Why I didn't tell people I had started coaching

When I started my coaching business, 2 years ago, for a long time I resisted telling people I had started coaching. I wanted to be fully confident in my expertise, I wanted my website to be up, my cards to be printed, my business copy and emails all drafted before I told people i had a business. I wasted so much time doing that. And today im going to be vulnerable and share what was really stopping me...

I was scared of what people would think, what my corporate connections would think of me if I started my own business without all the trappings in place, after a great stint at Godrej and 7 years maternity leave later with intermittent projects. I was scared i would be judged and it would be perceived as a step down from the High that i left my corporate role at. I know now that those were all my insecurities playing out. I was so scared of being judged, it clouded my ability to see things as they really were.

Luckily I didnt let that stop me from making a small noise about it. Thanks to some goodwill and authentic connections i had made, I had people reaching out to me, those who knew me and trusted me, probably a little more than i trusted myself then.

And as I started coaching more people i realised I had grown exponentially over the years in my knowledge, in my emotional quotient, in my leadership quotient. I was able to help my clients, many who used to be senior to me, with ease and expertise, in the flow, without any hiccups. 

Then I realised growth doesnt occur only in a full- time corproate role. Growth doesnt only mean a promotion. Was so conditioned to think like that!

In fact stepping out from a particular role opens up our world to innumerable possibilities. Without wearing the title of 'a particular role', you open yourself up to vast learning, i.e. if you are a learner. Ask any entrepreneur who has left a corporate job, when their learning curve has been highest ? :) :) 

Even being a coach, I ensure I always invest in a coach for me, as I cant see my own blind spots as clearly as I can see my clients' blocks. Have to keep the growth momentum!

#raw #ignitethespark #leadershipcoach #growth #gendergap #growthmindset