By Jackie Evans, former Coachee & Coach, and now a Professional Independent Coach... returning to support Yorkshire Accord again in 2021.
Coaching, what’s coaching? The first time I was coached through the Yorkshire Accord scheme, I had no idea what I was letting myself in for! Some searching questions from my coach, that I didn’t want to engage with!!
BUT it did make me think.
I thought I was happy with my situation; wife, mother, daughter, sister, auntie, friend, colleague…. but, hang on, where was I? Who was the real me? Of course, all those roles listed were versions of the real me, but, what did I want for the next phase of my life and the (awful, for me) question, “where do you want to be in 5 years?” I was frightened to commit, what if I failed? Although a confident person in so many ways, I wasn’t when it came to focusing on me. Easier to carry on in the same old way……
Unbeknown to me at the time, this was the start of my coaching journey into becoming a coach.
My coach offered me a safe place in which to try out ideas. There was no judgement, just gentle questioning and challenging of assumptions. This first coaching experience started me on my journey, which was to totally change my life. What a revelation!
I quickly realised that my skills were suited to coaching people, and, through Yorkshire Accord, I trained to be a coach.
So, 7+ years on, I have coached 200+ people. Over this time, I have learnt so much about myself and honed my coaching style, concentrating on positivity and confidence building.
I’m proud to have been invited to take part in different coaching groups and delighted to be back working with Yorkshire Accord as one of three external 'Alumni' coaches for 2021.
I have made many friends and I have a completely different career because of my experience with Yorkshire Accord. Thank you to Karen and everyone I worked with in Yorkshire Accord. I’m excited to be back with you.