A year ago today I started my “year or more” away from finance. I’m happy to say that despite the challenges in the world, I’ve enjoyed the break to focus on mental and physical health and to contemplate the next phase of my career. It’s a gift for which I will always be grateful. And now for the “….or more” part: starting in November I will begin the process to become certified as a leadership/executive coach.
As I reviewed my different career stages (high school teacher, actuarial consultant, risk analyst, banker, etc.), I found that one element of each job stood out as most rewarding: helping colleagues think through difficult career transition moments, working with them to frame and ultimately make decisions about how to advance their careers and otherwise empowering their growth into new roles. So, I know I like this work. But I also know that I have a ton to learn about myself and the art and science of coaching before I’m ready to take this on as a new career. After research on the myriad options out there for certification, I landed on a program that fits my background and inclinations while still challenging me to think differently and grow personally.
This part-time program at the Hudson Institute of Coaching in Santa Barbara, California will start in November and run through most of 2022. For those of you who say “this is perfect for you,” thank you! For others who might be thinking, “doctor, heal thyself,” please know that the first stage of the work involves a lot of self-reflection and personal challenge. To be effective as a coach I need first to know myself, my biases and my own needs and desires as a human and a leader.
As I get into it, I’ll share updates on my progress. And I might be asking for volunteers from my network to work with me while I go through the program – if I can help you while I am in my apprentice phase, perhaps we can grow together.