Coach Spotlight: Coach Kathy

On this week's BOLDLY Coach Spotlight we welcome ICF PCC Coach Kathy! We are excited to learn more about your coaching style, background and where you see coaching going in the future. Thank you for joining us- to begin can we start off with a little about your childhood:

1) Where were you born, and what's your favorite memory from childhood?

I was born on a military base in Shanxi, a charming northern city in China. One of my most cherished childhood memories revolves around the weekly outdoor movie screenings at the sports field every Friday. Gatherings like these were truly special because they brought everyone on the base together, creating a delightful atmosphere of enjoyment. I hold those moments close to my heart, as even the freezing winter temperatures couldn't deter me from attending. To ensure I stayed warm, my father would place his larger cotton shoes outside my smaller ones, providing an extra layer of insulation throughout the evening. It was a small gesture of love that made those cinematic experiences all the more memorable.

2) Where are you currently based, and where do you coach?

I am currently residing in Maryland, United States, where I have the privilege of working remotely with clients from every corner of the globe. This virtual setup allows me to seamlessly connect and collaborate with clients across different time zones, breaking down geographical barriers. Regardless of their location, I am able to provide professional service and support, leveraging the power of technology to bridge distances and foster productive partnerships.

3) What hobbies do you enjoy?

I enjoy reading, jogging, and photography. Recently, I embarked on a photography project titled "Lessons Taught by Little Chicks," which has quickly become a source of great delight for me. I am thrilled to share a few samples from this collection for your enjoyment.

4) Can you please share with us a little about your professional background and how you came into coaching?

With over ten years of marketing management experience, I worked for some of China's largest internet companies. During China's early years of internet development, I was able to build an entire marketing function from scratch and lead the team at various companies. This involved clarifying business and marketing strategies, overseeing the implementation of marketing initiatives, and fostering substantial market growth. In 2008, I became a mother to twin daughters, which brought about significant challenges and frustrations as I navigated the complexities of parenting. Seeking guidance, I attended a parenting workshop rooted in the philosophies of Alfred Adler, the founder of individual psychology.

This experience deeply resonated with me and prompted a career shift toward becoming a parent educator. I actively shared knowledge and supported parents in both China and the United States. Along this journey, I immersed myself in various branches of psychology, seeking effective ways to work with others. In 2017, I had the opportunity to connect with a mentor who was a coach and shared her work with me. Intrigued, I conducted further research and immediately fell in love with coaching. I pursued my coaching training at Coach U and obtained my first credential from the International Coaching Federation in 2018. What I admire about coaching is its deep belief in the inner wisdom of individuals, as well as the collaborative partnership between coaches and clients.

5) You can speak both Mandarin and English. How do you find being bilingual has helped open doors in coaching?

As a bilingual coach fluent in both Mandarin and English, I have witnessed the immense benefits it brings to the coaching field. Coaching has experienced significant growth and success in the Western world over the past few decades, with a mature market and increasing recognition of its effectiveness by both individuals and organizations. In contrast, coaching is still in its nascent stage in China, with many people and organizations having a limited understanding of its principles. This presents a valuable educational opportunity. Having lived and worked in both Western and Chinese environments, I possess the ability to connect the two contexts. This unique perspective provides me with several advantages. It allows me to stay updated on the latest and best practices in personal and organizational development in the Western world. I can then translate and share this knowledge with individuals in China who are seeking professionals to support their transformative journeys.

Ultimately, being bilingual has helped open doors in coaching by enabling me to be a conduit of knowledge, fostering the growth and adoption of coaching in China while benefiting from the wealth of resources and experiences available in the global coaching community.

6) Can you please tell us about the coaching engagement that made the biggest impact on you/ you enjoyed the most?

I had the privilege of working alongside a remarkable woman business owner. When we first met, she was facing numerous challenges in her personal life, and her business was struggling. As a devoted mother of three, she couldn’t parent effectively, and her relationship with her husband was strained. During our three-year partnership, she actively participated in my group sessions and engaged in one-on-one coaching with me. As our journey progressed, she gradually recognized and confronted some deeply ingrained misbeliefs she held about herself, her relationships, and her business. Driven by her incredible motivation, she underwent a profound shift in her mindset. She took small but significant steps to take on more responsibilities, openly express her needs and desires, and mend her relationship.

As a result of her unwavering dedication, her business experienced remarkable expansion. Moreover, her relationships with her parents, husband, and children became healthier and more fulfilling. Even after our formal partnership concluded, she continued to pursue her path of self-development. She reads many books, actively participates in workshops, and generously shares her experiences with others. Today, she has emerged as a respected opinion leader within her community. Her remarkable transformation has ignited my belief in the potential of individuals. Witnessing her extraordinary journey has left an indelible mark on me, inspiring me to continue empowering others to unlock their true potential.

7) What are some of the challenges your coachees face, and how do you goabout working through these?

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with diverse clients in various settings worldwide. However, the women professionals I have had the opportunity to collaborate with hold a special place in my heart. As a working woman myself, I deeply resonate with the unique challenges they face on their professional and personal journeys. The delicate art of balancing work and life, navigating complex relationships, and assuming multiple roles, are struggles that I empathize with deeply.

When partnering with these incredible and inspiring women, my approach is rooted in establishing a true partnership. Together, we delve into identifying key areas where they feel stuck and clarify their goals. I also emphasize the importance of self-care, helping them understand that prioritizing their own well-being is paramount. It is my firm belief that these remarkable women all have the necessary tools and resources in themselves to define and attain holistic success on their own terms. By empowering them to embrace their innate capabilities, we work together to create a transformative journey toward whole-person fulfillment.

8) Can you share with us your thoughts on the importance of professional development and continuing education in the coaching industry?

As a firm believer in lifelong learning, I cannot overstate the significance of professional development and continuing education within the coaching industry. Engaging in ongoing learning opportunities not only expands our capabilities as coaches but also broadens our horizons, enabling us to serve our clients better. Throughout my journey as a coach, I have consistently sought various courses, workshops, and training to enhance my knowledge and skills. These experiences have had a profound impact on my personal growth, enhancing my self-awareness and developing more acceptance, compassion, and appreciation for people from all backgrounds. In addition to continuous learning, I actively engage in mentorship to reflect on my coaching approach, receive feedback, and gain fresh insights.

These supportive relationships have been invaluable in my professional development, allowing me to improve my effectiveness as a coach. This commitment to ongoing mentorship and professional development ensures that I stay updated with best practices and identify areas for improvement. As the coaching industry evolves, it is essential for coaches to stay abreast of emerging trends, research, and ethical considerations. Through this commitment to lifelong learning, we can continually grow as coaches and make a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve.

9) You run workshops such as "The New Approach to Communication." What impacts are you seeing on those who attend?

The workshops provide participants with opportunities to learn more about the barriers to effective communication. They understand their communication patterns and identify pitfalls that hinder their interactions. With this newfound understanding, they are able to adopt strategies and make conscious changes that facilitate meaningful communication. As a result, they realize how important it is to take responsibility for their own perspective and communication rather than placing excessive expectations on others.

10) What advice would you give someone considering a career in coaching?

When considering a career in coaching, it is crucial to approach it with seriousness and dedication. Unlike other helping professions, the coaching industry lacks comprehensive regulation, allowing individuals without proper training, mentoring, and certification to claim themselves as coaches. This situation can severely damage the industry's reputation and credibility.

Therefore, my advice to anyone considering a career in coaching is to prioritize professional development and adhere to the established industry standards. Seek out training programs accredited by reputable organizations such as the International Coach Federation (ICF). These programs provide a solid foundation of knowledge and skills to become an effective coach. Additionally, working with a mentor with extensive experience can significantly enhance your learning and growth as a coach. It is also essential to engage in your coaching journey by being coached yourself. This personal experience allows you to deepen self-awareness and continuously develop yourself.

Coaching can be an incredibly rewarding career path. As coaches, we have the privilege of being catalysts for change in the lives of others. Simultaneously, coaching offers us an opportunity for personal growth. Embrace this journey with a commitment to continuous learning, and you will find fulfillment and success in the coaching profession.

Thank you so much for joining us Coach Kathy, it was great to learn more about you!

If you would like to learn more about BOLDLY or have a complimentary 30minute chemistry session with Coach Kathy, contact connect@boldly.app

About the Author:

Lisa Singh is an Australian, living with her family in the beautiful South Pacific. As Coach Business Partner Lead for BOLDLY, Lisa's team screen and onboard coaches onto our global marketplace, then enable the matching and engagement process so that coaches can do what they do best: deliver exceptional coaching journeys to our coachees. Lisa is a trained nurse, and her role with BOLDLY she loves meeting top coaches and promoting their work for a win:win. Connect with Lisa .