Our main objective here at the National Coach Academy is to enable aspiring coaches to reach their full professional potential. One of the most effective ways to educate students about the world of coaching is by offering them a window into the world of real, practicing coaches and showing them all the different ways coaches make a difference in the lives of their clients.
We hope today’s interview adds another insightful glimpse into the dynamic world of coaching.
Today we are interviewing José Luis Arriaga. José is the founder and CEO of Power Coaching International.
NCA: Can you describe your coaching practice and the kinds of clients you typically work with?
José PCI is totally dedicated to corporate clients, big and small; we help executives in all the corporate ladder levels, individuals as well as groups (a group starts with 2).
NCA: What initially got you interested in this career path and what kind of degree or certifications did you need to complete, if any?
José Well, personally, I, as founder and current CEO, needed a career change; a new challenge and a new start. True, I had many years of experience as a professional company teacher/facilitator (I used to have a company that trained other companies’ employees in the use and mastery of languages -English, Spanish, German and Portuguese- in the work environment), but coaching is an absolutely different thing. Required certifications, in my personal case, included ICF’s PCC, as well as a degree in NLP (neuro linguistic programming).
Do not do this if you do not really love people; if you do not actually have a passion for helping others achieve their goals/overcome their barriers/or change the way they view life in general.
NCA: What is the most rewarding part of your career?
José That’s easy: The change/transformation you help your clients make, not only in their work-related activities and duties, but in their lives as a whole too.
NCA: Can you think of mentor who was most vital to your success as a coach? In what ways did this mentor help you to thrive in your career?
José This is hard, since you learn from everyone at the different stages of your development, but if I had to single out a person or group of people for this purpose I would have to say all of my clients (as one).
NCA: Finally, what advice would you give someone looking to get started in the career path that you chose?
José Definitely, to NOT do this if you do not really love people; if you do not actually have a passion for helping others achieve their goals/overcome their barriers/or change the way they view life in general. And, of course, to prepare as much and as deep as possible.
