At a crossroad: how business coaching helped me make my career decision
10 years ago, I was managing marketing within a small corporate training organization. In that role, I had been in charge of implementing a new CRM, and this project extended to the point that it transformed into a full management system for the entire company. It was a difficult but fascinating work, which led me to think about my next career move.
This story of my first business coaching experience is one of self-discovery, empowerment, and ultimately, making the right decision for myself.
The dilemma: marketing or project management
After the successful completion of the project, I saw the idea of continuing into CRM project management as a chance to master a new field and broaden my skill set. On the other hand, I felt I still had a lot of experience to gain in Marketing after my first 12 years in this role.
It was in this moment of doubt that a colleague told me about his wife, who was looking for someone to coach as part of her training to becoming a professional business coach herself. I knew I needed a fresh perspective, someone who could help me navigating my own thoughts and emotions, so I decided to take this opportunity.
Going through my first coaching experience
What I remember most was how empathetic, and, most importantly, unbiased she was. Instead of giving me a direct answer, she leveraged the coaching methodology to help me uncover my own truth. Of course, at the time I wasn’t aware of how coaching worked and I just felt it was a non-judgemental conversation.
Through thoughtful questions and active listening, my coach helped me delve into my goals, values, and passions. She encouraged me to examine my strengths and weaknesses and challenged me to envision the future I wanted.
Networking and Learning
Simultaneously, I decided to invest in my future. I started networking with professionals in both marketing and project management. Meeting specialists in these fields allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and rewards of each path. Their experiences and insights became valuable resources in my decision-making process.
As I gathered more information and insight, I realized that the answer wasn’t as straightforward as I initially thought. Both marketing and project management had their own unique appeal, and I was hesitant to let either go.
The Decision and Its Impact
Ultimately, it was the coaching process that helped me arrive at a decision. My coach didn’t tell me what to do, but rather, she equipped me with the tools and clarity I needed to make a choice that aligned with my goals. Through the process, I discovered that while project management intrigued me, my true interest lay in the dynamic world of marketing where I still had a lot to learn and discover.
Over the next 10 years, I dedicated myself to my marketing career, moving into different roles and developing new skills. Looking back, I’m confident that I made the right choice.
Today: Advocating for Business Coaching
Now, as I‘m in charge of business coaching at Speexx, I’m more convinced than ever of the transformative power of coaching. My journey is a testament to how coaching can guide individuals to make informed, authentic decisions. It’s not just about career choices but about helping employees develop the behavioral skills, self-awareness, and confidence to navigate their own paths.
I’m deeply passionate about promoting coaching as a vital tool for companies to invest in the growth and well-being of their employees. It’s about fostering an environment where individuals can flourish, make informed choices, and reach their full potential.
In conclusion, my journey, which began with a simple question about my career path, turned into life changing decisions, both at the time and ten years later. Business coaching played a pivotal role in my story, and I’m committed to sharing the benefits of this transformative experience with others.
