Frequently Asked Questions

Are you new to coaching?  Not sure if it's for you?  Please see below for some of the most common questions and answers about leadership and life coaching- from my perspective.

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What is coaching?

What is co-active coaching?

Why do people get coached?

What is the difference between coaching and therapy?

What do my coaching clients "look like"

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What is coaching?

The short:

A coach is someone who is committed to your victory and so comes alongside you to offer support and is even willing to risk your disapproval in order to see you win. Similarly, in “the game of life,” we can benefit from a trained coach to help us tap into our deepest learning and support our goals and dreams.

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The long:

A coach is a professional who supports, empowers, and challenges individuals, teams, or organizations to achieve their desired goals and visions by unlocking their potential and maximizing their performance.

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What is co-active coaching?

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The co-active coaching approach can be explained as a collaborative and empowering coaching style where the coach and the client work as partners. It focuses on:

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1. Client-Centered: Putting the client's goals and aspirations at the center of the coaching process.

2. Co-Equal Partnership: Treating the coach and the client as equals, with the coach providing support and guidance while the client takes the lead.

3. Empowerment: Encouraging the client to discover their own solutions and tap into their potential.

4. Action-Oriented: Balancing self-discovery with taking concrete steps towards achieving desired outcomes.

5. Whole-Person Approach: Acknowledging the client's personal and professional aspects as interconnected.

6. Transformative: Aims to bring about positive and sustainable changes in the client's life.

Why do people get coached?

People often participate and seek out a coach because they want things to be different - whether that is a general change or an important goal to reach. Some examples of wants are:

• Start a business

• Make a leap up a career ladder

• Be a better manager

• Have a healthier body

• Have more balance

• Make a life change

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Overall people come to coaching because they want more out of life: more peace of mind, more security, more impact in their work. And sometimes, they want less: less stress, less confusion, less financial pressure. In general, they come to coaching because because they want a better quality of life - more fulfilment, more balance- or a differente process for accomplishing their desires. 

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What is the difference between therapy and coaching?

1. Focus on the Present and Future:

   • Coaching: Primarily focus on the client's present and future goals. The emphasis is on identifying obstacles, creating action plans, and working towards achieving desired outcomes.

   • Therapy: Often involves delving into the client's past experiences and emotions to understand and heal psychological issues or traumas. While therapy can address current challenges, its primary focus is on resolving past issues and improving mental and emotional well-being.

2. Nature of the Relationship:

   • Coaching: A collaborative partnership between the coach and the client. The coach empowers the client to take charge of their life and provides support and accountability.

   • Therapy: A healing relationship. Therapists are trained to provide a safe and supportive space for clients to explore their emotions and work through mental health concerns.

3. Goal-Oriented vs. Healing-Oriented:

   • Coaching: Help clients set specific and measurable goals, and they support clients in taking action to achieve those goals. The focus is on personal and professional development.

   • Therapy: More open-ended and can continue as long as needed to address underlying psychological issues and promote healing and growth.

4. Credentials and Training:

   • Coaching: The coaching industry is not as regulated as therapy, and there is a wide range of coach training programs available. However, many professional coaches pursue certification through reputable coaching organizations.

   • Therapy: Therapists typically hold advanced degrees in psychology, counseling, or social work and must be licensed to practice therapy.

It's essential to recognize that while coaching and therapy have distinct differences, they can also complement each other in certain situations. Some clients may benefit from both coaching and therapy at different stages of their personal or professional journeys, depending on their specific needs and objectives.

What do my coaching clients "look like"

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I’m often asked what kind of clients I coach and why they come to me. Curious myself, I used a bit of anonymous AI to analyze all client “Areas of Focus” since 2023—here are the top themes. Enjoy!

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🧭 1. Clarity & Direction (Career + Life Path)

Refined Goals:

• Defining long-term North Star — career and life vision.

• Make a confident decision about your current job (stay, leave, pivot).

• Clarify the next steps in career path (e.g. Executive track, entrepreneur, people manager, cross-functional leadership).

• Decide where to live and build roots.

• Navigate career/family balance with intention.

Sample Outcomes / Milestones:

• Clear 5-year vision (career, location, lifestyle).

• Decision made about returning to job or letting go (peacefully).

• Visual roadmap for professional growth (internal vs. external path).

• Personal values and motivators documented and used as decision filters.

• A career + life story you can articulate with confidence.

💪 2. Confidence, Presence & Leadership

Refined Goals:

• Become a confident, respected voice in the room.

• Trust your instincts, own your seat at the table.

• Build an authentic leadership style (especially as a newer manager)

• Define your personal brand and communicate it effectively.

• Reduce self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and comparison.

Potential Outcomes / Milestones:

• Regular practice of public speaking or presenting.

• Feedback from peers or mentors confirming growth in leadership presence.

• Personal brand narrative+ "working with me" guide.

• New behaviors: advocating for yourself, asking for what you deserve, speaking up early in conversations.

• Reduced hesitation in moments of decision (e.g., sending the email, sharing the idea).

🌱 3. Growth, Learning & Creativity

Refined Goals:

• Make core values a regular part of life (Eg. Growth, Community, etc)

• Build expertise in areas like growth marketing, storytelling, and cross-collaboration.

• Start or reignite passion projects (YouTube, art, dance, a side hustle).

• Make a habit of curiosity and creativity, even when unmotivated.

Potential Outcomes / Milestones:

• Personal learning system implemented (Notion, Obsidian, etc).

• Documented learning plan for key skills or interests.

• Consistent output in passion project (e.g., 1 video/month, build prototype, network with investors).

• Renewed excitement in daily work (via new challenges or reframes).

💻4. Career Execution & Systems

Refined Goals:

• Execute consistently and with focus.

• Develop stronger project and time management habits.

• Manage stakeholder relationships + build a powerful network.

• Secure short- and mid-term job opportunities aligned with your values.

• Be recognized as a high-performing team member and people manager.

Potential Outcomes / Milestones:

• Promotion plans/tracks

• Stakeholder map and networking plan (internal and external).

• Weekly systems for task prioritization and follow-up (e.g., journaling, calendar blocking).

• 1:1 feedback consistently reflects strategic contributions.

• Job offers from value-aligned companies (if moving externally).

💖 5. Well-being, Presence & Fulfillment

Refined Goals:

• Be more present (personally, with family, with work).

• Build better boundaries between work and life.

• Incorporate joy, creativity, and spontaneity into daily life.

• Improve physical and mental health (e.g. healing injury, reducing anxiety, fitness).

• Separate truth from limiting beliefs — identify what’s actually holding you back.

Potential Outcomes / Milestones:

• Clearer work boundaries

• A weekly routine that includes "play" time.

• Dedicated creative or movement time each week (dance, drawing, hiking).

• Reconnected relationships that feel deeper and more nourishing.

• Evidence of lowered stress and better emotional regulation.

⭐BONUS CATEGORY: Self-Narrative + Future-Proofing

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These aren’t tactical goals but will help you in everything above.

with you.

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• Separate truth from limiting beliefs - identify what’s actually holding you back

• Future-proofing - upskilling and building a strong foundation for a career that evolves

• Trusting your inner knowing- looking inwards for wisdom and decision making

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