-
The Steering Wheel and the Circle of Control: Navigating Your Career
For 18 months now, I have been learning to drive. Getting behind the wheel evoked a mix of excitement for the future and nervousness in the moment. However, I quickly realised that the steering wheel is my primary tool for navigating the road—much like how the Circle of Control is key to navigating my career. Directing…
-
Raising Your Professional Profile as an Introvert: My Journey and How You Can Do It Too
As an introvert, I used to shy away from talking about my accomplishments. The thought of voicing my achievements would make my toes curl with discomfort. I vividly remember when my lovely colleagues congratulated me on completing my coaching qualification. While their support was heartwarming, I felt like a fraud because I hadn’t yet received…
-
Creating an Inclusive Workplace: Practical Steps for Coaches
This week, I enjoyed a fantastic webinar hosted by the LSE Inclusion Initiative. The discussion centred around Mary Ann Sieghart’s book, “The Authority Gap,” with Dr. Grace Lordan, the author of “Think Big,” facilitating the conversation. The webinar explored the pervasive, yet often unseen, gender biases that persist in our workplaces and everyday lives, shedding…
-
Addressing the Networking Barrier for Clients from Low Socio-Economic Backgrounds: A Guide for Coaches
“Social mobility is about giving people control over their own destinies and unleashing their true potential,” according to the Social Mobility Commission. This philosophy aligns perfectly with the essence of coaching. When working with clients from low socio-economic backgrounds, one barrier they often face is the lack of access to a strong professional network. This…
-
The Benefits of Career Coaching for Professionals from Lower Socioeconomic Backgrounds
Over the past 4 years, I have had the privilege of specifically supporting individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds with their careers. These individuals often meet barriers that prevent their career progression, making the support of professional career coaching not just beneficial but crucial. In my role as a Careers Adviser and Coach, I have seen firsthand…
-
Navigating Conferences as an Introverted Career Coach: My Journey and Tips
As a Career Coach who enjoys connecting with others, I often find myself attending various conferences to broaden my horizons and expand my network. Recently, I had the pleasure of attending two fantastic events: the AGCAS Annual Conference in Sheffield and the Careers Registration Data Forum in London. These experiences were valuable and inspiring, and…
-
From Scepticism to Success: Embracing Career Assessment Tools
As career coaches, we are always looking for effective methods to help our clients navigate their career paths and unlock their full potential. One way to achieve this is through the use of career assessment tools, which provide valuable insights into a client’s strengths, personality traits, and preferences. However, not all of us are immediately…
-
The Dark Side of Coaching: The Importance of Ethics in an Unregulated Field
Imagine spending your life savings on a promise that never materialised. This was the harsh reality for an individual featured in a recent New York Times article. Seeking a career change, they invested thousands in a life coaching certification, drawn in by the promise of making their first $100,000. When this didn’t happen, they were…
-
The Power of Boundaries: Boost Your Coaching Effectiveness and Professionalism
Struggling to set boundaries with clients is a common issue many professionals face, including career coaches. Setting boundaries as a coach is essential for a smooth and professional coaching process. However, it’s often easier said than done. Over the past five years, I have improved at setting boundaries, but it has not been an easy…
-
Mastering the Art of Seamless Coaching Sessions
I have worked as a Careers Adviser with students and graduates in HE for 5 years now, primarily using a single interaction model for delivering career support. Therefore, when I began my ILM Level 3 coaching qualification last year, one of the most challenging aspects was linking the sessions and supporting one individual over an…