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 Lane Kennedy. Lane is a Meditation and Mindfulness Coach based in San Francisco, California.
NCA: Can you describe your coaching practice and the kinds of clients you typically work with?
Lane: I work with a variety of clients and I teach them about finding more space in their life — especially with my corporate clients. They’re so overwhelmed with work that it’s like, “How do you relax?” A lot of my coaching is around becoming more mindful and de-stressing, eating properly, taking breaks — everything that we think is basic but for some reason we have lost touch with.
NCA: What initially got you interested in becoming a coach and what were some of the motivating factors behind that decision for you?
Lane: I think I was already coaching without knowing it. Everybody was already coming to me and someone finally said, “Why don’t you just become a coach? Why aren’t you coaching and earning a living by doing this?”At first I had no idea at the time that this was a viable way to make a living. From that point it was just a natural progression.
NCA: In working with your clients, what would you say is the most rewarding part of that process and on the flip side of that, what is the most challenging aspect of the work that you do?
Lane: People don’t want to change unless they’re really pushed to change. Some people come to me in total overwhelm but they’re not willing to take the steps. That can be really frustrating. If after two or three sessions they haven’t changed or moved the needle in our coaching, I’ll say, “Why don’t you come back to me in six months?”, or “Why don’t you come back when you’re ready?”
The rewarding part of coaching is seeing people change drastically, especially with the coaching that I do. People’s whole lives change. It’s very rewarding and very rich to see somebody come to me who is completely broken and then suddenly they are a completely different worker, dad, mom, employee who has vibrancy and focus and their brain turns back on. That’s really incredible. It’s just amazing.
This idea of slowing down really changed my whole approach to how I’m interacting with my clients and how much more fulfilling it started to become by just slowing down. Slowing down the process. Not being in a rush to get those results immediately because I know the results will come if the person is willing to do the work.
NCA: Can you think of a mentor or a coach in your own career who was the most vital to your success and in what ways did this mentor help you thrive in your career?
Lane: My mentor didn’t know that they were being my mentor. I admired how they were in the world and they showed me how to take a slower approach. I always wanted to rush through my clients, but there’s no need to rush. I always thought if I can get somebody to heal or if I can get somebody to transform in less time, I’m doing a better job.
There is no “better job” in coaching. It’s about making sure that you are helping somebody transform or come away from all of the obstacles or challenges that they’re facing.
This idea of slowing down really changed my whole approach to how I’m interacting with my clients and how much more fulfilling it started to become by just slowing down. Slowing down the process. Not being in a rush to get those results immediately because I know the results will come if the person is willing to do the work.
NCA: One of the most common challenges new coaches face is self-doubt. Some coaches call it Imposter Syndrome, where early on they feel somehow inadequate to take on the role of coach. What is one piece of advice that you would give to somebody who is in the beginning stage of their coaching career and dealing with these doubts in their mind?
Lane: Everyone suffers from Imposter Syndrome. It’s a state of being. It’s a natural fit for the brain. It’s important just to get quiet with themselves every day and do some type of meditation to really believe in themselves. To start to change the neural pathways to understand that what they bring to the table is totally unique. Someone is going to hear what they have to say and it’s going to change that person’s life.
There’s no mistake in the clients that come to each person. It’s meant to be. There are enough people in the world. There are enough coaches in the world. Everybody has a tribe of people that they’re going to help. It’s about instilling this faith that your message is valuable. Your experience is inspiring. Just showing up and being present with someone is going to help them no matter what.
