When beginning any new career, there is immense anticipation, vulnerability and excitement to what is on the road ahead. Uncertainly appears in questions like, “Is this the right choice for me? Am I cut out for this? Can I really make a living doing something I love?” The mere thought of juggling a career transition, with financial commitments, quality time for family, friends, and you, is quite the balancing act!

The truth is, becoming a life coach takes courage to begin baby-steps into a remarkable but different journey. But what are the secrets to making the delicate career change a successful one? Who is deciding to move into the field of coaching? Have they only worked in one career and have only one expertise? Maybe they have worked in multiple careers and can easily transition into a new profession? Does background really matter?

One might guess that new life coaches all share similar qualities and skill sets. Maybe they all are natural risk-takers, who can easily move forward by instinctually knowing everything will work out? Or perhaps they are very logical, with a no-nonsense attitude, and they just know their decision-making skills will help them get through anything? Or are they drawn into to the profession, without any real explanations?

One thing rings true for all coaches – they all made the decision that coaching was right for them. How are they doing? What are their concerns? What advice do they have for people thinking of joining the industry?

In order to understand what new coaches are going through, I interviewed Sandra Portis, a Corporate / Life Transition Coach, regarding her recent experiences. Sandra started a coaching practice a few months ago, Corporate Runaway Communications, with the focus to help those who are feeling like misfits in corporate America or highly dissatisfied in their careers. She offers phone, e-mail coaching, and in-person coaching in Southern California.

Q: Sandra, why did you decide to become a coach?

Coach: I once heard it said, “Coaches are born, not made”. I believe that I was born to do this. Before becoming a Corporate / Life Transition Coach, I worked for 20 years in the computer industry. Although successful and respected by my peers, I was unhappy. I began searching for a change after I suffered a back injury that resulted in short-term disability. At the time, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do. I just knew that I didn’t want to continue on the same path of unhappiness. I took a long, hard look at my life. I focused on my strengths and looked at past experiences that brought me joy and fulfillment. Each experience had to do with helping people and watching them grow and move through change. I realized that I was most suited for this career and then began searching for schools via the Internet. I came across the LCC website, spoke with Jeff and the rest is history.

Q: Why did you choose to attend Life Coach College (LCC)?

Coach: I agree with the concept behind Life Coach College (LCC). Not only do they help you fine-tune your God-given talents, they teach you how to market your practice. Contact is maintained even after graduation. You’re treated like an individual – not a number.

Q: What was you're experience like at LLC?

Coach: It was definitely an unforgettable and rewarding experience. The daily teleclasses were thought provoking and challenging. I took to heart all of the lessons and applied them to my own personal life. As a result, I can definitely recommend that others go through the training. If not for your practice, do it for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.

Q: What are the 3 most rewarding things about begin a new life coach?

Coach: (1) Being able to witness change taking place in individuals and knowing that you’ve contributed to their growth, (2) Knowing that you are making a difference in the world – one person at a time and (3) Personal fulfillment in knowing that you are living a life of purpose and using your God-given talents and abilities.

Q: What are the 3 most challenging things you are experiencing?

Coach: (1) Wearing multiple hats is by far my biggest challenge. When I was in Corporate America, I was responsible for a single specific area of work. Someone else did the marketing. Someone else was responsible for the accounting activities. Being self-employed is definitely a different work environment. (2) Managing my time and interests. I have little time and many interests. I have so many plans for my business and career. At times it can be overwhelming because I can see the future and want it to happen now. But, I realize that I can only do so much. Patience is definitely a virtue. (3) Growing my business through advertising and marketing. It is these two things that will enable me to grow my practice in the future. Finding the time is sometimes difficult but I am up to the challenge.

Q: What are your 3 biggest goals over the next 90 days?

Coach: Each of my goals has to do with self-improvement and well-being. I feel that I can best help others when I am at my best myself. With that in mind, here are my goals: (1) To complete the organization of my workspace, (2) Return to a regular routine of health and well-balanced living and (3) Increase the advertising of my practice through teaching adult education courses.

Q: What other projects are you working on?

Coach: I am working on the following projects: (1) A subscription-based newsletter called Career Style magazine. (2) A series of adult education classes centered around a goal-setting process I call Personal Project Management. (3) A book based upon my Personal Project Management concept. (4) Writing articles for various on-line publications. (4) Currently enrolled in a Christian Mediation training program.
Q: What do you envision your coaching practice will be like a year from now?

Coach: I would like to be coaching at least 20 clients per week. I would be publishing my newsletter bimonthly with a circulation of 1000 subscribers. I would be teaching adult education classes regularly. I would also be volunteering monthly as a mentor to young adults and new coaches.

Q: What's the inspiration behind your coaching practice?

Coach: Personal experience. For so long I was in an industry and career that did not support my personal beliefs, morals, ethics and standards. Over time, I began to experience health problems associated with the stress of trying to be something I was never meant to be. I want to help others avoid making the same mistakes I’ve made in the past. I believe that we all can live a life of purpose, meaning and balance. We just have to be willing to take that first step of believing it is possible. The second major step is a commitment to the process. A coach is a major contributor to each phase of development. Who wants to travel this road alone?

Q: What are common qualities that your clients have?

Coach: They want to elicit change in their lives. They recognize that there are areas that they need to work on but aren’t exactly sure where to start. They’re usually unhappy with their careers and the “toys” they’ve purchased to bring them happiness.

Q: What are your clients facing?

Coach: In this day and age, outsourcing, layoffs and downsizing are being heard regularly in the evening news. Many people hoped to follow the path of their parents and stay with a single company indefinitely. That is no longer the case. As a result, individuals are looking at career changes that put their talents to use and help them feel fulfilled and complete.

Q: How do you help them?

Coach: I help individuals recognize that change is a good thing. I help them to become proactive rather than reactive. I help them see the areas that they need to work on and then help them map out a course of action. Of course, I also help them determine ways to celebrate their victories. We all need to do that. It’s how we can measure success.

Q: What advice do you have for someone who is considering about becoming a coach?

Coach: Don’t attempt it if your heart isn’t in it. If you are not genuine, your clients will pick up on it right away. The best way that I can describe this is by repeating an excellent quote I heard on the subject of following your heart. It was by Mary Spiro on the television show, Radical Sabbatical. “Leap with your heart and your feet will follow.” That says it all.

Q: Any final thoughts you'd like to share about being a new coach?

Coach: At times it may seem challenging and you may want to turn back but keep pressing onward. The doors will open. The opportunities will present themselves. If you are truly born to do this, how can you fail?

End: Thanks Sandra!

Sandra is a recent graduate of Life Coach College in Atlanta, Georgia. She is a Registered Coach and a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. For more information, please visit www.corporaterunaway.com or send her an email at Sandra@corporaterunaway.com