“Before working with you I was in a right pickle. I was lacking confidence at work and in my personal life. I felt very disconnected from my thoughts and feelings and often used others to influence my decisions so that I wouldn’t have to take responsibility (fear of making the wrong choices). I wasn’t focusing on my own issues and hid behind other people’s problems to avoid dealing with my own. At work, I took everything personally and felt like my work wasn’t valid or appreciated because I worked in a different way to most of my team.
Wow! What a change/journey I have been on! Move over the old me and say hello to the new confident me! You have given me the confidence to identify how I work and how to effectively work with the team around me. You gave me the tools to address the conflicts I was having within myself and to connect with work colleagues in a more professional confident manner. You have also impacted my personal life in such a positive manner. By figuring out the changes/conversations I needed to take it has enabled me to let go and freed up headspace to focus on the important things, like my own happiness!
I feel different. I have a more uplifting approach to my life and career. I reflect more on how I react to situations. I also use the tools you have given me to construct my communication with others better. My self worth has grown.
I can’t express enough how these sessions really have changed my whole outlook on life! I have thoroughly enjoyed my journey with you – in our six sessions, I have gained more insight into myself compared to my whole adult life! You were amazing!”
“My situation was terrible when we met! Really tough personal circumstances that were impacting me in terms of anxiety and emotional upset. I was really worried that coaching would just focus on my job, and when I first met you I was speaking with a counsellor weekly. I wasn’t sure how this would help me or if it could. But it’s been fantastic!!! I wish I’d had this years ago.
As a result of the coaching I am starting to really understand who I am, looking at what I want in my future and also the practical tools/types of conversations I can have with whoever is in my life to progress/resolve issues in a much better way. I now listen to how I truly feel and make others aware of my feelings in a more constructive manner. I’m no longer always the peacekeeper and have healthy boundaries. I’ve learned how important it is to be kind to myself.
The process of working with Amy was perfect! I really enjoyed it. This is the start of my new life with a different focus on what I want and how I can achieve this. This process has helped to make me stronger again and to rebuild what I had lost in myself.”
“When I started coaching with you I was fairly new in post, therefore, I felt that I was still finding my feet with relationships and the role requirements. I felt that people were not aware of the skills that I had previously developed and felt a little under-utilised.
During the course of our sessions, I have experienced some difficulties personally and discussed these with yourself, so I feel that we have developed an open trusting relationship. I have also opened myself up to developing closer relationships with team members which have meant that I now feel part of a close-knit team. I am confident in my ability to communicate with senior managers and show them that I have something to offer. I like to be in control and like things to be ordered, I enjoy challenges and pushing myself to improve my knowledge and to be better at my job. It has taken me a while to stop feeling like the new girl.
My top three takeaways from our sessions are:
- I understand my weaknesses and how to change them to strengths.
- I understand that not all colleagues will have the same understanding as I do therefore can change my approach to ensure that I include other opinions or feelings.
- I have learned not to make assumptions on how I believe someone should behave or that they will feel and behave the same as me.”
“I felt that I was lacking direction in my career and feeling like I hadn’t achieved what I had hoped to. I had also lost some confidence since a department reorganisation.
Initially, I was unsure how comfortable I was going to feel with the process of coaching and opening up about how I was feeling; however, it’s been fantastic. I have looked forward to the sessions and found them really great opportunities to develop ideas and plans that I have taken forward.
Coaching has helped me to set new goals in my career including developing skills in sourcing and category management as well as embarking on the MER CIPs assessment. It has also helped me re-evaluate what ‘achieving’ means to me and help with my work-life balance. I understand my strengths and weaknesses better and how I can use these. I have learned about the type of work that energises and drains me and that I can change the way I respond to things through my own thoughts and challenging the beliefs I hold.
I am now happier at work and at home and am more accepting of the career balance I have chosen. I am really enjoying my new role and am now CIPS accredited. I have developed my management skills including coming up with ways to build my new team, better delegation, and using coaching skills. I believe coaching has helped me move on from a difficult period and focus on developing in a new area. I feel much more motivated at work.
My top 3 outcomes are:
- I feel more content at work and have set new goals that have improved my motivation.
- The beliefs tool – I have used this on a number of occasions to challenge why I perceive situations as ‘scary’ and that has really helped reduce my stress levels in those situations and resulted in a better outcome.
- Improved delegation – this has always been a weakness of mine and although I have further to go, I am now looking to delegate wherever possible and accept that task won’t be done exactly how I would have done it!
I have gained so much from my sessions and would highly recommend your coaching to anyone.”
“When we met I was keen to learn how I might develop my skill set and approach to progress in my role – potentially to pursue a promotion. I found the process very helpful in discussing various issues. I’ve had a few tricky pieces of work whilst we have been working together so it has been great to have someone to discuss these with.
After completely rejecting this upfront, I now appreciate that I do have a tendency to aim for perfection. I’m now more comfortable trying to avoid ‘perfection’ in areas I’ve been working on. I’ve really enjoyed having time to reflect on my aims and priorities, having prompts from you to think about and challenges from different perspectives, and new ideas on areas I could develop.”
“When we met I felt I wasn’t getting recognition for the work I do as it wasn’t visible to leadership. I also found myself being overly placatory of others, avoiding conflict. I’ve really enjoyed the space that coaching provides to be able to reflect, self-analyse, and improve. I knew a lot about myself already, but our sessions reminded me of some things and helped me to change the things I wanted to change – I need a very good reason to change my behaviours. I’ve learned that I’m more innovative than I think I am. I’m even more concerned about how others view me than I’d realised.
Your support and exploratory questioning have been helpful in directing my development. Consequently, I’m being more assertive, more expressive, self-promoting and I’m more open to opportunities to increase my visibility across the organisation. I have a greater desire to change and improve myself.”
“When we met I was feeling overwhelmed by management responsibilities. I had some reservations about the time it might take and whether it would be a waste of time; however working with you has been very pleasurable!
You helped me to think out loud on a lot of issues and through that, I achieved some new insights and clarity I had never had before. I am now catching myself every time I say should or can’t! I think it is a good idea to have somebody outside of the business to talk with and bounce ideas off.”
“I felt like a fog had descended that just wouldn’t lift. I was allowing my past to negatively impact on the right here, right now, and on my future. I had lost all self-confidence and belief and really couldn’t see that coming back.
I couldn’t possibly have imagined the profound positive impact coaching has had in such a short space of time. It’s been amazing! I instantly warmed to you from the first moment we met and also trusted you implicitly, which allowed me to be very open and honest. I walked away from each session feeling that the load was lightening and I honestly feel better now than I have in years. This has had such a positive impact on every aspect of my life.
I have a much more positive outlook and have learned to deal with each situation as a ‘cloud that will pass’ as opposed to before when I just saw very little positive and would wait for the next negative to surface. I am so much more self-confident and so much less anxious, which in turn has made me more positive overall.
This really has changed my life for the better in so many ways. I have learned that change begins with me, not others around me and that I have directly contributed (sub-consciously) to the impact that the various ‘clouds’ have had. I now know that it’s ok to be selfish sometimes (you can’t drink from an empty cup) and that in order to give me best, I have to look after myself and take a step back from taking the ‘parent’ role in so many of my friends and families issues. I now deal with what I have to, as and where necessary, but have taken a concerted step back and decide very carefully before jumping in with both feet! I also realise that I had a direct impact on my family and the way they were feeling – I thought I hid my anxiety well but retrospectively realise I didn’t at all!
The best bit about working with you has been getting my life back and I’m really not joking! I will never be able to thank you enough for what you’ve done. The benefits are immeasurable and I highly recommend you”
I was put forward for coaching by the organisation I work for as I had been promoted, with an increase in responsibility and supervision of two junior colleagues. I was unsure how I would benefit from the sessions but the process of working with you has been great. Informality made it easier to approach sessions and allowed me to open up a bit as I would naturally be inclined to keep things to myself.
As a result of coaching, I am no longer hoarding work and I accept that people have limitations, like me, and so do not expect that they ‘should know’. No more character assassinations! I have learned that there are areas where I need to work a little better in terms of communicating and sharing. My best bit is that I now have a different outlook and am more flexible, rather than judging on early impressions. I hold back and think before I leap! I have found the whole process open and relaxed, which meant it was easier to get over any preconceptions I may have had”
“Before we started working together my work and home life were both extremely challenging with high workloads and new skills to be mastered in an environment of seemingly constant change. I very much enjoyed our sessions together. Your client approach was thoughtful and well-pitched with appropriate time for reflection and discussion provided. Your application of the tools and methodologies was insightful and rightly driven by our conversations.
I have learned that people are ‘creative, resourceful, and whole’. I love this – to me this means that I don’t have to try to fix everyone all the time and it’s ok to be ‘responsibly selfish’. I am now taking a step back from others and where I do choose to become involved my focus is now more directed on how I can help them to help themselves. I have become more self-aware in terms of the who I am and what it is I value”
“I had certain situations that I needed help addressing in work – self-confidence and presentation issues. My Manager also wanted me to work on my ‘poker face’ in meetings with customers. Coaching has started to highlight areas for me to work on, such as being able to prioritise workload more effectively, how situations outside of work can affect my performance, how to acknowledge my feelings bit better, and ask for support when needed. I feel more in control as a result.
Before I met you I was worried that we might not get on, that I wouldn’t be able to open up about issues, and was unsure if the process would be any help. I have enjoyed working with you and found it easier than I thought to talk things through. You recognised when I was struggling and easily changed tactics which I found really helpful. Thank you for persevering through my tears and resistance to certain exercises.
I am now able to speak to my line manager and colleagues more easily, ask for support, and say when I am struggling to keep up. I feel a bit stronger in myself but I still need to work on things highlighted as a result of coaching. I have learned that it’s ok to cry, it’s ok to ask for help and it’s ok if things don’t go to plan. It’s not always as bad as it seems.
I have benefited from talking to someone outside of work, my circle of friends and family who has an open perspective and can highlight things from both sides, which I have found invaluable. I would like to have some further sessions as I still have quite a few things to work on”
“Due to situations at work and within my personal life, I was generally very overwhelmed, angry, resentful, and emotional about issues outside my control. Through coaching, I have learned that I need to communicate more, especially my expectations!
I thought coaching would be very high-level theories that I could not apply to my situation. The sessions were very useful to me, as opening up is very difficult for me as an individual. You gave me some practical ideas to resolve my current issues. My listening and communicating skills have improved and I am slowing letting go and delegating jobs that have previously frustrated me.
I have learned that I need to get back to the things I enjoy and be me again! I now realise that it is not a weakness to ask for help and to not feed the drama! I have really enjoyed these sessions and the time out has provided me with the reflection I need. I am now feeling mentally stronger and looking forward to making time for myself once again”
“I felt that I was very much in a rut, had lost motivation for my job and long term career, and was struggling to see the joy in both the personal and work aspects of my life. I also had a number of aspirations in my mind that I was scared to take forward and was becoming more risk-averse.
Through coaching, I have become more aware of my different mental states and the tools and techniques we have discussed have helped me to manage these more effectively. I feel that this is having a big impact on my positivity and I’m learning to see the benefits in those areas that were previously challenging.
I have found our discussions to be really thought-provoking. Your reflective questioning has enabled me to be more aware of what is going on for me and other people. I’ve found the different exercises, if that’s the right word, have been really useful and I’ve found myself going back to them when I get into a position where I start to feel despondent or apprehensive about a situation. I think you judged it well when you needed to be tougher with me.
As a result of working with you, I am consciously being more positive about my approach towards each day. I have done things which I haven’t done previously and would have steered clear of – these are baby steps towards my bigger ambitions. I am reflecting back on the activities we have done when I have a bit of a drop in confidence and finding these are really helpful in bringing my mind back on track, whereas previously I would have kept on going over the situation in my head.
I have learned that I have a lot to be happy and grateful for. My opportunities taste like burger and chips when I get there! And I sometimes overthink what other people think of me. My best bit is that I’m being more conscious of my different mental states and how to deal with them. Thank you”
“Prior to my sessions with you, I was lacking in confidence and not particularly positive about my future career plans. I now have a lot more confidence in myself and have set myself future goals, which I aim to achieve in the not too distant future.
I started our sessions with an open mind but I didn’t think I would have gained as much out of it as I have. The process of working with you has been very easy – you are a very approachable and open person who I found no difficulties opening up to and revealing my hang-ups and woes!
I feel I am more confident in my ability to perform my current role very effectively and I now have a goal ahead of me that I am striving to achieve. I have learned that anything is possible and I can turn a negative like ‘I can’t’ in to ‘I can’.
The best result for me was when I walked into my session one afternoon and was literally in pieces over an exam I was taking the following week. I was so full of negativity and doubt and verging on giving up. 90 minutes later I walked out the same room with an ‘I can do this’ attitude and truly believed that I could do and I did do it! This was truly amazing and I can’t begin to tell you how much better I felt going into that exam with a totally different attitude. I passed my exam and I want to thank you as I couldn’t have done it without your help.
I would just like to add that it was an absolute pleasure to work with you and can’t thank you enough for your help, guidance, and advice, and also for you’re empathy. I have benefited so much from the 6 sessions and feel everyone should have them as this is such a positive approach. Life can be very hard at times for so many of us and to have the opportunity to take this ‘time out’ to look at myself and my surroundings was such an incredible experience for me”
“I had previously had 6 sessions of coaching with you and came back for an additional 3 as there were some more elements that needed working on. I found it difficult to get back into coaching mode in the first session, however, I completed all my actions and found the experience very helpful and enlightening and it has left me with some things to consider going forward.
Coaching has helped me to be ok with asking for help, to be more pro-active in prioritising my workload, and taking more time at home to get things done. I have felt more in control since having coaching and have more insight into the reasons behind how I react and interact to certain situations.
Having these additional sessions allowed me to explore some more elements from my initial coaching sessions and have provided building blocks for me to take forward”
“I was very guarded and kept my emotions to myself. When I felt under stress and pressure I would go very quiet. Now I feel confident in showing emotion and letting my team know how I am feeling. I can ask for help without feeling vulnerable.
I always had an open mind about coaching. I have found you to be able to facilitate me to look inwardly at myself and enabled me not to fear to be vulnerable in the workplace as this is not a sign of weakness but of strength. I am more open with my colleagues about my feelings without fear of criticism. I am a lot happier at work and this bounces off the people I come in to contact with.
My best bit is being more aware of how my behaviour affects others within my team. You were an excellent coach and facilitator”
“Before we started to work together I was very busy with a build-up of stress based on workload and the need to get everything finished and perfectly under control. I am now less stressed and more likely to take a step back and assess what needs to be done and re-prioritise my workload. The need to feel I’ve done every little thing has lessened and I’m more willing to focus on the bigger and more important bits of work I need to do, rather than getting bogged down in emails and less important tasks.
I wasn’t really sure what to expect of coaching and I think I expected something more directive, so I was pleased that it was more focussed on introspection and considering and challenging myself on assumptions and actions. Working with you has been positive and allowed me to think about things constructively; it has definitely impacted the way I work and the importance I place on things. I feel it’s returned a balance to work and private life whilst still showing me that I enjoy the work I do.
I am better at prioritising and switching off from less important tasks in order to focus on the bigger picture. I certainly have less anxiety about not being able to respond to everything and resolve everything very quickly and it’s given me a bit more courage to let things go while I get on with other things.
I have learned that I am motivated by pleasing people and I need to focus less on that side of things. I like to feel that I am doing a good job but I am more motivated by my own perceptions than other peoples! My best result from working with you is prioritisation and perspective. I have found it a useful experience and it gives a bit of space in the middle of the workweek. It also prompts you to think about why you do things the way you do, and act how you do. I wouldn’t have done that on my own and I wouldn’t have improved”
“I was at a very low ebb in my life with some very personal problems when we met. I am now in control once more and life is more positive. You introduced some tools which helped me in my working life and personal situation enormously.
I like the way you adapted your coaching to me and my circumstances. No judgment, just lots of empathy and understanding with one or two solutions. I employ the tools you gave me – with some results. I am now ready for the challenges ahead.
I have learned not to be so critical and I don’t feel I have to stay in control. The best benefit I have gained from working with you is calming tasks and a model to help with my future prospects. The coaching was perfect for me”
“I was lacking confidence and believed I wasn’t good enough at my role. I also put up a lot of barriers to people as I didn’t want to get hurt. I now believe I am good enough and have broadened my horizons. I have let down some of my barriers and I have noticed that people are now more willing to approach me. I am better able to deal with issues that before would have caused me to demonstrate undesirable behaviours, in a much more positive way.
Working with you has been positive and allowed me to think about things that before I did not want to address. It made me understand why I behaved the way I did. It has definitely impacted the way I work, especially when interacting with others and made me more willing to accept new challenges. I am more patient with others and willing to let new people into my life rather than building barriers, which gave people the perception that I was unapproachable.
I have learned that I am good enough and gained the ability to be more open to allowing people into my life”
