My First Year as a Coach: Reflections from Infinite Growth Coaching
At the time of writing this, it’s been a year since I carried out my first formal coaching session. This milestone moment has prompted a lot of reflection, both personally and from a business perspective. This blog is therefore different from usual and captures my coaching journey to date.
Finding My Path: Why I Chose Coaching
From my earliest days, supporting people has been both a professional commitment and a personal passion, an ethos cultivated through a long career in the NHS. Stepping from clinical practice into executive leadership, I remained grounded in the drive to create opportunities for others. But in 2023, after experiencing severe burnout and undertaking a substantial recovery, I found myself reflecting on where I found the truest fulfilment. It was unmistakably in helping individuals and groups directly, witnessing real change, growth, and well-being.
Having experienced transformational coaching myself, I knew its power for personal growth and performance. These insights, in harmony with my values, urged me to formally pursue coaching qualifications and to start a new chapter where I could foster that change for others.
First-Day Nerves to Purposeful Practice
I vividly remember my initial coaching session - the nerves, the self-doubt, and the voice of imposter syndrome reminding me of all I might do wrong. As a former leader used to setting direction, relinquishing control, and choosing not to advise was a complete mindset shift. However, the reality of facilitating a warm, productive conversation and seeing a client reach their goal was deeply reassuring.
Today, I approach each session with confidence and anticipation, relishing the chance to create a safe, supportive, and truly non-judgmental setting. The privilege of supporting clients as they confront their own challenges and aspirations and sharing in those ‘lightbulb’ moments of clarity and change leaves me energised in a way no previous role has.
Shifting Goals and Enduring Beliefs
When Infinite Growth Coaching began, my focus was firmly on helping leaders recover from and avoid burnout - a cause shaped by personal experience. Many initial clients sought better work-life balance, and seeing their transformations has been profoundly rewarding.
Yet, as I’ve grown as a coach, my mission has expanded. A pivotal coaching session prompted me to ask what the “old me” needed, and I realised that barriers - both in cost and perception - keep many from accessing coaching. I am now firmly committed to making coaching available for aspiring and early-stage leaders, challenging the misconception that it is reserved only for executives. Through this evolution, my core belief remains: everyone should be able to succeed without burning out. This conviction underpins everything I do.
Achievements That Make Me Proud
My first year has seen countless firsts - qualifying with distinctions in both life and corporate coaching, launching my own company, and shifting from the security of the NHS to solo entrepreneurship. Yet the real pride comes from my clients’ breakthroughs. There’s immense satisfaction in seeing someone grow from doubt to accomplishment, regain balance, or take courageous leaps aligned with their values. Each story is a testament to the transformative power of support and presence.
Challenges Faced and Lessons Learned
Business development and visibility proved testing - I’ve never enjoyed pushy sales and needed to find an authentic marketing voice. Building momentum from zero and navigating convoluted tendering processes were equally tough. Through these challenges, I’ve relied on self-coaching, built a sturdy support network, and prioritised my own ongoing coaching. These experiences have sharpened my empathy and improved my practice - reminding me daily that running a coaching business means embracing perpetual growth, not just for my clients, but for myself as well.
Evolving My Coaching Approach
My coaching style has evolved considerably through ongoing training and the wisdom that comes from experience. I now blend a variety of frameworks and questioning techniques, rooted in my clients’ personal values and strengths, as well as a focus on intent versus impact. This helps clients increase their self-awareness and develop solutions attuned to their context, values, and purpose. Above all, I am committed to creating a psychologically safe space where I can compassionately challenge clients - helping them delve deeply, stretch further, and achieve meaningful, sustained growth.
The Road Ahead
Looking to the next year, my intention for Infinite Growth Coaching is to create offerings that truly support leaders at every stage of their careers - making coaching more accessible and affordable. My upcoming initiatives include:
Self-coaching workbooks: Practical tools for personal development and reflection, regardless of career level.
Group sessions: Interactive workshops and group coaching to encourage peer learning and community support.
E-learning courses: Flexible, on-demand learning experiences designed to fit around busy lives and varied schedules.
Membership model: An accessible membership offer is in development, enabling clients to benefit from coaching in multiple formats - tailored to individual needs and preferences.
I am also passionate about working directly with companies, providing coaching to their leaders so they can perform at their best and foster positive, high-performing cultures.
This vision is energising - opening new doors for individuals seeking to thrive, and for organisations committed to well-being and excellence. I am excited to expand the reach and impact of Infinite Growth Coaching in the months and years ahead, making it a source of support, inspiration, and practical growth for more people than ever.
If you want to explore how I can support you, please click this link to contact me and arrange a 30-minute chat. For updates on my initiatives and services, please register for updates.
