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 Jenifer Novak Landers. Jenifer is a Professional Certified Coach and published author based in Folsom, California.
NCA: Can you describe your coaching practice and the kinds of clients you typically work with?
Jenifer: I work primarily one on one with my clients via phone, video conferencing or in my office which is in a lovely and professional location in my city. I also lead workshops and group coaching events. My clients are typically entrepreneurs and professionals. I work a lot with creativity and helping my clients overcome challenges using creative approaches. Most of my clients are “high achievers” who are looking for support to expand into their next level or want to stay on track as they are growing. I absolutely love coaching my clients!
NCA: What initially got you interested in this career path and what kind of degree or certifications did you need to complete, if any?
Jenifer: I wanted to go into counseling or therapy because I recognize my natural ability to inspire people and connect on a deeper emotional level with them. I attended a workshop on personal growth and they talked about the coaching industry and I was immediately sold on the career path! I was personally very inspired by the work of the late Debbie Ford and knew that becoming a coach would be perfect for me. I attended an 18 month certification program offered through JFK University in California and launched my business upon completing the program.
Give yourself permission to bring your OWN unique set of talents into your business and let them fully shine. The skills of coaching can be mastered over time, but the confidence to BE WHO YOU TRULY ARE is what will attract clients in abundance.
NCA: What is the most rewarding part of your career?
Jenifer: Absolutely the partnership of supporting my clients into positive results in their lives. The experience of someone’s breakthrough absolutely fills my heart. On a business level, I love the reward of being in charge of my own schedule and income potential. It’s fulfilling to create what I want in my own life by having a flexible and lucrative career.
NCA: What is the most challenging aspect of the work that you do?
Jenifer: Balancing my energy between marketing my business and coaching my clients. It’s tricky to find the right mix of spending time and resources promoting myself while feeling secure and successful in the growth of my business. Although with most things in life, the challenges truly are our greatest opportunities! Marketing and selling life coaching can also be deeply rewarding and I love knowing I am always improving and open to celebrating the next success every time.
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?
Jenifer: Another coach who was in my same certification program reached out to me after one of our group calls and we decided to partner on supporting each other. I think we were attracted to each other’s attitude and approach to our coaching career. It’s turned out to be a 10+ year relationship that I would describe as MUTUAL mentoring, collaboration, accountability and deep support for growing each of our businesses and always improving as a coach.
NCA: Finally, what advice would you give someone looking to get started in the career path that you chose?
Jenifer: I have several clients who are new coaches or want to become a coach and I always share my favorite nugget of wisdom, “Just Be Yourself”. And then we coach around any fears or resistance that come through that nugget. Or, we coach around how that choice empowers you as a coach. The true advice is to give yourself permission to bring your OWN unique set of talents into your business and let them fully shine. The skills of coaching can be mastered over time, but the confidence to BE WHO YOU TRULY ARE is what will attract clients in abundance, and most importantly, the type of clients you are meant to serve.
