What is professional coaching and how is it different from therapy?
A professional coach partners with a client to address professional and personal growth through a future-focused lens. The role of a coach is to help a client identify goals and figure out how to achieve. Often, the client develops an action plan, which we review in an environment of accountability. There is a beginning, middle, and end to an engagement. It is usually finite versus open-ended.
In therapy, there is a focus on a client’s mental health and, unlike coaching, often a more elaborate examination of the past. The timetable is open-ended.
In therapy, there is a focus on a client’s mental health and, unlike coaching, often a more elaborate examination of the past. The timetable is open-ended.
What types of challenges can coaching help with?
Coaching can address a wide range of professional and personal matters, such as career changes, leadership and communication skills, self-confidence, emotional intelligence, and transitions into new territory such as retirement.
What is the coaching process like?
While my approach to coaching is customized for each client, I often begin an engagement by identifying a client’s specific goals and assessing the client’s strengths and areas for improvement. I help my clients develop personalized plans and we hold regular, confidential sessions to work toward those goals. These meetings can include feedback, skill-building exercises, assessments, and reflection to facilitate growth and lasting change. Between meetings, my clients work on action items at a pace that they can manage. Goals can shift during the coaching process and we pivot as necessary. I meet with clients via zoom and, if possible, in person.
How long does a coaching engagement typically last?
Engagements can vary from a few sessions to several months or longer, depending on a client's needs and goals. More complex transitions or significant skill development can last from 6 to 12 months.
How do you ensure confidentiality and a safe space for growth?
Confidentiality is a key element of any coaching engagement. Without it, there can be no coaching!
I follow ethical guidelines that prioritize confidentiality. I also create a secure environment for open communication and personal exploration.
I follow ethical guidelines that prioritize confidentiality. I also create a secure environment for open communication and personal exploration.
What are your qualifications and experience?
I hold a Professional Certified Coaching (PCC) certification from the International Coaching Federation (ICF) which is an internationally recognized organization in the coaching field. I have over 12 years of experience coaching numerous professionals one-on-one. Please check out my client testimonials on my website, LinkedIn, and Google Business page:
Before serving as a coach, I worked for over 30 years as a lawyer, including at Skadden Arps and as a partner and litigator in the legal department of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
Before serving as a coach, I worked for over 30 years as a lawyer, including at Skadden Arps and as a partner and litigator in the legal department of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
How will you measure my progress and the success of the coaching engagement?
Effective coaching involves establishing clear, measurable goals at the outset. I encourage my clients to hold themselves accountable so that they can progress and succeed. Sometimes, at the end of engagements, I’ll ask my clients to repeat a self-assessment to see if the “scores” have improved.
What is the cost of coaching services?
My coaching fees vary depending on the duration and intensity of the engagement. After speaking with a potential client and understanding what they want to achieve, I provide a proposal which includes hourly rates and/or a package rate.
How do I choose the right coach for me?
Selecting a good coach for you can involve evaluating a coach’s credentials and experience, considering their coaching style and methodology, and reviewing their website and LinkedIn profile. In my case, I also provide an opportunity to assess our compatibility by conducting a 30-45 minute "chemistry session.” It's important that I understand my clients’ needs and that my clients feel comfortable working with me.
What are the expected outcomes or benefits of coaching?
Coaching can lead to numerous benefits, including enhanced leadership and communication skills, improved self-awareness and emotional intelligence, better decision-making, increased confidence and job satisfaction, and improved team dynamics. My coaching aims to create a lasting impact on each client and, where relevant, their organization or company.