Leaving the Corporate Cycle Behind: Transitioning from Executive Management to Coaching Practice
When the big 5-0 rolled around, I realized my working life could be summed up in decades:
One stint in management consulting and two in global financial leadership gigs. This revelation sparked some self-examination: was another corporate decade, now heavy with organizational, regulatory, and governance responsibilities, worth it? I yearned for meaningful connections - with my family, friends, and life in general. I confess, in my quest to be an outstanding corporate leader, I overlooked some precious moments. It's like pedaling so hard on a bike that you miss the scenic route - the chance to connect deeply with others and the world at large.
A Life-changing Juncture
Red Wolf CoachingThis crossroads demanded self-reflection.
Ashridge Master's & My Philosophy
Although acquainted with Ashridge's stellar coaching reputation, I was less familiar with Erik de Haan, the faculty team, and their work.
Investec & Valuable Experiences
My top three experiences? Creating lifelong friendships, high-quality feedback on my work (it was honest, constantly challenging, and always constructive), and a stringent accreditation process I felt prepared me for the real world. A tears-of-joy graduation with my kids made it all worth it in 2022.
Shed the Corporate Shackles, if Needed
Stuck in a corporate rut? Begin by figuring out why.
Make the Jump with These Tips:
- Thoroughly plan your transition; immerse yourself in coaching, certify, create a financial safety net, and strategize.
- Reconnect with your network and foster new relationships. Time is essential to grow your practice.
- Be patient and set realistic expectations. Launching a coaching career takes grit and perseverance.
- Define your coaching identity; your backstory, adapting as you gain client insights and feedback.
- Embrace continuous learning, starting day one. Master your learning edge through personal and group supervision.
Are you ready to dive in? Apply now to our final executive coaching intake of the year.
Discover more about Simon and Red Wolf Consulting here.
Insights on Transitioning to Executive Coaching:
Identify Your Strengths & Passion:- Examine Your Corporate History: Capitalize on your corporate background by zeroing in on what gave you joy or made you stand out.- Love for Coaching: Ensure you're genuinely excited about helping others prosper professionally; it's the fuel for your coaching success.
Develop Necessary Skills:- Coaching Education or Training: Sign up for coaching certification programs or courses centered on leadership development and organizational behavior.- Networking: Connect with industry mentors and coaches to learn from their journey and gain insights.
Establish a Coaching Niche:- Focus on a Specific Area: Specialize in a niche, such as executive career transitions or strategic execution, to distinguish yourself.
Build a Strong Professional Brand:- Building Your Online Presence: Showcase your expertise through a website, blog, or social media platforms.- Networking Events: Join industry conferences and networking events to expand your connections.
Leverage Your Professional Network:- Networking with Former Colleagues: Notify your network of your transition and seek referrals or collaborations to boost your coaching career.
Prepare for the Business Side of Coaching:- Develop a Business Strategy: Craft your business plan with target market, pricing, and marketing strategies in mind.- Client Acquisition: Develop tactics to attract and retain clients, such as offering free consultations or workshops.
Keep Up with Industry Trends:- Continuous Learning: Stay updated on coaching techniques and industry advancements to remain relevant.
In my reflection at the crossroads, I decided to pursue a career in executive coaching, combining my corporate background with my newfound passion for helping others. To prepare for this transition, I focused on developing necessary skills through coaching education and training, as well as networking with industry mentors. I built a strong professional brand by showcasing my expertise online and attending industry conferences. Along the way, I leveraged my professional network, especially former colleagues, to boost my coaching career. As I embarked on this new journey, I balanced my career development with an enhanced lifestyle that prioritized meaningful connections and self-development, as I sought to leave behind the corporate shackles.
