Have you ever wondered what coaching is all about?

The demand for coaching has grown significantly in recent years, and for good reason. But before we dive in, let me ask you a question: What is your understanding of coaching?

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as:

“Partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.”

At its core, coaching is a conversation—or rather, a series of conversations—designed to create impact. Unlike everyday discussions, coaching is structured to challenge, guide, and encourage meaningful learning, growth, and progress. A great coaching conversation doesn’t just provide answers; it sparks transformation.

What Coaching Is (and Isn’t)

Coaching is:

✅ A collaborative process, where coach and client work together at the same pace.

✅ A conversation with purpose—designed to drive real change.

✅ A way to break new ground, even when it feels challenging, leading to deeper insights and stronger outcomes.

Coaching can:

🔹 Help you think differently (e.g., remove limiting beliefs that may be holding you back).

🔹 Uncover new possibilities you hadn’t considered before.

🔹 Go deep, getting to the heart of what truly matters to you.

However, coaching is not the same as:

🚫 Mentoring

🚫 Counselling

🚫 Training

🚫 Management

🚫 Consulting

Each of these fields has its own distinct approach. While coaching may overlap in some ways, its purpose is to empower clients to discover their own answers—not provide direct advice or solutions.

Why Coaching Matters

“Problems cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them.” – Albert Einstein

Many of us reach a point in life where we feel stuck, need a new approach, or want to redefine our direction and purpose. If you’re not getting the results you want, working with a coach can be a game-changer.

A great coach helps clients see the bigger picture, challenge limiting beliefs, and push beyond self-imposed boundaries. They don’t give answers—they ask the right questions to help you find them for yourself.

While you may work incredibly hard in your personal and professional life, we all have blind spots. A skilled coach can help you recognise and overcome them, unlocking potential you may not have realised was there.

Finding the Right Coach

One challenge in the coaching industry is lack of regulation. Unlike therapy or NHS mental health support, coaching does not have a universal governing body. This means anyone can call themselves a coach—even without proper training or experience.

So, when searching for a coach:🔹 Interview multiple professionals to find the right fit.🔹 Check their background, experience, and qualifications—an ICF accreditation is a great indicator of credibility.🔹 Ask for testimonials and review their LinkedIn, Instagram, and other social media profiles.🔹 Request proof of insurance, and if applicable, check their business registration on Companies House.

A good coach won’t tell you what to do—they will guide you to find your own answers. They will challenge you, hold you accountable, and sometimes push you out of your comfort zone. But with the right support, coaching can be a transformational experience.

The Power of Questions

Coaching is built on powerful questions—questions that prompt you to think differently, challenge assumptions, and create your own solutions.

Asking the right questions:

🔹 Encourages deeper reflection.

🔹 Helps you generate ideas that you truly believe in.

🔹 Empowers you to take action and create meaningful change.

And most importantly, coaching is confidential, safe, and proven to work.

So, let me leave you with the same question I started with—but now, with new insight:

👉 What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?

👉 What bold step would you take?