I feel empowered and set for future good times however they will manifest.
Coaching has been transformational both personally and professionally. It has been the most influential initiative I have embarked upon in my entire career. It’s made me grow up. It’s given structure, accountability, perspective and focus. It has also, and most importantly, facilitated the headspace to analyse, plan and reset. It’s shone light into the darkness and it’s given me hope, passion and the zest to win. Which alone makes it a truly great investment.