Coaching 101: What It Is, How It Helps, and Who It’s For

What is Coaching, Really? And Why You Might Want to Try It

Have you ever felt like you’re spinning your wheels—busy, overwhelmed, yet no closer to where you want to be? That’s where a coach can help.

Coaching is a collaborative, future-focused process that helps you move from where you are to where you want to be. Think of a coach as a partner: someone who asks powerful questions, listens deeply, and helps you uncover clarity and direction.

Unlike therapy, which often focuses on recovery from past experiences, or consulting, where someone gives you advice, coaching is about creating the future you want to live in. A coach doesn’t tell you what to do, but they can equip you to see possibilities, make more confident decisions, and take action toward your dreams.

At its core, coaching is about helping you thrive, whether that means finding balance, achieving a big goal, or building confidence.

If you’ve ever wondered, “What’s next for me?” coaching might be the answer.

How Does Coaching Actually Work? A Behind-the-Scenes Look

If you’ve never experienced coaching before, you might wonder: What exactly happens during a coaching session?

Here’s how it works:

• You set the agenda. Every coaching session starts with you—your goals, challenges, or decisions.
• You dig deep. Through thought-provoking questions, your coach helps you explore what’s really holding you back or where you want to go.
• You create a plan. Together, you define actionable steps to move forward, leaving you with clarity and momentum.
  For example: say you’re feeling stuck in your career.

Through conversations with your coach, you might uncover that fear is holding you back from asking for your next big stretch assignment. Or maybe you discover you are feeling impostor syndrome, and that playing smaller feels less risky. In partnership with your coach, you discover more about yourself, take small actions to build confidence, and gather tools to shift your mindset, practice new skills, and create a plan for your next career move. 

Coaching isn’t about one-time advice—it’s about ongoing discovery, action, and growth. Whether it’s weekly, biweekly, or monthly, each session builds on the last, helping you take control of your future. 

Who is Coaching For? (Spoiler: It’s Probably You)

People often think coaching is only for executives or people in crisis, but the truth is, coaching can benefit anyone who wants to grow.

• Feeling stuck? Coaching helps you gain clarity and momentum.
• Managing burnout? Coaching helps you build resilience and balance.
• Navigating change? Coaching gives you tools to move through transitions with confidence.

Whether you’re a leader looking to level up, someone figuring out their next career move, or a professional striving to overcome burnout, coaching meets you where you are. You don’t need to have everything figured out to start coaching. 

In fact, the most powerful first step you can take is to admit, “I’m ready to explore what’s next.” 

I stumbled into coaching almost by accident. I was interviewing for a job at a company that connects coaches to people seeking their services, and I signed up for a free discovery session. They connected me with a coach who blew me away at our first meeting: I came away with more clarity about what I was looking for in my job search, as well as bigger questions about my career trajectory. I worked with her through my first six months of my new gig, where I was suffering from some serious impostor syndrome. Coaching made a profound impact on my life and changed the trajectory of my career!

How to Find the Right Coach: 3 Steps to Get Started

Choosing a coach is a personal decision, but here are three tips to help you find the right fit:

• Look for credentials and experience. Trained coaches have the skills and frameworks to support your growth effectively.
• Ask about their coaching style. Some coaches are more action-oriented; others focus on deep reflection. Find a style that resonates with you.
• Schedule an intro call. Most coaches offer free consultations to help you decide if they’re the right partner for you. Use this time to ask questions and get a feel for their approach.

The right coach will challenge you while supporting you, helping you uncover possibilities you didn’t know existed. 

If you’re curious about coaching, start with one small step: book a call, ask your questions, and see where it takes you. Sometimes, that first conversation can spark the momentum you’ve been looking for. 

If you are ready to explore this topic further, check out our 8-week program designed to help you build confidence, develop strategies, and embrace your success!