There’s a lot that can get in the way of starting coaching. These were some of the concerns I had before I started working with one.  Now, having been through it myself, here are my answers.

 

​

What is coaching?

For me, coaching is a judgement-free space for reflection and working through challenges.  A coach helps you articulate thoughts and feelings that may be hard to see on your own, look at your problems differently, and create new possibilities.

 

​

Is my goal a good fit for coaching?

A good coaching goal comes down to two things: It means a lot to you. And you’re ready to work on yourself to achieve it. Here’re some examples - 

​

• Preparing for or landing a major transition in your life, career, or organization.

• Crafting a vision for the future for yourself or business—and bringing it to life.

• A difficult work relationship or team dynamic.

• Developing the skills and confidence to step into what’s next.

• A more sustainable way of working and living.

​

It doesn’t need to be the perfect goal—or the thing that matters most to you in life. 

​

​

How do I choose the right coach?

This was something I struggled with as a client. I knew I wanted an external perspective, someone who felt different from the people I was used to working with, and someone warm I could feel comfortable with. I went with my intuition and ended up finding my person. 

​

So my advice is this: figure out a couple of key qualities you’re looking for—experience, background, credentials, or whatever matters to you. And then go with your gut. Don’t overthink it. Let the universe do its thing.

 

​

Is it going to be awkward?

Maybe at first.  When I was new to coaching, I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to have prepared coming into each session. 

 

Here’s what I wish I knew then - 

 

• You don’t need to come prepared with a big update or a big problem, especially if it doesn’t ring true to you. The more real you can be, the better. 

 

• I thought there was pressure to give the “right answers” to my coach’s questions.  There isn’t.  The questions don’t have right answers. The point is to think about them and figure out what’s actually true for you—good or bad. Then we go from there. 

 

• The coach is more concerned about you than the goal.  I’m not here to judge you based on some definition of success. I’m here to support you in figuring out what you actually want—and then help you move toward it.

​

So yes, it might feel a little awkward at first. That’s okay. I hope that it’s worth it.

 

Will it be a waste of time?

I really don’t think so.  I used to live in a world of back-to-back meetings. I always wanted time back.  In that life, an extra one-hour meeting could create anxiety.

​

But to put it another way: spending an hour every other week working on what matters most to you…seems like an excellent use of time.  It’s up to us to use it well.  

​

And if a session doesn't feel useful? We talk about it and try again.

 

​

What will the sessions be like?

Our overall coaching partnership is anchored on your coaching goal—that’s our big northstar. But each individual session focuses on what’s most important for you in that moment. That’s where your energy is, so that’s where we go. 

 

Sessions might resemble a brainstorming session or talking through a problem. Sometimes I might invite you to slow down, notice what’s happening in your body, or try a breathing exercise. It depends on what you’re bringing in, where we are in our relationship, and where you want to go. It will always involve a lot of talking and a lot of thinking. You are always the final decider on where we go. 

 

In my experience as a client, some sessions are amazing—I realize something profound.  Some sessions, I leave with something to noodle on, but I don’t get the bang until later in the week.  Very occasionally some sessions are simply, fine.  Almost always I leave a session feeling lighter and more solid. 

​

​

How much will it cost?

Ongoing coaching is structured as a multi-month engagement, typically based on a $200–$400 hourly rate, depending on whether you’re paying personally or your company is reimbursing.

 

For those new to coaching, I offer an introductory path: $300 for 3 hours, broken out into either 30/45/60-minute sessions across two months. This is meant to make trying out coaching feel a bit less daunting and easier to integrate into a busy schedule.  It also gives us a chance to experience working together and get a sense of the value and fit.   

 

If you choose to continue beyond the introductory sessions, we’ll discuss what makes sense, including pace and price.

​

​

Lastly, I’ve been asked—does your book have anything to do with coaching?

Yes, very much so. The deepest lessons I’ve learned through coaching are about how to hold myself and others accountable while also having compassion for ourselves and one another. That’s ultimately what my book is about. 

​

The book explores these ideas in a family setting, where our skills and values are often most tested. What I’ve learned at home has also made me more grounded, thoughtful, and effective professionally.

It’s why I take a holistic approach to leadership development. Our personal and professional lives are deeply interconnected.