Coaching is about taking center stage and owning your power.

Cracking the Coaching Code

Remember those job descriptions – "supporting and coaching executives"? I was intrigued. But then came the catch: "Must have executive experience" (talk about a classic catch-22). Determined to understand the coaching magic, I set out on my own coaching quest.

Lily: My Accidental Coaching Guru

First up, my amazing friend Lily, my accidental coaching guru. She may not have had any fancy certifications, but she had a knack for asking powerful questions, challenging my assumptions, and helping me see things from a fresh perspective. Lily showed me that coaching wasn't about someone telling you what to do; it was about guiding you to discover your own answers.

The Online Coaching Jungle: Separating the Wheat from the Chaff

Then came the internet explosion, with its endless supply of self-proclaimed coaching gurus, masterclasses, and webinars. Honey, I tried them all! Some were truly insightful, offering valuable tools and techniques. Others? Not so much (let's just say they weren't exactly giving Oprah a run for her money). Navigating the online coaching world can feel like venturing into a jungle – you need a good machete to hack through the hype and find the real gems.

Coaching wasn't about someone telling you what to do; it was about guiding you to discover your own answers.

Virginie: My Coaching Soulmate and the 360-Degree Transformation

After a bit of a career plot twist (a.k.a. getting laid off), I was offered a career coaching plan as part of my severance package. Enter Virginie, my coaching soulmate. She wasn't just a coach; she was a navigator, guiding me through the uncharted waters of my own potential.

Virginie introduced me to the power of 360-degree feedback. Imagine looking in a mirror, but instead of just one reflection, you see yourself from every angle – how you see yourself, how your colleagues see you, how your manager sees you. It was intense, illuminating, and sometimes a little humbling.

But Virginie didn't stop there. She also guided me through the Success Insights personality assessment, which unearthed my DISC profile – a dynamic blend of "Influence" and "Dominance" with a touch of "Steadiness". It was like discovering my inner Dora Milaji, a powerhouse with a collaborative spirit.

Virginie helped me connect the dots, understand my strengths and areas for growth, and leverage those insights to step confidently into my new senior role. And let me tell you, sisters, that experience was transformative. It wasn't just about landing a new job; it was about understanding myself on a deeper level and stepping into my power.

It's like having a personal trainer for your life, helping you reach your full potential and unleash your inner queen.

Are you ready to Unleash Your Inner Boss?

So, my dear sisters, if you're feeling lost, stuck, or just need a little boost, I highly recommend giving coaching a try. It's like having a personal trainer for your life, helping you reach your full potential and unleash your inner queen (and if coaching isn't in the cards right now, gather your trusted circle and ask for some honest feedback. We all need a hype squad!).

But hey, why stop there? Here at IMAKHOU, we're all about supporting you on your journey. Join our community, connect with other incredible women, and explore the resources we offer to help you grow and thrive:

➥ Dive into our blog. We've got a treasure trove of articles and insights on everything from career development to personal growth.

➥ Tune in to our podcast. Hear inspiring stories from real women who are making waves and breaking barriers.

Because at the end of the day, we're all on this journey together. And with a little feedback, a sprinkle of coaching, and a whole lot of sisterhood, we can all become the queens we were born to be. Now go forth and slay, my sisters!

"Rise together, shine brighter!"

Aïcha Dandjouma

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