How open are you to change, really? #101

What I’m noticing as I learn more in my new role…

There I was, on the banks of the Thames, walking into Henley Business School asking myself, “what the hell am I doing here?”…whilst tingling with anticipation.

I announced, somewhat nervously, in a post a few months ago that I was putting myself out there as a Coach. A Business Coach. A Coach for financial planning business owners¹ or those aspiring to be. A formal statement of my decision after a few years coaching on a word-of-mouth basis, deliberating and dithering about my decision to go public.

A new qualification

This pronouncement of course ‘necessitated’ a new website; its in its final design stages as we speak.

And, most importantly, a course. A course leading to a(nother) qualification.

So there I was, embarking on the Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching course. A nine-month hybrid course combining three in person long weekends at Henley Business School, the balance online, self-study and practice.

The onboarding for the course surprised me. Forgetting that Henley Business School is part of the University of Reading I hadn’t factored in spending upwards of three hours watching compulsory training videos around safe-guarding, consent, bias and abuse. My cohort are mature, part time students, kept well away from the ‘normal’ student population, why did we need this? But, once I got over my huffiness, they were an informative watch. A vivid lesson in change, so different to the early 80s when, as a wide eyed just nineteen year old, I started nursing, but I digress. Maybe another day…

The gold

The course is led by three very experienced lecturers/coaches/authors. Two men, one woman. All masters in their own fields. Each bringing something different to our learning.

I’m devouring the new knowledge. But the unexpected gold is the people in my group. A gift of new friends.

The course kicked off with each of us introducing ourselves to the group. The only rule, no mention of profession or job title. What a difference that omission made. Allowing us to see each other as fellow humans, not roles or status.

Twenty-seven of us. Ages ranging from late thirties to early sixties. Yes, I am one of the most, if not the most, ‘mature’ members of the group. A good balance of women and men. A variety of backgrounds, careers, seniority and success. All with a voracious appetite to learn and grow, most whilst juggling full time careers, children and family life. The benefits of a self-selecting group.

Stepping out

Coaching practice in front of and within the group necessitates openness and vulnerability. Tough, emotional and very private stories were shared, all in the spirit of learning and experience. Our role as coaches, is not to dwell on what the ‘coachee’ is saying (tempting because my goodness that was raw at times) but on how the coach responded. A masterclass in gentle yet firm enquiry, encouragement, silence and reflection.

Our mutual trust, caring and support is high. We are there with a shared ambition- to learn, to practice and to be challenged to become the best coaches we can. All in service of helping others.

I’m stepping outside of my familiar environment. Seeing the world through a new professional lens. Whilst noticing the many cross overs to financial planning from a client relationship, values and ethics perspective. Learning from others.

People often talk about being lifelong learners. The benefits of continued growth. Its protection against a shrinking world view. Not to mention its cognitive and neuroplasticity benefits against the effects of ageing. I for one am super excited about my new insights and the feeling of stretch.

You

As ever I’m interested in you.

I was chatting with a financial planning business owner friend over a Dishoom² brunch on Friday. He posed the question, which I’d like to pose to you:

How open are we really to challenge and change? Or do we stick with what we know hidden safely behind our carefully constructed barriers and excuses?

That’s me a bit out on a limb there challenging you dear reader. At the same time asking myself the same questions…feel free to challenge me back!

Pour yourself an Irn-Bru or a wee dram, after all, it was Burns night yesterday, and drop me a line, I’d love to hear from you.

And remember, you’re never going to be any younger than you are today, what challenge or change are you silencing that keeps whispering in your ear?

Until next week my friends,

Ruth x

Thanks for reading my 101st week! Join the conversation by leaving me a comment, or maybe a ❤️, share it with a friend, or if you haven’t already, why not subscribe? I’d love to have you along, thank you.

1. Or anyone leading a professional practice or business :-)

2. It was delicious! I’d wanted to go for an age, it was worth the wait…