Ever wondered what real coaching looks like beyond the self-help noise? Let’s demystify what professional coaching actually is and how it might be exactly what you need right now.
What is professional coaching, really?
- A structured partnership focused on your specific goals
- A thought-provoking process that unlocks your capabilities
- A practical approach to achieving your personal and professional objectives
Not that kind of “coaching”
No, I’m not talking about sports coaching with whistles and drills.
And definitely not those “10X Your Revenue Overnight” schemes flooding your social media.
I’m talking about a supportive process following the rigorous standards and ethical code of the International Coaching Federation (ICF)—the gold standard of professional coaching worldwide.
What happens in a real coaching session?
- You’re the center of attention (90% listening to you)
- Questions that make you think differently
- A judgment-free, empathetic environment
- Direct, factual conversations
- Equal partnership where you maintain ownership
- Occasional sharing of relevant experience when helpful
- Focus on generating your own insights
A coach is not a…
- Psychologist
- Counselor
- Therapist
- Friend
- Mentor (though there can be overlap)
When founders and leaders typically benefit from coaching
- When communication breaks down between team members
- When processing customers or team feedback
- During crucial hiring decisions or team restructuring
- While navigating the chaos between product iterations
- When balancing growth demands with sustainable operations
- During funding rounds when stress peaks
- When decision paralysis sets in
- While integrating feedback from multiple stakeholders
- When prioritization becomes overwhelming
The coaching relationship is unique because…
Unlike friends or family who may be biased, coaches maintain professional boundaries. They don’t have conflicts of interest. Their only agenda is your growth.
Unlike mentors who primarily share their experience, coaches believe you already have the answers. They just help you uncover them through targeted questions.
What coaching focuses on
Present and future. Not past!
While knowing some background helps, 99% of coaching conversations focus on:
- Moving from where you are to where you want to be
- Uncovering blindspots in your thinking
- Creating actionable plans with accountability
- Building new mental models for persistent challenges
- Testing assumptions that may be limiting your options
- Developing practices that sustain high performance
If you’re feeling stuck in patterns that aren’t working, overwhelmed by competing priorities, or simply want to level up your leadership capabilities, professional coaching offers a structured approach to meaningful change.
Feel free to contact us for more information.