A typical coaching session is an hour or less. Usually, we’ll identify the focus for the conversation in advance: like a goal to achieve, a challenge to overcome, a strategy to create or an area of personal/professional development. I’ll ask questions to unlock your goals, priorities and best practices. Each client and coaching topic varies, but clients usually come away with clarity about what to do and how to approach it, as well as greater confidence, engagement, focus and efficiency. Frequently, clients discover things they weren’t aware of, such as hidden attitudes, assumptions, apprehensions or concerns—even hidden motivations.

Coaching sessions are held wherever the client is most comfortable: in person, in a video conference or audio call. Most of my clients prefer the video or phone options because they are less disruptive.

The frequency and duration of the coaching engagement is driven by the client’s topic, but are typically weekly or bi-weekly. Some topics are more urgent (e.g. preparing for an upcoming event), while others are best suited for spreading the sessions out (e.g. developing a leadership behavior). A typical, first-time coaching engagement is usually between 4-6 weeks. I can add the most value in long-term engagements, often lasting multiple years.

Great question! The coaching process is built around asking great questions, not providing great answers—which is what consultants provide. That said, it is important that I understand your role so I know how to ask insightful, relevant questions. I’m confident the variety of experience and clients I’ve had will position me well to guide you through the coaching process. Plus, I don’t speak to topics I don’t have expertise in. If you need to find a different resource, I’ll be the first to tell you.

That’s a common misperception. Coaching can help anyone, as long as they’re motivated to change. But it is actually most effective on people who are currently performing well in their roles and are looking to take their performance to the next level.

The fees vary depending on the topic and length of engagement. A proposal will be provided after we our initial conversation identifying your coaching topic(s).

I’ve learned to effectively coach a wide variety of people. However, for coaching to work we must be able to “click”—and sometimes it just doesn’t happen. That’s why we offer the first session for free, and we don’t move ahead unless you’re comfortable. Also, if at any point you don’t feel the coaching is returning value to you, we will cancel the remaining sessions in the agreement.

Consultants provide specialized expertise and counsel in a given area of need. It may be helpful to see consultancy as the process of diagnosis of problems and prescription of solutions.

Coaching takes the approach that the client is the expert in bringing about their own solutions. Typically I will provide resources or expertise in my areas of specialty:

Leadership/management principles and behaviors, personal and professional development, personality and temperament, communication and spirituality. However, I only do this when 1) it’s requested by my clients, and 2) it’s clear that information or resources are helpful to achieving the client’s goal.

Therapists usually focus on resolving difficulties arising from the past which hamper an individual’s functioning in the present. They are competent in dealing with healing issues of pain, dysfunction, conflict and emotional or psychological health.

In contrast, coaching is more oriented toward the future and creating actionable strategies and achieving specific goals. While emotions or feelings may become evident in coaching, the focus is primarily about alignment toward action, accountability and follow through.

Yes! The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the preeminent coaching certification body in the world. It has strict competency levels, ethical guidelines and requirements for its practicing members and credentialed coaches. Any time you see the ICF logo by a credentialed coach you can be confident they are capable and experienced.