What Is Individual Coaching? (Yeah, I Probably Should Have Started Here)
Okay, maybe this should have been my first blog post—what the heck is individual coaching anyway? But I didn’t start here, and now, a year into my business, I’m finally covering the basics.
Because here’s the thing: I didn’t always know the power of coaching.
Personal Story Time
I’ve made some major career pivots in my life, and almost every time, I didn’t have the support I needed (or wanted). I up and quit the UN with no plan in sight—much to the dismay of many. Who leaves a fixed-term job in the UN?! Well, me, apparently.
I also walked away from my role as COO of a social impact consulting firm with literally no plan, just a gut feeling that it wasn’t where I was meant to be (anymore).
I bet on myself.
Would I do it all over again? Maybe. But if I could give my younger self some advice, it would be this: Get a coach. Transitions don’t have to be reckless leaps into the unknown. They can be intentional, strategic, and—dare I say—less stressful.
So, if you’re standing at a career or life crossroads, wondering what’s next, let’s talk about what individual coaching actually is and how it can help.
What Is Individual Coaching?
At some point, we all hit a wall. Things feel stuck, overwhelming, or just… off.
● Maybe you’re chasing a career goal that never quite clicks.
● Maybe you feel like you’ve outgrown your current role but don’t know what’s next.
● Maybe you’re running a business, but instead of being in control, you feel like it’s running you.
I get it. Individual coaching is about cutting through the noise and moving forward with clarity and confidence.
And no, it’s not about fluffy affirmations or generic self-help advice. Coaching is personalized, strategic, and built around you—your goals, your challenges, your way of thinking.
How Does Coaching Actually Work?
Coaching isn’t about someone telling you what to do. It’s not mentorship, therapy, or advice from your well-meaning (but sometimes unhelpful) friends.
Instead, coaching helps you:
● Get clear on what you actually want—not just what you think you should want.
● Identify what’s holding you back—habits, fears, or thought patterns that keep you stuck.
● Develop a strategy to break through roadblocks and take real, sustainable action.
At the end of the day, coaching is about one thing: forward momentum.
Who Needs Individual Coaching?
Coaching isn’t just for executives or high achievers. It’s for anyone who feels stuck and wants to move forward.
Common Reasons People Seek Coaching:
● Career Clarity: You feel lost in your job and don’t know how to pivot. Coaching helps you identify your strengths and build a roadmap for change.
● Entrepreneurial Growth: Running a business is exciting… until it’s overwhelming. Coaching helps entrepreneurs manage stress, refine strategy, and scale sustainably.
● Leadership Development: Whether you’re a new manager or a seasoned executive, coaching sharpens your leadership skills and improves decision-making.
● Personal Growth & Confidence: Sometimes, it’s not about work. It’s about showing up as your best self and breaking through self-doubt.
If you’re stretched thin or unsure of what’s next, coaching might be exactly what you need.
How Individual Coaching Works
1. Initial Consultation
No pressure, no sales pitch—just an open conversation about where you’re at and what you’re looking for. Maybe you’re eyeing a career change. Maybe you’re burnt out. Maybe you have no idea what’s wrong, just that something needs to shift.
This is where we start. I’ll ask the right questions, listen, and help you define what success actually looks like for you.
As a social impact coach, I bring a unique perspective to this process—especially if your work sits at the intersection of purpose and performance.
2. Identifying Roadblocks & Blind Spots
Ever feel like you’re repeating the same patterns but don’t know why? That’s where coaching gets powerful.
Through reflection, assessment tools, and thought-provoking exercises, coaching helps you spot the limiting beliefs, fears, and habits that are keeping you stuck.
Because sometimes, the biggest roadblock isn’t the situation—it’s how we’re thinking about it.
3. Strategy & Action Planning
This isn’t just about reflection. It’s about doing the work.
Once you know where you’re headed, coaching helps you:
● Create a step-by-step action plan so your goals don’t feel overwhelming.
● Refine your job search strategy—from LinkedIn to interviews to networking.
● Practice new leadership skills that actually make an impact.
The key? Accountability. Having someone in your corner, checking in, and making sure you follow through? Game-changing.
4. Continuous Growth & Adaptation
Life and business aren’t static, and neither is coaching. As you grow, your goals evolve, and coaching helps you keep adapting, and building resilience, confidence, and long-term momentum.
How Is Coaching Different from Therapy or Mentorship?
● Therapy is about working through past trauma, emotions, and mental health struggles.
● Mentorship is about learning from someone who has already walked your path and can offer advice.
● Coaching is about unlocking your potential in a future-focused way. It’s structured around you, your strengths, and your goals. It’s not about telling you what to do—it’s about helping you figure out the right answers for yourself.
What Are the Benefits of Coaching?
This is what real transformation looks like:
● Clarity and Direction: No more second-guessing. Coaching helps you define what success looks like, and how to get there.
● Better Decisions: With a structured approach, you start making stronger, more confident choices in work and life.
● Accountability: No more “I’ll start tomorrow” cycles. Coaching keeps you on track and moving forward.
● Stronger Mindset: Breakthrough self-doubt, overcome imposter syndrome, and step into your full potential.
How to Find the Right Coach for You
Thinking about coaching? Here’s how to find the right fit:
● Look for Alignment: Do they specialize in what you need—career coaching, leadership, business growth?
● Check Their Approach: Are they action-driven or more reflective? Do they offer structured plans or flexible guidance?
● Read Testimonials: Past client experiences can give insight into what to expect.
● Have a Consultation: A quick conversation can help you decide if their style resonates with you.
The best coach isn’t the one with the flashiest website. It’s the one who understands your goals, asks the right questions, and helps you move forward in a way that feels right for you.
Final Thoughts: What Could Coaching Do for You?
Coaching can be a turning point. It gives you the clarity, strategy, and accountability to make real, lasting progress.
So the question isn’t, “Do I need coaching?”
The real question is, “What could I achieve if I had the right support?”
Ready to break through whatever’s holding you back? Let me help you find your true potential. Through individual coaching or group coaching, we will dive into where you are and where you want to be. Schedule a free 30-minute call today. We can do this together.
