Interview with a Coach: The Journey of Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today. To start, could you tell us how you initially moved into the coaching field?

Kim: I’d be happy to. My transition into coaching happened quite naturally. After years of being an executive leader, I found myself deeply passionate about coaching and developing those around me. I realized that supporting people’s growth and helping them achieve their full potential was what truly fulfilled me. While I had the opportunity to lead large teams, the part of the role I loved most was the chance to empower others to succeed. Eventually, it became clear that coaching was not only something I enjoyed but something I wanted to devote my career to.

Interviewer: What was the main stimulus that led you to fully commit to becoming a coach?

Kim: I think it was the feeling of seeing people transform and thrive. Watching someone gain confidence, make decisions with more clarity, and see their personal growth over time—it’s so inspiring. That kind of growth isn’t something you can always quantify, but when someone reaches a breakthrough or finally accomplishes a long-held goal, you know you’ve made a difference. Coaching gave me the chance to become a catalyst for that growth. Seeing the impact firsthand was all the stimulus I needed.

Interviewer: What excites you most about coaching?

Kim: For me, it’s the opportunity to help people slow down, reflect, and discover their own answers. In today’s fast-paced world, people rarely get the time to think deeply about their goals and aspirations. They often already have a lot of the answers within them; they just need someone to listen, guide, and sometimes challenge them to look at things differently. I get to be that person who encourages them to take a step back and really think, which can be transformative. It’s truly rewarding to witness those “aha” moments that lead them to their next steps.

Interviewer: How would you describe your particular style of coaching?

Kim: I’m very down-to-earth and kind in my approach. I believe in creating a safe, open space where my clients feel comfortable sharing their aspirations, fears, and uncertainties. My role isn’t to judge or have the answers but to support them as they navigate their journey. I approach coaching with empathy, patience, and a genuine desire to see others succeed. While I provide structure and guidance, I don’t impose a rigid approach. Instead, I adapt to each person’s needs, ensuring our work together is both productive and personalized to them.

Interviewer: Who do you most enjoy working with?

Kim: I’m particularly drawn to working with women entrepreneurs. Many of them are at a pivotal point in their lives, either growing their businesses or exploring ways to achieve personal growth. These women are often incredibly passionate and have strong visions but may lack the clarity, time or tools to reach the next level. Helping them bring structure to their ideas, set goals, and ultimately achieve them is something I’m deeply committed to.

Interviewer: What value do you believe coaching brings to people’s lives?

Kim: Coaching offers the invaluable resource of time dedicated purely to reflection and growth. We live in a world where we’re constantly on the go, and it’s rare to pause and talk things through with someone who is solely there to listen, understand, and guide. That dedicated time allows people to articulate their thoughts, identify their goals, and feel supported in achieving them. I think many of us underestimate how powerful it is to have someone who believes in you and helps you find clarity amidst the whirlwind of life.

Interviewer: What is your coaching philosophy?

Kim: My philosophy is rooted in the concept of servant leadership. Coaching, to me, is about giving back and supporting those who are eager to grow. I’m there to serve my clients, to offer them the benefit of my experience, and to encourage them as they find their way. Coaching isn’t about giving people all the answers; it’s about empowering them to discover the answers for themselves. When clients are motivated to grow, my role is to help them remove obstacles and build confidence in their path forward.

Interviewer: Can you share an example of a coaching experience that had a meaningful impact?

Kim: Absolutely. One that stands out is when I worked with a doctorate student who was wrestling with the decision to pursue a PhD. He had the passion but was unsure about the commitment it required. Through our sessions, we explored his motivations, discussed his concerns, and outlined the pros and cons in a way that felt manageable to him. Ultimately, he decided to go for it. Today, he’s on the path toward achieving his PhD, and seeing his excitement and determination has been incredibly rewarding. Knowing I played a part in helping him clarify and commit to his goal is something I cherish.

Interviewer: Could you tell us about a particular success story with a client?

Kim: I’m currently working with a talented designer who had not created a business strategy. She was passionate about her work but was consumed by day-to-day operations and decisions. Together, we developed a clear, actionable plan for her business year, prioritizing her goals and breaking them down into manageable steps. Now, she frequently tells me how much more focused and confident she feels in making business decisions. Watching her transform to being empowered and strategic has been a highlight of my coaching career.

Interviewer: What’s next for you in your coaching journey?

Kim: Right now, I’m focused on launching my company, Impactful Strategies Group. My goal is to work with women entrepreneurs and provide them with the resources and guidance they need to achieve both personal and business growth. It’s an exciting new chapter, and I’m actively seeking clients who are ready to invest in themselves and their dreams. Building this company feels like the culmination of my years of experience, and I’m eager to see where it leads.

Interviewer: What do you think is unique about your coaching approach?

Kim: I start each coaching journey with a simple yet powerful question: “What do you want to be celebrating one year from now?” This question helps clients envision their future success and serves as a compass for our work together. From there, we create a “clarity compass”—a framework that gives them direction, focus, and purpose. This approach empowers clients to set meaningful goals and provides a clear path for achieving them. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them go from feeling lost to having a tangible sense of where they want to go.

Interviewer: Lastly, how did you come to the realization that this is what you wanted to do with your career?

Kim: After years of executive experience, I realized that returning to a large corporate role wasn’t where my heart was. I wanted to build a business that had purpose and allowed me to connect with others in a meaningful way. Coaching gave me that purpose. I could use my experience to help others reach their potential, which felt like a way to contribute positively. In the end, it was about creating a career that aligned with my values and allowed me to make an impact.