International Coaching Week

For International Coaching Week we asked members of the Erickson community to reflect on their introduction to Coaching and the ways in which it has shaped their lives. 

Avis Yu 
Erickson Coach and Facilitator, PCC level
What do you wish people knew about Coaching: First, you will be blessed by coaching, then you will bless other people through coaching.

Nadezhda Mihaylova
Facilitator, Mentor Coach, Erickson Partner for Parent as Coach, PCC level 
How has Coaching changed your life: 180 degrees, completely shifted my life trajectory, and made me a new person!

Olfa Galichet 
Teaching Assistant and Coach, ACC level
Any tips for those who are new to Coaching: Become curious and start with a beginner's mind. Ask yourself the questions that can help to create awareness and shed light on different areas of your life.

Richard Hyams 
Senior Facilitator, Program Development Consultant,
How long have you been a coach for: 20 years, PCC
Any tips for those who are new to Coaching: Always remember that you are providing a service that is unique and provides a rare experience that differs from friendship, mentoring, consulting and advice giving. Remember that this service is worth being paid for as no one listens to you like a trained coach.
What do you wish people knew about Coaching: I wish people knew that there exists a model, a way, a means that shifts us from focusing on the unwanted and feeling powerless to change things to focusing on the wanted and developing an inner strength to create change.

Gaby Da Silva
Facilitator, Mentor and Erickson Partner, PCC Level
How has Coaching changed your life: It helped me become financially independent and start my life anew.
What do you wish people knew about Coaching: Coaching can be more than a profession, it can be a state of mind.

Janet Soyak
Facilitator, PCC Level
What do you wish people knew about Coaching: I wish they could understand that it’s not for people with problems but promotes self-awareness, development, and supports change.
Any tips for those who are new to Coaching: Talk less and listen more.

Cory Martin
Coach for 8 years, PCC
How did you first hear about Coaching: It was a buzzword that kept coming up in conversations. I did some research and found myself walking into the Erickson office with lots of questions, and getting all the answers I needed
What is your own personal definition of Coaching: Coaching is a transformative partnership between powerful questions and accessing infinite possibilities and resources, resulting in inspired, motivated action toward the unique and joyful vision of your life.
How has Coaching changed your life: The biggest change is my relationships, of all kinds, including with myself. How I speak, give space to, be in silence with, and ask questions has allowed all my relationships to blossom and deepen.
What do you wish people knew about Coaching: I wish they knew how self-empowering and possibility-oriented it was. How much of a partnership a coaching relationship can be, and that the CLIENT is the expert in their own life.

Donna Paulson
Learner Support Specialist, Erickson Global
What is your own personal definition of Coaching: A person who helps others celebrate their careers and assists with personal challenges.

Guy Woods
Erickson Coach, Facilitator and Alumni & Community Lead, PCC
What is your own personal definition of Coaching: Coaching, at its core, is having conversations that make a difference - either with yourself or others.
What do you wish people knew about Coaching: Coaching is not new age stuff. It offers practical ways to define, know, and get what you want.
Any tips for those who are new to Coaching: Open your mind and learn how to have better conversations- with anyone!

Alexandra Vinagre
Erickson Enrolment Advisor and Coach, ECPC and ACC
How did you first hear about Coaching: I was a coaching client.
What is your own personal definition of Coaching: Supporting people to embrace their responsibility to create their own path, with meaning and courage, with heart and love by knowing and creating their inner compass to ride this life journey.
What do you wish people knew about Coaching: That is the best investment ever in your self-development.
Any tips for those who are new to Coaching: Learn and Practice, enjoy the process and create your own fingerprint.