Some Frequently Asked Questions

How would you describe your coaching approach?

​While I'm not a certified coach, I have many years of experience in research management and leadership, and use that in a blended coaching and directive mentoring approach with clients. Sometimes, it's on a specific project, such as thesis completion, seeking a new role, and a need to focus on some specific skills or activities. For others, it's a directive mentorship, to address a specific current challenge at work. Overall, my role as coach is as guide, sounding board, and accountability partner, to help people explore their goals, make a plan, and see it through, with some of my own knowledge and experiences for examples and ideas. 
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Who can benefit from coaching with you?

Often, it’s people at a career crossroads or obstacle, looking for assistance and support through their development, decision-making, and – where appropriate – a job or career change. Sometimes, people have a specific project, such as starting a business or finishing a thesis. The important element is having a reason to work with coach – some idea of what you want to accomplish, or at least the idea that you want to grow, advance, or change and just need a bit of gentle help to get there or get started.

To benefit from coaching, you need to have a commitment to personal growth and professional development, a desire to grow and advance, and the time to put in the work needed for that growth.

So, some work and time are needed. How much?

​Like with most work and projects, it depends. For small, specific things like preparing for a job search or interview, it might be just a few hours. For larger projects such as a thesis or business or a significant career or job change, there might be more extensive “homework” such a reading, journaling, or practicing a new-to-you technique.

In terms of meeting time, that depends entirely on your needs and means. For some, it’s a few sessions and we’re done. For others, it’s a longer program of regular meetings. Sessions might be every 2-3 weeks, or every few months. It depends on you, your goals, the urgency, and your commitment.

How would we figure out what’s needed?

As with almost everything in coaching, we talk about it.

​Our first meeting is for exploration. We talk about what you’re looking to achieve, where you might need or want to focus, and if and how I might be able to help with your goals. 

• If not, that's totally fine. If I'm not a good fit for what you need, or the timing is just not right for you, better to learn that right away. In this event, I will try to send you some additional resources, including other coaching or support options that might work for you.
• If it does look like working together would be feasible, meaningful, and helpful, we agree to a plan of action. Usually there’s a bit of immediate homework, often involving writing a bit to clarify for your goals and expectations. 

Coaching may not be right for you. Depending on your needs and goals, perhaps you’d be better served or supported with some counselling or therapy. While I can help by directing you to possible resources for those, they are way outside my area of expertise. 

Maybe mentorship with a leader or expert in your own field, or even your own team or organization, might make more sense. I may be able to help you identify a better fit with other resources, and plan for how to connect with those. 

Or coaching may be what you need, but just not with me. As you work with a coach on professional development and personal growth, you need to have comfort, trust, and respect with the coach, or it won’t work. If I’m not right for you, I can try to help you find someone who is.

Lastly, coaching isn't forever. Like any project, coaching has a specific purpose and objective. Once the goals are met and the work complete, you can decide if you want to continue for additional growth or other goals, if you want to take a break or call it quits, or if you want to turn down the volume or frequency for a while.

If you'd like to set-up an exploratory meeting or would like more information, click the link below or send me an email at [email protected], and we'll work together to find a time to meet.

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