Professionals – Executive Coaching
Unlike those who have just finished education or are still in education, you will be in or between employment and looking to change to what you do, but are finding it difficult to take that step, or are not sure which way to turn, but you do know you don’t want things to stay as they are. Something has to give.
This will be either, being more productive and valued in your current role, by addressing one or two issues, such as a lack of confidence or self-esteem as well as imposter syndrome, or to move into a new role, which better reflects your values and where you feel greater resonance and purpose – and ultimately fulfilment.
As a professional you want to make a difference, but it’s about ensuring whatever you do feels right culturally and has a sense of purpose. By doing this you will be more productive and happy, as well as achieving a far better work-life balance. This makes the most of your talents, rather than just a few, enabling you to play a full and positive part in your chosen career.
‘In terms of my career, I have a clearer direction of travel. If I decide to go down a different avenue I know what I need to do in order to be successful in that change’…
‘I can now break down barriers by being more personable, manage peoples’ expectations and provide reassurance. By doing this is it totally changes the mood of meetings.
I am more aware of how I interact / react and as a result I recognise when I need to reset and adjust my behaviour’
— Laura (Late 30s)
Career Starters
Right now you are probably wondering about your future and what it holds, or feel that something is holding you back from making a real change in your life. It’s hard to make sense of it all and you feel stuck and frustrated. You are not alone.
The world is not an easy place for you to navigate, nor is it easy to secure a first job or new job that fits your values and in which you will feel fulfilled as you are about to leave education or already have left and are floundering a little. This is despite all the hard graft to achieve the necessary qualifications.
With so many more challenges facing you in the world, with the constant bombardment of social media and world news creating further uncertainty, anxiety and stress, it’s hardly surprising that you are finding modern life difficult to navigate and to plot a path you really want. In addition, expectations of the young, like you, are higher and demand more for you to succeed and deliver; to be the best. And still to be true to you.
‘Adam was patient, empathetic with his words and made me feel good…’
‘With his attentiveness and listening skills. But also, he wasn't afraid to challenge my thinking and get to the root of my problems. The overall impact has been huge, my new job is great. The knowledge and belief Adam gave me from mentorship has really pushed me into believing in myself more and not sitting on ideas that I used to think were not possible.’
— Tyler (Early 20s)
Service Leavers and Veterans
This is for people in the Armed Services who are planning to find a new job in “civvy street” (Service Leavers), as well as veterans who have already left and are seeking new work. Often the latter settle for a first role they find having left the military, but then realise it’s not for them, it’s not stretching them enough or it simply doesn’t reflect their values or fulfil them.
Having experienced all of this myself, I am acutely aware that, for some, this transition is not straightforward, nor is it happy. This isn’t the case for all, but having someone who is supportive and non-judgemental to shoot the breeze with, to bounce ideas off and to be challenged by can often result in real success in finding a job that is a far better fit - and one that makes maximum use of those many transferable skills.
‘During sessions I enjoyed that the answers I was looking for were not given to me on a plate’…
‘I found Adam’s coaching style a very good fit for the issues that I wanted to discuss. He was very positive and enthusiastic, which I found very helpful as, at first, I was not very comfortable talking openly about my blockers, however this soon changed. I thoroughly enjoyed the various exercises he used and found them to be very helpful when trying to understand the root cause of my blockers.
— Ian (early 30s)
School Pupils - Personal Development & Career Thinking
Education is an important part of growing up, but those learning within it are heavily impacted by a whole range of external pressures, expectations and events. As a result, school pupils, whilst having much potential, are held back by a combination of these things, such as peer pressure, a lack of self-confidence and/or self-esteem and imposter syndrome. Other characteristics such as introversion and also Neurodiversity, including ADHD (in which I specialise) which also create further anxieties for teenagers.
Also, COVID-19 has had a debilitating effect on many young people, plus the insidiousness of social media also makes life confusing and unsettling. That, combined with news, which continues to be negative, has a compound effect on their mental health and their ability to look forward with confidence and positivity.
I’ve supported pupils with mentoring and more recently coaching, ranging from 13 to 18 years of age in 5 schools; helping them find new focus and a sense of purpose in their lives, but at the same time providing a supportive, safe, fun and stimulating environment.
‘Adam's coaching has been absolutely transformational for one of our ADHD students…’
‘…previously unable to talk to adults, even those known to him, he now converses with ease and has been able to approach Sixth Form providers with detailed questions about the courses they offer. This would have been impossible before Adam's input. The young person previously could not meet the eye of an adult, he can now do this. He has also been able to identify several positives in his life, interests and has a detailed plan for his life after school, all of which are the results of his coaching sessions with Adam’
— School Assistant Head