Frequently asked questions
Career change during Coronavirus / Covid-19
Can I still change career during the Coronavirus pandemic, and all the economic uncertainties?
Yes.
There will be challenges, but every time period has its difficulties. One of the many impacts of the pandemic and lockdown has been that lots of people are thinking about their priorities and considering changing career. But a successful career change isn’t done overnight.
When you think that the average career change takes 2 years (based on a range of 3 months to 7 years), it becomes clear that if you’re going to get this right you need to (a) start the process now and (b) do it right.
I would advise against going it alone. Please find somebody to help, whether that’s me or another qualified professional. Somebody to help you navigate the risks.
What precautions have you put in place?
I work online and remotely, so there is no change to how I offer my services during lockdown and social distancing.
Money
What are your fees?
I don’t advertised fixed fees. Firstly, my service is tailored to you. Secondly, coaching is an investment in your future, so a decision based mainly on cost is unlikely to lead to a good result.
My rates are competitive, and I offer a combination of features you won’t find elsewhere. There are no hidden costs. I will be clear and upfront about my fee during our consultation.
Is it worth it?
In my view my services offer terrific value. Of course, I would say that – but we regularly spend much more on things that won’t change our lives, so in comparison, this could be the best investment you ever make.
How do I pay?
I usually take full payment in advance, by card or bank transfer. But if you absolutely can’t make a single payment, we can agree a payment plan.
Whether you opt to pay in full or as a plan, rest assured that we’ll sort out all question of money before we start working together, so that it doesn’t interfere with our coaching.
Trust
Is this confidential?
Yes. Your privacy and confidentiality are of the highest importance.
Our sessions are conducted using password-protected Zoom or Lifesize meetings. Other contact, including file sharing, takes place either inside your online coaching workspace (also password-protected) or using a dedicated encrypted service.
Will you keep trying to sell me stuff?
I do not hard-sell. The initial consultation is an opportunity for us to decide if we’re a good match, and for me to lay out clearly my fees and proposed service. If you decide not to go ahead, then that’s the right decision for both of us.
I offer special prices to existing clients (e.g. for additional sessions). If you subscribe to my emails (which are always opt-in only) you will receive only what you signed up for. You are in control of your content, contact and privacy at all times.
How do I know you're any good?
Our consultation is designed for both of us to decide if we want to work together – please use this opportunity to ask any questions you have.
I have completed rigorous, dual-accredited training programmes and am bound by the code of practice and ethical structures of two international coaching bodies. Oh, and my clients are happy customers.
What do you do with my information?
Privacy is hugely important to me and I take great care with your information and data. I am absolutely not in the business of passing on your details to any other party unless I must. For full details see the following:
Disclaimer
For other policies and statements including international, please see my legal page.
I’m hesitating
Is coaching for me?
If you want to make real positive changes to your life, and you’re open-minded and willing to commit your time, energy and money to making it happen, the answer is – probably.
Firstly, coaching isn’t easy. You will be challenged, and you’ll most likely be encouraged to talk about subjects that you find difficult. I’ll also encourage you to take action as well as talk – if you don’t walk the walk, you’ll limit your potential for change.
Secondly, coaching is not therapy or counselling – that’s not what I do and I’m not qualified to do it – so if you’re particularly struggling with your mental health, I’d advise you to consult a qualified mental health professional first.
On the other hand, if you’re already having some therapy or counselling, that doesn’t mean you can’t also have coaching. I believe the two can sit alongside each other very successfully, provided everyone involved agrees.
How to be sure? Schedule a consultation and we’ll go over everything.
What if this doesn't work?
Our consultation is designed to ensure that we’re a good fit and that coaching is likely to bring you value.
If I don’t think coaching is right for you just yet, I simply will not take your money. Equally, if I think I’m not the right coach for you (for any reason) I’ll be clear about it, and may recommend somebody else.
Will you shout at me?
No. And I’d encourage you to avoid any ‘coach’ who does. If you want a military boot camp, then by all means go and find one. I hope you enjoy it (and I hope it hurts just a little).
Is coaching uncomfortable?
My approach is gentle and patient. But make no mistake: you’ll be encouraged to step out of your comfort zone, and you’ll talk about personal stuff that’s challenging.
If you’re simply unwilling to try this, then it may be coaching isn’t for you just yet. But courage is the key to real progress. I offer you the time, space, and safety to push your boundaries.
Practicalities
What happens during the free consultation?
The purpose of the consultation is for us both to make a decision, at the end, if we’re going to work together.
For that reason, and to avoid any delays, please make sure you’re in a position to make that decision during the call.
Your consultation is an opportunity for you to ask me anything at all, and put your mind to rest about any concerns or reservations.
If we both feel we’d like to work together, I’ll outline the next steps and we’ll agree a start date – which could be immediately, if that’s right for you.
Just book your consultation slot below, then relax – you don’t need to do anything else. I’ll call you by phone using the number you enter during the booking process. Please allow around an hour for the call. It could be less, but we need to make sure we allow enough time to do it right.
How do we get started?
We’ll have a consultation of up to an hour or so, during which I’ll do a lot of listening and probing, and then explain whether I think I can help. If so, I’ll propose a tailored plan and tell you what your investment will be to achieve your transformation.
If you decide to go ahead, I’ll take payment at this point, or we’ll agree a payment plan. I’ll send you an agreement to sign digitally.
Then, depending on what we’ve agreed, I’ll get you up and running with your online coaching workspace and any starter exercises, and we’ll schedule our first full session.
Then the real work begins!
What happens during a coaching session?
We talk. A lot.
Coaching is a collaborative, non-directive conversation. I give you my complete attention, and a safe environment to open up. I gently question and challenge you, and encourage to you take action in a way that’s right for you. We might do exercises, or talk about work you’ve completed since our last conversation. And of course, we’ll talk about what comes next.
Sessions are usually 60 minutes long, and held on Zoom (using a password-protected meeting, to ensure our session is secure). Using Zoom, we have the option of accessing your online coaching workspace or using the digital whiteboard.
More questions?
Frequently asked questions
Covid-19 / Coronavirus
Can I still change career during the Coronavirus pandemic, and all the economic uncertainties?
Yes.
There will be challenges, but every time period has its difficulties. One of the many impacts of the pandemic and lockdown has been that lots of people are thinking about their priorities and considering changing career. But a successful career change isn’t done overnight.
When you think that the average career change takes 2 years (based on a range of 3 months to 7 years), it becomes clear that if you’re going to get this right you need to (a) start the process now and (b) do it right.
I would advise against going it alone. Please find somebody to help, whether that’s me or another qualified professional. Somebody to help you navigate the risks.
What precautions have you put in place?
I work online and remotely, so there is no change to how I offer my services during lockdown and social distancing.
Money
What are your fees?
I don’t advertised fixed fees. Firstly, my service is tailored to you. Secondly, coaching is an investment in your future, so a decision based mainly on cost is unlikely to lead to a good result.
My rates are competitive, and I offer a combination of features you won’t find elsewhere. There are no hidden costs. I will be clear and upfront about my fee during our consultation.
Is it worth it?
In my view my services offer terrific value. Of course, I would say that – but we regularly spend much more on things that won’t change our lives, so in comparison, this could be the best investment you ever make.
How do I pay?
I usually take full payment in advance, by card or bank transfer. But if you absolutely can’t make a single payment, we can agree a payment plan.
Whether you opt to pay in full or as a plan, rest assured that we’ll sort out all question of money before we start working together, so that it doesn’t interfere with our coaching.
Trust
Is this confidential?
Yes. Your privacy and confidentiality are of the highest importance.
Our sessions are conducted using password-protected Zoom or Lifesize meetings. Other contact, including file sharing, takes place either inside your online coaching workspace (also password-protected) or using a dedicated encrypted service.
Will you keep trying to sell me stuff?
I do not hard-sell. The initial consultation is an opportunity for us to decide if we’re a good match, and for me to lay out clearly my fees and proposed service. If you decide not to go ahead, then that’s the right decision for both of us.
I offer special prices to existing clients (e.g. for additional sessions). If you subscribe to my emails (which are always opt-in only) you will receive only what you signed up for. You are in control of your content, contact and privacy at all times.
How do I know you're any good?
Our consultation is designed for both of us to decide if we want to work together – please use this opportunity to ask any questions you have.
I have completed rigorous, dual-accredited training programmes and am bound by the code of practice and ethical structures of two international coaching bodies. Oh, and my clients are happy customers.
What do you do with my information?
Privacy is hugely important to me and I take great care with your information and data. I am absolutely not in the business of passing on your details to any other party unless I must. For full details see the following:
Disclaimer
For other policies and statements including international, please see my legal page.
I’m hesitating
Is coaching for me?
If you want to make real positive changes to your life, and you’re open-minded and willing to commit your time, energy and money to making it happen, the answer is – probably.
Firstly, coaching isn’t easy. You will be challenged, and you’ll most likely be encouraged to talk about subjects that you find difficult. I’ll also encourage you to take action as well as talk – if you don’t walk the walk, you’ll limit your potential for change.
Secondly, coaching is not therapy or counselling – that’s not what I do and I’m not qualified to do it – so if you’re particularly struggling with your mental health, I’d advise you to consult a qualified mental health professional first.
On the other hand, if you’re already having some therapy or counselling, that doesn’t mean you can’t also have coaching. I believe the two can sit alongside each other very successfully, provided everyone involved agrees.
How to be sure? Schedule a consultation and we’ll go over everything.
What if this doesn't work?
Our consultation is designed to ensure that we’re a good fit and that coaching is likely to bring you value.
If I don’t think coaching is right for you just yet, I simply will not take your money. Equally, if I think I’m not the right coach for you (for any reason) I’ll be clear about it, and may recommend somebody else.
Will you shout at me?
No. And I’d encourage you to avoid any ‘coach’ who does. If you want a military boot camp, then by all means go and find one. I hope you enjoy it (and I hope it hurts just a little).
Is coaching uncomfortable?
My approach is gentle and patient. But make no mistake: you’ll be encouraged to step out of your comfort zone, and you’ll talk about personal stuff that’s challenging.
If you’re simply unwilling to try this, then it may be coaching isn’t for you just yet. But courage is the key to real progress. I offer you the time, space, and safety to push your boundaries.
Practicalities
What happens during the free consultation?
The purpose of the consultation is for us both to make a decision, at the end, if we’re going to work together.
For that reason, and to avoid any delays, please make sure you’re in a position to make that decision during the call.
Your consultation is an opportunity for you to ask me anything at all, and put your mind to rest about any concerns or reservations.
If we both feel we’d like to work together, I’ll propose the best way forward and we’ll agree a start date – which could be immediately, if that’s right for you.
Just book your consultation slot below, then relax – you don’t need to do anything else. I’ll call you by phone using the number you enter during the booking process. Please allow around an hour for the call. It could be less, but we need to make sure we allow enough time to do it right.
How do we get started?
We’ll have a consultation of up to an hour or so, during which I’ll do a lot of listening and probing, and then explain whether I think I can help. If so, I’ll propose a tailored plan and clearly lay out my fees.
If you decide to go ahead, I’ll take payment at this point, or we’ll agree a payment plan. I’ll send you an agreement to sign digitally.
Then, depending on what we’ve agreed, I’ll get you up and running with your online coaching workspace and any starter exercises, and we’ll schedule our first full session.
Then the real work begins!
What happens during a coaching session?
We talk. A lot.
Coaching is a collaborative, non-directive conversation. I give you my complete attention, and a safe environment to open up. I gently question and challenge you, and encourage to you take action in a way that’s right for you. We might do exercises, or talk about work you’ve completed since our last conversation. And of course, we’ll talk about what comes next.
Sessions are usually 60 minutes long, and held on Zoom (using a password-protected meeting, to ensure our session is secure). Using Zoom, we have the option of accessing your online coaching workspace or using the digital whiteboard.
What happens between sessions?
It depends. I always encourage some kind of action, but not just for the sake of it. If you’ve opted to have your own online workspace, work can continue there. Actions between sessions can be as little as reflecting on our conversation, but if you want, they can be hugely involved – from detailed worksheets to real-world impact. It’s up to you.