Why Partner with an Executive coach?

Feb 22

My first exposure to the Executive Coaching world was incredible. It felt like a light was turned on in my soul; and suddenly, I could see things more clearly. Little did I know at the time that this newfound resource would challenge, uplift and transform me in ways I could never have imagined.

This first exposure was during a two-day training program called “Coaching out of the Box TM”. What I witnessed and experienced over the two-days, changed the trajectory of my career as a Senior Leader. I wanted what I witnessed and experienced to become my way of being in the world as a CEO; and I wanted it for my team as well. In fact, I spoke to the facilitator at the end of day one and told him that “I wanted to be just like him when I grew up”. We laughed and then he became my first Executive Coach and supported me and my team through some challenging organizational changes in the years to come.

So, what made this experience so profound for me? I witnessed the most incredible shift in a workshop participant that I had ever seen. In just 15 minutes of coaching her expanded awareness was palpable and visible. She sat up taller, she radiated more brightly, she said her confidence lifted tremendously and she knew what needed to be done and was ready to take action. In fact, she shared during the debrief that she had been in therapy for 15 years dealing with this issue and in just 15 minutes she discovered what has been getting in her way and what she needs to do about it. It was like witnessing one of those cartoons where a lightbulb turns on over the characters head and suddenly, they are illuminated with awareness and insight. A sort of Eureka moment. I wanted MORE of what I witnessed over those two days and this yearning led me to enroll in the Executive Coaching Program at Royal Roads University in Victoria, British Columbia. I have since expanded my learning and find the profession of Coaching fascinating.

There are many definitions for coaching. I like to describe it as “an intentional, thought provoking, deep probing conversation that inspires, challenges, and evokes awareness”. It is not “therapy” however it can feel very therapeutic at times. It is not easy and can sometimes take you to your edges. It is not about the past but instead focuses on making the impossible possible.

The mind is an interesting phenomenon. Science tells us that we have between 60,000 and 80,000 thoughts in a day, many of which we are not even aware of. Yet these thoughts rule our every action and decision in life, in work, and in our relationships. There is even more evidence evolving that confirms that our thoughts also have the power to create our reality – now that’s incredible on so many levels! The other amazing emerging field of science is related to neuroplasticity and the brain.

Jess Hopkins, a Positive Psychology Coach, Speaker and Trainer describes nneuroplasticity as, “The ability of the adult brain to generate and integrate new brain cells (neurons), and remodel pre-existing neural circuits throughout the lifespan. Neuroplasticity facilitates changes in three major domains that are critical to high performance: thinking (beliefs and attitudes), emotions (mindfulness and resilience), behavior (new healthy habits).

https://highperformanceinstitute.mykajabi.com/blog/why-your-brain-is-hardwired-for-coaching

What I know for sure is that my own experience working with an Executive Coach has allowed me to step into my career, life and now business with deeper curiosity, a greater comfort for risk and experimentation, an ability to apply intuitive confidence and a deep sense of spiritual grit that has provided me with the courage to step into change in a whole new way.

What do you want to bring into your career and life?
What are you ready to make possible in the midst of an impossible world?
How can you leverage the incredible experience you already have in a way that opens more opportunity for you?

Consider these questions for yourself.

Pick up your journal, start writing and see what emerges.

If you feel inspired to connect with me, I would be honored to walk with you as you explore these and many other questions that will help you evoke awareness within yourself so that you can live, work and play to your fullest capacity.

Wishing you a day filled with inspiration, deep learning, and incredible insights.

Sharon