Executive Coach being asked the questions!
Halina was interviewed by the Bristol Post (part of Reach plc) who asked these questions for an article
What inspired you to set up your business?
After a fascinating portfolio career in education [teacher/ team leader/adviser], media [senior sales executive], retail [HR] it was time, having completed a high-level Executive Coach training to take that risky step into self-employment, walk my talk, do something I love and am very good at.
Now I work as an Executive Coach in my own business; an associate in other coaching businesses UK and internationally; Strategic Consultant for Smart Coaching Training Ltd. Professional qualifications and standards are very important to me hence my full membership of the International Coach Federation with whom I am a Professionally Certified Coach with 2500 pure coaching hours.
Having co-ordinated BWB – Bristol Women in Business – a very niche network for corporate women and women in large businesses in Bristol for 4 ½ years which ‘closed its doors’ in 2018 as the time was right to do so. An ideas person, solution orientated I plan to reinvent BWB as Boosting Women in Business open for business women internationally.
Invited to be part of TEDxBristol’s partnership team in 2017 from 2018 headed up that team to create the funding for a hugely successful 2019 event. I sing with Gasworks Choir. Proof-read and edit for an international food and wine organisation. On my list is a Phd looking at women and their relationship with money … fascinating.
What does your role involve on a day-to-day basis?
An eclectic mix, a kaleidoscope of exciting projects, what I choose in fact. So could be working on a tender, a presentation, an article, a workshop, a talk; client sessions 1-2-1, as a group, at a conference; strategy development, meetings, research, travelling to coaching commitments; paperwork; making, developing and maintaining connections and probably much more. The brilliance is that I can plan what I do, when and how much. My time planner works for me not the other way round!
What’s your proudest moment been?
Being nominated for a National Diversity Award in Positive Role Model Category in 2017. Hugely humbled, delighted and amazed at the inspirational gold dust those who supported my nomination wrote about me.
Hearing in April this year that one of my very first clients has just bought the UK / European division of the international recruitment company of which she was Global Managing Director – what a result! Now CEO. Especially as she declares, without our coaching partnership, she wouldn’t have achieved what she has. Another client secured her dream job – very hush hush international forensic scientist. Remarkable results.
What’s the biggest change in business you’ve seen in your career?
More demanded for less remuneration; accountability, tracking what has actually happened and how that matches with what the aims and goals were. All going in the right direction as the coaching profession moves to regulation.
What motivates you to keep going?
Excitement, variety, fabulous clients, challenge, pushing boundaries, showcasing talent especially women in leadership, joy, choosing a positive mindset without question, witnessing extraordinary development that clients achieve. Once what I do ceases to bring me joy, I stop and discover something that does.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs about succeeding in business?
Only do what you love and gives you joy; be alert to when the ‘sell by’ date happens; enjoy the challenges and obstacles from a mindset of positiveness always discovering where the learning is and how you can use it to move forward. You might think there is a gap in the market however check whether there is a market in the gap. Finally, simply get over yourself!
When do you plan to retire?
Interesting question especially as the word retire is not one that is known to me.