Coach Spotlight: Coach Karen

This week we are excited to feature ICF- PCC Coach Karen to the BOLDLY Coach Spotlight. Thank you for joining us, we can't wait to hear about your coaching journey, let's begin:

1) Where are you located and have you always lived there?

I was born and grew up in Sydney, Australia to Irish parents, and went to college in Adelaide. I moved to the UK when I was in my early twenties, which was a big leap as I knew I had relatives, here and in Ireland, but I didn’t know a soul! I was so lucky to find my amazing cousins.  

2) Can you tell us about any hobbies or activities you enjoy in your free time?

I’m a big reader - particularly of modern Irish fiction and big interpersonal relationship/multi generational novels. Increasingly I like podcasts that have guests who have done new research or have stories about how they have found ways to overcome obstacles and live happy lives. I’m a fan of Simon Sinek’s “ a bit of optimism “. I also love to walk and having a mini schnauzer dog helps make that part of my day. 

3) What initially drew you to coaching and which qualifications do you hold? 

After leaving a big complex job in broadcasting g and then working with various content companies as a consultant, I realised what I missed was the people development. I missed seeing people grow and thrive and be brilliant. Coaching felt like a natural fit. I’d been introduced to it during my own leadership coaching 20 years ago. I currently hold accreditation with the International Coaching Federation as a Professional Certified Coach as well as EMCC - EIA, EMCC Team Coaching ITCA.

4) How has your personal journey influenced your approach to coaching?

Curiosity, stories, working with creative teams, and accelerated change are aspects of my life as an international journalist, producer, and senior leader in factual television, that have stayed with me as a coach. I love working with clients as they unlock their own stories - and own them and see what they are capable of.

5) Are there any significant challenge or obstacles you've encountered in your own life that have shaped your perspective on personal growth and resilience?

One of the things being a parent teaches me, repeatedly is the importance of switching from a personal need to “fix”, to supporting people’s own choices, and being open to, and trusting, their solutions. This shows up in many aspects of life and there were many times, when leading others where I got it wrong - by not listening; either hard enough, or to the right things. I believe we only truly learn and grow when we open our ears.

6) Are there specific philosophical or psychological frameworks that resonate with you personally and inform your coaching practice?

I’m a fan of purpose and positive psychology as approaches – to help us being comfortable with change. Finding our purpose can transform all elements of our life and be intentional with actions. Reframing our limiting beliefs, to more useful ones, helps us maintain those intentions. As the world whirls into more accelerated change, and AI changes the landscape of work, knowing our strengths, our preferences, what gives us energy and how to be a good human, can help us thrive.

7) How do you maintain your own personal and professional growth and development? What practices or habits do you prioritize to stay sharp and effective in your role as a coach?

Reflecting on my very different clients’ journeys and our partnership is very important to me. Professional certification and continuous proactive, supervision and mentoring are essential to me. They give me a framework of ethics and a check on ego. Coaching is not a regulated occupation, so I need to give clients who trust me with their stories, the assurance that I am completely competent, trustworthy, and professional.

8) For a company considering investing in coaching, what advice would you offer?

I trained as a systemic team coach as well as an Executive coach. That taught me that empowerment of teams is crucial to success. Helping leaders see that asking questions, raising all voices, and understand the purpose of the organisation and who it serves, are the keys to navigating the howling accelerated change we all face.

Thank you for joining us in this week's coach spotlight Coach Karen! To book a free 30-minute chemistry session with Coach Karen, or to learn more about the services we offer at BOLDLY, visit www.boldly.app or email connect@boldly.app