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 Laura Fernie. Laura is an iPEC-certified Life Coach specializing in personal development, creating work/life balance and building on client’s strengths. She is based in Hawaii.
NCA: Can you describe your coaching practice and the kinds of clients you typically work with?
Laura: I work with clients who are working on finding balance between their profession and their personal lives. I have worked with both men and women. In my practice I like to focus in on the strengths and values of my client first. Then we take a look at their current life circumstances and where they feel out of balance. As we create small consistent action steps towards more balance in those areas we align our efforts with the clients strengths and values.
NCA: What initially got you interested in this career path and what kind of degree or certifications did you need to complete, if any?
Laura: I was previously working in the areas of management, new employee training, and HR. I found that when I worked with my employees I wanted to know and understand them so I could help them find their way to success. When I realized that was what I was really passionate about, I decided to move towards a career where that would be my main focus. I went through an ICF accredited program to get my Professional coach certification.
NCA: What is the most rewarding part of your career and on the flip side, what is the most challenging aspect of the work that you do?
Laura: The most rewarding part of my career is when I am working with a client and we find a pain point – a thought or behavior that is not serving them. When we find this pain point and choose a different thought or action that brings them relief and new perspective, that is the most exciting thing to see that shift for the client.
I have found that the most challenging part for me in having a coaching practice is marketing myself and my business.
You are what sets your coaching practice apart. Let your unique personality and strengths shine as you form this new career path and seek to connect to the clients you can help most.
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?
Laura: The coaching program I went through surrounded me with a wonderful network of people that have encouraged me all along my journey. Whether it was offering help with a challenge, encouraging words, or giving me practice in the skills I was developing, they were a huge part of my development as a coach. Also, my husband has been extremely supportive. He has pushed me when I have felt the growing pains of a new career, encouraged my efforts, and offered genuine interest into all of the processes I have gone through to learn and grow through this.
NCA: Finally, what advice would you give someone looking to get started in the career path that you chose?
Laura: You are what sets your coaching practice apart. Let your unique personality and strengths shine as you form this new career path and seek to connect to the clients you can help most. PS- Don’t give up! You can make a difference in people’s lives!
