Have you ever wondered what coaching actually involves?

More than a decade ago, I made the leap from individual contributor to manager.

On paper, it looked like a promotion.
In reality, it felt like stepping onto a brand-new playing field—different expectations, different pressures, and a version of myself I hadn’t fully met yet.

Coaching became the turning point.

My coach didn’t tell me what to do. Instead, they helped me:

• lean into my strengths (especially when I doubted myself)

• navigate those first challenging months with more confidence

• define the kind of leader I wanted to be—before the role defined me

And maybe this is the clearest way to understand coaching:

A coach isn’t a mentor who shows you “the right path.” A coach isn’t someone you only call when you’re struggling or underperforming.

A coach is more like a personal trainer for your mind.

Think of an athlete training for a Gold medal.

A great coach helps you build:

• awareness (what’s really happening beneath the surface)

• clarity (what matters most and what to focus on)

• responsibility (the courage to follow through)

They work with your natural abilities, help you identify the blocks holding you back, and equip you with frameworks and strategies for crunch time.

But ultimately? You’re still the one competing.

And here’s the part that fascinates me most:

Your brain functions like a muscle—it can be trained and strengthened through consistent mental practice and learning (hello, neuroplasticity).

Which means you don’t have to stay stuck in old patterns.
You can fine-tune your thinking, expand your capacity, and lead with more intention.