My Coaching Journey: From Manager to Practitioner
I've not written a blog or posted articles on LinkedIn since before the pandemic... and I worked at LinkedIn for seven years! Safe to say, this post has been a long time coming.
Coaching has been a transformative part of my professional journey—shaping how I lead, sell, and most importantly, how I connect with others. When I first stepped into a managerial role in sales in 2021, I knew I wanted to be more than just a leader—I wanted to support and develop those around me in a meaningful way. This desire ultimately led me to pursue a formal coaching qualification in 2024, the Practitioner Diploma, which became a pivotal learning experience in my career and continues to inspire my passion for development and partnering with others today.
🔍 Why Coaching?
The realization that coaching could be more than just a leadership tool came gradually. Early in my management career, I saw first-hand how powerful it was to help people unlock their own solutions rather than simply providing answers. As a good friend once said to me 'advice is like belly-buttons, we all have one, but that doesn't mean they're all useful.' Coaching is about creating space for growth, reflection, and genuine transformation, not giving advice.
A key turning point came when I experienced coaching myself. I worked with managers who had qualified as executive coaches and sought to instil a coaching culture within their teams and organisations. Each of these leaders helped me navigate challenges with more clarity and confidence, and I saw the impact of a well-structured coaching conversation compared to a 1:1 conversation where you're expected to go line by line through a tool to justify your hard work. This experience reinforced my belief that coaching was a skill worth mastering—not just for my own development, but to help others achieve their potential.
🎓 Taking the Leap into Coaching Education - September 2023
For years, I had considered taking a coaching accreditation but always found reasons to put it off—time constraints, work commitments, and self-doubt. However, with the encouragement of my support network, I finally made the decision to enroll in a Practitioner Diploma in Coaching, with the AOEC.
The first day of the course was both exciting and nerve-wracking. I walked in with an open mind but quickly realized just how much I had to learn. Coaching wasn’t just about asking the right questions—it was about presence, listening, and understanding the psychology behind meaningful conversations. It was about establishing a beginning, middle and end to a coaching discussion, which is harder than it sounds!
💡 Lessons from the Practitioner Diploma
Throughout the diploma, I experienced significant growth in both my coaching skills and self-awareness. Some of the biggest takeaways included:
The Power of Presence: Being fully engaged in any conversation, free from distractions, creates a profound impact. I learned that small shifts in body language, silence, and active listening could make all the difference. I noticed I tend to stroke my top lip while others speak— it turns out, that was me physically holding back, waiting for my turn to jump in!!
Contracting in Coaching: Setting clear expectations and boundaries at the start of a coaching relationship ensures both coach and client are aligned. The principle of “ABC – Always Be Contracting” became a game-changer for me.
Asking Better Questions: I had always worked on my listening skills, but the course challenged me to refine my questioning skills. I learned how to ask open-ended, thought-provoking questions that encouraged clients to reflect deeply and find their own solutions.
Self-Awareness and Growth: Coaching is not just about guiding others—it’s also about understanding oneself. The course helped me recognize my own tendencies, strengths, and areas for improvement.
🌱 How My Coaching Has Evolved
Before the diploma, my coaching approach was structured around a set framework of questions (taken from the Michael Bungay Stanier, 'The coaching habit' book which I highly recommend still)! While frameworks are useful, I discovered the importance of flexibility—adapting to each person’s unique needs in 1:1 conversations and allowing space for real exploration. I also became more attuned to the emotional and psychological aspects of coaching, recognizing when to challenge, when to support, and when to simply hold space for reflection.
🚀 Looking Ahead
Completing the Practitioner Diploma was just the beginning of my coaching journey. I now integrate coaching principles into my management style, helping my team members grow and develop in ways that feel natural and empowering.
The journey from manager to coaching practitioner has been one of learning, growth, and transformation. Coaching is not just a skill—it’s a mindset, a way of engaging with others that fosters genuine change. As I continue to refine my coaching practice, I am excited about the impact it can have—not only on those I coach but also on my own continuous development.
This is the first post in a series where I’ll be sharing reflections from my coaching journey. In the next one, I’ll explore the power of coaching presence—and how small shifts in awareness can lead to change and increased learning.
If this resonates or you'd like to chat about coaching, feel free to drop a comment or message.
